Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Scosche myTrek sends workout vitals to your iPhone, starts shipping now for $130 (video)


With a variety of portable power accessories, most Scosche products are designed to keep gadgets up and running, not to get our own blood flowing. The company's new Bluetooth myTrek pulse monitor pairs with an iPhone or iPod touch to motivate you to keep going and going, however, pumping "inspiring" audio alerts through your headphones during a workout, while also tracking pulse, distance, speed, pace, and calories burned. The arm-strap uses a pair of LEDs, along with a photo sensor and accelerometer to capture vitals as it rests strapped to your forearm, providing five hours of continuous feedback before needing its own boost using the included USB cable. You'll need to have your iOS device within 33 feet of the device to record your workout, so the myTrek may be better suited for trips to the gym than, say, a run through the park in the rain. It's also rather pricey, at $130, but if you're already dropping a grand or two for your gym membership each year, a gadget that lets you elegantly track your progress may be within reach.

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Scosche Announces Availability of the myTREK Pulse Monitor and App for iPhone and iPod touch

Comfortable myTREK eliminates need for bulky chest strap

Oxnard, CA – August 9, 2011 – Scosche Industries, award-winning innovator of consumer technology, is excited to announcethe availability of the highly anticipated Scosche myTREK pulse monitor and app for iPhone and iPod touch. The Scosche myTREK, an International CES Innovations 2011 Design and Engineering Awards Honoree, allows users track their pulse, calories burned, distance, speed, pace, store past workouts and much more.

"At 24 Hour Fitness, we know that fitness tools can be very useful in helping people achieve their goals; whether it's to lose weight, run a faster marathon or to get healthier," said Bill Quinn, senior vice president of merchandising, 24 Hour Fitness. "We are excited to be a Scosche launch partner for the new myTREK pulse monitor and offer our members another option to support them with their fitness journey."

"Scosche has long been the most popular consumer electronics brand sold in 24 Hour Fitness gyms and on their website," said Kas Alves, Executive Vice President of Scosche Industries. "We were thrilled when they agreed to carry the myTREK pulse monitor in 286 24 Hour Fitness locations across the country."

After pairing the Scosche myTREK with an iPhone or iPod touch users are prompted to download the free accompanying app. Once the app is downloaded the myTREK is ready to go and users can begin tracking their pulse.

The myTREK utilizes two LEDs combined with a photo sensor to detect minute changes in the user's blood pressure to accurately measure pulse. A built-in accelerometer allows the myTREK to adjust for movement during exercise from the user's heartbeat allowing for an extremely accurate measurement of pulse and calories burned.

Users can personalize their workouts by selecting their type of activity, target training zone and type of workout. A male or female voice prompt updates the user's progress in real time letting them know how close they are to accomplishing their goals or if they have moved outside their desired target heart rate zone.

Work out data is then stored on the device and can be viewed in the app's calendar to see what days the user worked out and what was accomplished during each individual workout.

The myTREK's comfortable arm-strap design fits over the muscular portion of the user's forearm and provides convenient track and volume control. A lithium ion battery provides 5 hours of continuous workout time before the myTREK needs to be charged with the included USB cable. The myTREK ships with small, medium and large sized armbands to ensure the perfect fit.

The Scosche myTREK is available now at Apple retails stores, 24hourfitness.com, 24-Hour Fitness gyms and Scosche.com for $129.99 and is coming to Target, Apple.com and Verizon Wireless stores soon.