‘My Apple Watch kept locking’: Man gets tattoo removed so Apple Watch can work properly. Can a tattoo really block an Apple Watch?
What is photoplethysmography (PPG) technology?
Photoplethysmography (PPG) technology is a non-invasive optical technique used to detect volumetric changes in blood in peripheral circulation. It is commonly used in wearable devices like smartwatches and fitness trackers to monitor heart rate and other health metrics by shining light into the skin and measuring the amount of light reflected back.
How do tattoos interfere with Apple Watch sensors?
Tattoos can interfere with Apple Watch sensors due to the use of photoplethysmography (PPG) sensors, which work by shining light into the skin and measuring biometric data based on the light reflected back2. Darker tattoo ink can absorb more light, causing less light to be reflected back to the sensor, which may result in inaccurate or unreliable readings.
What does the term "inherently flawed" refer to in the context of PPG sensors?
The term "inherently flawed" in the context of PPG sensors refers to the limitations of the optical sensing technology used to detect volumetric changes in blood in peripheral circulation6. These sensors work by shining light into the skin and measuring the reflected light to determine biometric data. However, the accuracy of these sensors can be affected by factors such as skin color and tattoos, which alter the absorption and reflection of light, leading to potential inaccuracies in readings.