Healthcare Technology Featured Article

January 08, 2013

Monitor Fitness with Audio Headset iriver ON


As the number of connect devices continues to increase, one particular industry seeing a surge in popularity of these devices is healthcare. In particular, health and fitness monitoring products have gained the attention of consumers and companies alike. From the Nike Fuelband and Jawbone UP to BodyMedia and Fitbug, wearable fitness tracking devices are becoming a common workout partner.

At CES this week, Valencell and iriver introduced iriver ON, the first Bluetooth audio headset powered by Valencell’s PerformTek Precision Biometrics, technology that continuously measures real-time biometric and physiological data. It captures accurate, meaningful, actionable and personalized health and fitness data such as metabolic rate and cardiovascular fitness, and is the only earbud-based continuous heart rate monitoring technology proven accurate during virtually any exercise in virtually any physical environment or condition.

The headset will be available for sale by March 2013 with a price to be established next month. iriver will launch its own complementary smartphone fitness application along with ON.

Image via Engadget

"We're excited to partner with Valencell to launch such a compelling product into the mobile fitness marketplace," said Henry Park, iriver's CEO, in a statement. "There's been great demand, so we're thrilled to be the first to market."

According to Valencell, because of the unique physiology of the ear, users can get more accurate health and fitness metrics with earbuds than with other devices, especially when moving around or engaging in physical activity. Users can view these metrics live through applications on their smartphone or other mobile devices. 


Image via Valencell

"We have been targeting licensees that fill key segments and distribution within the industry. Working with iriver is a tremendous opportunity for Valencell to associate with such a respected global brand," said Valencell CEO and co-founder, Dr. Steven LeBoeuf. "The mobile apps and product offerings that PerformTek Biometrics enables are virtually endless, and we are looking forward to seeing several PerformTek-powered fitness monitoring products and applications in the marketplace in 2013."

Other wearable fitness tracking devices unveiled at CES this year include Fitbit Flex, a waterproof wristband that counts calories burned, distance walked and steps taken and records food intake and sleep quality, Withings Smart Activity Tracker, a small, clip-on health monitor that measure sleep quality, food intake, movement and pulse rate, and the BodyMedia Core 2, the second iteration of BodyMedia’s health and fitness tracking band that captures 5,000 data points per minute, measuring calories burned, exercise intensity and sleep patterns.

Stay updated on many other announcements and innovations at CES 2013 all week.




Edited by Amanda Ciccatelli
Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. [Free eNews Subscription]




SHARE THIS ARTICLE



FREE eNewsletter

Click here to receive your targeted Healthcare Technology Community eNewsletter.
[Subscribe Now]