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

The EKG app will permit Venu 2 Plus house owners to report a 30-second electrocardiogram to display screen for irregular coronary heart rhythms, which can be an indicator of atrial fibrillation. The outcomes will likely be out there instantly on the watch or may be seen later within the Garmin Connect app. Venu 2 Plus house owners may also give you the option to create historic EKG studies that may be shared with their physician. To get the EKG function, you’ll want to ensure that the Venu 2 Plus and Garmin Connect app are up to date to variations 10.06 and 4.56, respectively.

For now, the EKG app will likely be out there to US prospects solely. That stated, 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 comparable to 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 swimsuit in 2020. Most lately, Google additionally added FDA-cleared EKGs to the Pixel Watch through its Fitbit integration. However, these firms are recognized for creating life-style smartwatches and health trackers with a higher concentrate on well being. Garmin’s declare to fame has at all times been its rugged endurance sports activities watches with in-depth coaching options.

You might 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 loads of sense that Garmin is selecting to launch its EKG app on the Venu 2 Plus. The smartwatch was launched at CES 2022 and is the closest factor the corporate has to a full-featured smartwatch. Mainly, 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 cellphone’s digital assistant.

Adding EKG right here makes it a extra worthy various for life-style customers who could also be on the lookout for a Fitbit various or an OLED smartwatch with true multiday battery life.