Wearables

New fitness tracker will coach users to Moov better

View 11 Images
Moov is a new fitness tracker that also provides real-time coaching during workouts
Moov is a new fitness tracker that also provides real-time coaching during workouts
The device contains an accelerometer, gyroscope and magnetometer
When the device is paired with the Moov app, users can receive workout guidance
The app will let users know when they are performing well
Advice on running style will be provided when improvements can be made
Users can tell the Moov app what they are looking to achieve
Coaching tips include advising users to land more softly when jogging
Moov will recognise when coaching guidance has been followed
Moov provides stats on how the user has been performing overall
Moov can be worn on the arm, wrist or ankle
View gallery - 11 images

The increasingly crowded fitness tracker market has another new entrant. This one, however, appears to offer not only impressive functionality, but a unique approach, too. As well as tracking fitness, Moov uses artificial intelligence to study the user and provide real-time coaching during their workouts.

Reportedly based on biomechanics and sport science research from Harvard and Stanford, Moov will give users real-time audio and visual instruction on how their workout can be improved. The aim is to improve the effectiveness of users' workouts, whilst reducing the likelihood of injury caused by poor technique.

"We felt that other fitness trackers on the market are a great start in terms of making people more aware of their activity, but they don't give you any idea of how to improve," Meng Li, co-founder of Moov tells Gizmag. "As athletes who have been injured before due to improper form, we felt that bringing a 'virtual coach' to everyone would be a huge step forward for the wearable fitness industry."

Li tells Gizmag that the Moov team formed last year, its members having previously worked together on sensor technology some eight years ago. Having realized that the technology had become smaller and more advanced, the team set about working out how it could be utilized to help with fitness – and so, after "many, many prototypes," Moov was born.

Moov can be worn on the arm, wrist or ankle

The device itself can be worn on the arm, wrist or, like the recently-announced Flyfit, the ankle. It contains an accelerometer, gyroscope and magnetometer. A series of algorithms are overlayed on top of the hardware that, in the words of Li, enable the device to "see" the wearer without the need of a camera. Although designed for use with a smartphone to provide coaching guidance, Moov can also be used on its own and synced with the user's device after a workout. It will last for 8 to 10 days on one full 30-minute charge when in tracking mode, or 8 to 10 hours in coaching mode..

At launch, the device will provide specific support for running, swimming, cycling, strength training and cardio boxing, with support for other activities including yoga and martial arts to be added post-launch. When used for different activities, the tracker will look for different movement features and will provide guidance accordingly.

For jogging, Moov will track factors such as stride rate and landing impact, with users advised on how to change their running style for greater efficiency. For weight training, the device tracks the user's body shape and advises on how it can be improved for more efficient lifting. And after being worn for a swimming workout, Moov can advise users to lengthen their freestyle stroke or to kick faster. As with other fitness trackers, users can share their workout performances online and compare them with others.

Moov will be available mid-2014 and will retail for US$120. For the next month, however, the device is available for $59 or $99 for two.

The video below provides an introduction to Moov.

Source: Moov

View gallery - 11 images
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Flipboard
  • LinkedIn
1 comment
Victor Hanzo
Nice article Stu Robarts.
For fitness wearables, Moov is the best wearable I’ve used for exercising compared to other wearables. It motivates you with a coach unlike the other wearables. It doesn't currently have weight lifting, but it was body weight exercise app that could also include weights on your own.
Here’s the homepage since I didn’t see it above http://moov.cc/getmoov/19D4F94BEC