"Transforming ANC Earbuds: Google's Innovative Heart Rate Monitor Solution"
Google's research team has developed a technology called APG that can convert existing off-the-shelf ANC earbuds into heart rate monitors through a software upgrade. The technology uses audioplethysmography (APG) to measure heart rate by bouncing a low-density ultrasound signal off the inside of the ear canal. It works even while music is playing and does not impact the earbuds' battery life. Google conducted a field study with 153 participants and found that the APG approach maintains a high level of accuracy. Future research will focus on testing the technology in more rigorous physical activities.
