The options offered by mobile terminals with Android operating system are really wide. Some of them arrive directly grThanks to hardware, such as playing games in three dimensions or being able to use GPS to establish a location. But there are others that are the applications that allow you to use them on the device in question. And, an example of this is Heart Rate Monitor Plus which turns the rear camera into a biometric reader to measure heart rate.
This way, by carrying your phone with you, you can measure your heart rate at any time and in any situation. This is ideal for those who They practice a sporting activityBut it can also be used to establish routine monitoring of this parameter and track it to obtain additional health data. However, the Pulse Monitor Plus only offers this one function, and it does so with a higher than expected accuracy (Although it does not reach that offered by integrated hardware elements, such as those that are part of the game in some Samsung Galaxy).
The data collection process is not complicated, since you simply have to place your finger on the rear camera sensor and that it also occupies the flash itself, which is the one that emits the necessary light to carry out the work. The fact is that this means that, depending on your model, the posture is not exactly ergonomic ... so this handicap is something that cannot be avoided. By testing Heart Rate Monitor Plus on models of different brands and, with a little practice, we found that everything is done relatively easily.
By the way, and as usual, it is important that when starting a measurement you are lor as still as possible and with the hand supported, since otherwise the data is not at all reliable and, on occasions, it may happen that a final number of beats per minute is not achieved. This is not something that is specific to Heart Rate Monitor Plus, since all the developments for Android make the same recommendation.
Heart Rate Monitor Plus does not offer complications
When testing the developments, the percentage of successful processes sover 90% in all the devices analyzed, including some of the entry-level ones such as the Motorola Moto E. In this way, it can be said that generally the satisfaction when using this application to know the heart rate is quite good, so using it is not wrong. plus.
Once you place your finger on the camera and flash and press on the screen to start a process, in just 10/15 seconds a result is obtained and it is possible to see in a graph the intensity of the pulsations as well as a power wave (the precision of this is unknown). By the way, pressing again on the central part starts a new measurement, so it is easy to take several data collections to confirm the reliability.
Once the process is approved, a window appears in Pulsometer Plus in which you can give it a name to recognize it in subsequent revisions -for this there is a history- and, in addition, it is indicated what type of activity was being carried out, ranging from sports to being relaxed in the armchair. All this serves to have a historical database with the necessary information to be able to establish progress parameters.
A couple of final details about Heart Rate Monitor Plus are that the development is fully compatible with ATherefore, the hardware sensors that integrate smart watches with this operating system can be used. The second detail is that the information can be exported in files CSV, so it is possible to "play" with the data in developments such as Excel.
Achieve Heart Rate Monitor Plus
It is possible to download this application at no cost in stores Galaxy Apps y Play Store. In this way, there is no problem to get it regardless of the terminal you have. In addition, its compatibility is excellent, since it only occupies 4 MB space and the compatibility with the Google operating system is Android 2.3.3 or higher. Heart Rate Monitor Plus It is a free development that is worth trying and surely more than one will leave it installed on your Android phone.
Link to get Heart Rate Monitor Plus in Galaxy Apps.
How it works: photoplethysmography (PPG) from the camera
The app uses the PPG method (Photoplethysmography): The flash illuminates the finger, and the camera records tiny color changes that occur with each heartbeat. This pattern is translated into a real-time pulse graph where the peaks and valleys of blood flow are visible. On compatible devices, Pulse Monitor Plus can also use the built-in heart rate sensor from the phone or watch, when available.
This technique is ideal for control quick and informative of cardiovascular status, and adapts to both single readings and consecutive measurements to see how vary your frequency at rest, during a break, or after completing an exercise.
Tips for accurate measurement
- Keep your finger slightly supported over the lens. Excessive pressure restricts circulation and can distort the reading.
- Make sure your hand is hotWith cold fingers, less blood circulates and the probability of error.
- Avoid moving and rest your armStability improves the consistency of the result.
- If there is little ambient light, activate the flash or position yourself near a light source to facilitate PPG analysis.
- Clean the lens before using the app. A camera with fingerprints or dust introduces noise into the signal.
Following these guidelines, it is common to obtain a stable value after 5-10 secondsEven so, it is advisable to do so. two or three measurements followed and averaged.
Advanced features you may not know about
The Heart Rate Monitor Plus includes options designed for those who want more than just a quick reading. Among the most useful are: history with tags (rest, after training, relaxation), the automatic reminders to measure daily and the possibility of share a screenshot of the result when you need it.
In addition to exporting in CSVSome implementations allow generating PDF with the PPG chart, as well as perform backupto restore and transfer your data between devices. If you use health services on Android, support for HealthConnect It makes it easy to sync your heart rate with other apps, such as Google Fit, to get a more complete view of your activity.
In watches with Wear OSYou can measure directly from the smartwatch sensor and receive high or low frequency alerts during the day. This integration multiplies the convenience: you keep track without depending on your phone and the data is saved in your history.
Compatibility, integrated sensors and ergonomics
If your phone includes a native heart rate sensor (some high-end models include it), the app detects it and uses it for a more comfortable and, generally, better reading experience. consistent than the camera measurement. Otherwise, the combination camera + flash It offers reliable results as long as you follow the advice above.
Regarding ergonomics, the position of the camera and flash can make placing your finger uncomfortable on some models. Even so, with a little practice You get the hang of it. If you're using a case, check that it doesn't block the flash or the lens.
Safety, accuracy, and disclaimer
These types of apps are designed for wellness and fitnessThese are not medical devices and are not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent diseases. If you need a clinical evaluation or notes symptom If you experience any unusual symptoms, consult a healthcare professional.
Accuracy may vary depending on the model and measurement conditions. On some devices, the flash can get hot During prolonged use: place only the yolk on the spring and pause the measurement if you notice excessive heat.
Troubleshooting: What to do if the reading fails
If the app doesn't get a stable value, try these solutions: make sure that the flash is active in dark environments; do not cover the light sensor If the device adjusts the flash brightness; avoid pressing too hard; and check that your finger cover completely the lens to minimize stray light.
Another frequent cause of error is the movement during sampling. If you are training, stop for a few seconds and measure in relative restRepeat the measurement after 30-60 seconds to check for consistency.
With all of the above, Pulsómetro Plus establishes itself as a solution fast, free and practical To measure your heart rate with Android, with options for history, tagging, reminders, exporting, and support for built-in sensors and Wear OS. Used judiciously, it provides valuable data for monitor your status at rest, before and after exercise, and complement your healthy routine.
