Google's Innovative Use of Off-the-Shelf Headphones for Heart Rate Monitoring

Google researchers have explored a new approach called audioplethysmography (APG) to measure heart rate using off-the-shelf active noise-canceling (ANC) earbuds and a software update. APG uses ultrasound signals bounced off the inside of the ear canal and detects skin surface perturbations to measure blood activity. The technique showed resilience in various conditions, including darker skin tones. While the APG signal can be noisy and affected by body motion, the researchers found ways to overcome these challenges. The study demonstrated promising results with a median error rate of 3.21 percent for heart rate and 2.70 percent for heart rate variability. Although this is only a study, it showcases Google's interest in wearables and their potential advancements in heart rate monitoring technology.