Double heart: Apple Watch and AirPods Pro can check your pulse simultaneously
Depending on the sport, Apple's AirPods Pro 3 or the Watch may be more suitable for heart rate monitoring. The outputs are apparently combined intelligently.
Sports enthusiasts with AirPods Pro 3: For the first time, the earbuds are officially approved for sweaty activities.
(Image: Apple)
With the release of the new AirPods Pro 3, Apple users' heart rate can be monitored twice if necessary: This is the result of initial tests of the new earbuds, which will also be officially suitable for sports use in the future. It was already known that Apple will integrate the AirPods Pro 3 with their newly integrated heart rate sensor directly into the fitness app. This means they can also be used to fill the exercise ring – The calories burned are calculated from the heart rate. Apple uses an extremely small plethysmography sensor that pulses up to 256 times a second using infrared light. The data also ends up in the Health app, where its origin can be read out.
Algorithm searches for best data source
According to a report by 9to5Mac, Apple tries to use the most accurate value when wearing AirPods Pro 3 and the Apple Watch at the same time. When training, Apple's algorithm monitors both data sources to determine which device provides the most consistent information. The algorithm also takes into account the type of training in progress.
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"So if it's a workout with a lot of wrist movement, Apple Fitness prioritizes the data from the AirPods Pro 3. For example, if you're lifting weights and your Apple Watch is at an awkward angle, the AirPods Pro 3 will jump in to provide more accurate data." There are also special cases in which the Apple Watch has difficulty monitoring the pulse, for example if there are tattoos on the wrist.
Improvements also for the Beats' sister model
With the AirPods Pro 3 alone, around 50 different workout types should be usable. It is still unclear whether Apple will also record movements in addition to the pulse – The earbuds actually have the corresponding sensors. In addition to the AirPods Pro 3, Apple has also announced that it will be improving the company's first earbuds equipped with heart rate measurement – the Powerbeats Pro 2. Several new functions will be released via a software update.
Like the AirPods Pro 3, the Beats earbuds can now be integrated directly into Apple's fitness app. Here, too, a good 50 different workout types can be used, and you can apparently also close the movement ring. You can also use just one earbud for tracking if you wish. However, the sensor is less accurate than that of the AirPods Pro 3 – it pulses 100 times per second.
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