Garmin provides FDA-cleared EKGs to its Venu 2 Plus smartwatch

Whereas smartwatch makers like Apple and Samsung are delving into rugged health, Garmin is shoring up its superior well being options. Right this moment, the corporate introduced that it’s including FDA-cleared EKGs to its Venu 2 Plus smartwatch.

The EKG app will permit Venu 2 Plus homeowners to document a 30-second electrocardiogram to display for irregular coronary heart rhythms, which can be an indicator of atrial fibrillation. The outcomes will likely be obtainable instantly on the watch or may be seen later within the Garmin Join app. Venu 2 Plus homeowners may also have the ability to create historic EKG stories that may be shared with their physician. To get the EKG function, you’ll want to ensure the Venu 2 Plus and Garmin Join app are up to date to variations 10.06 and 4.56, respectively.

For now, the EKG app will likely be obtainable to US clients solely. That mentioned, sooner or later, Garmin says it’s planning to develop the function to different gadgets in addition to different areas, pending native regulatory approvals.

The function itself isn’t that revolutionary. It’s much like what we’ve already seen from Apple, Samsung, and Fitbit. Apple first added EKGs with the Series 4 in 2018, whereas Samsung and Fitbit adopted go well with in 2020. Most not too long ago, Google additionally added FDA-cleared EKGs to the Pixel Watch through its Fitbit integration. Nonetheless, these firms are recognized for creating way of life smartwatches and health trackers with a higher give attention to well being. Garmin’s declare to fame has at all times been its rugged endurance sports activities watches with in-depth coaching options.

You may learn this as Garmin pushing again in opposition to Apple and Samsung, which each launched rugged health watches final 12 months with the Apple Watch Ultra and Galaxy Watch 5 Pro. With that in thoughts, it makes plenty of sense that Garmin is selecting to launch its EKG app on the Venu 2 Plus. The smartwatch was introduced at CES 2022 and is the closest factor the corporate has to a full-featured smartwatch. Primarily, it’s the one Garmin with a microphone and speaker, enabling it to make and take calls from the wrist in addition to entry your telephone’s digital assistant.

Including EKG right here makes it a extra worthy different for way of life customers who could also be on the lookout for a Fitbit different or an OLED smartwatch with true multiday battery life.