When you're practising yoga in a class, there's an instructor who can guide you through each pose. When you're doing it on your own, however, you pretty much just have to hope you're getting it right. That's why Nadi X "smart" yoga pants were created – they're like an instructor that you wear.
Designed by Manhattan-based startup Wearable X (which previously brought us the GPS-equipped Navigate jacket), the hand-washable pants feature five woven-in accelerometers and motorized vibrating panels located at the hips, knees and ankles. Power is supplied by a removable battery that is attached behind the left knee, which should be good for about 90 minutes of use per USB-charge.
The system also consists of an iOS app (an Android version is in the works), which verbally and visually guides the user through a library of yoga poses.
Using Bluetooth Low Energy, the accelerometers transmit data to that app. It analyzes the combined orientations of the accelerometers to determine which pose the user is currently holding, and then responds by selectively activating the vibrating panels, letting the user know which muscles they should be concentrating on using.
The app also tracks the user's progress, suggesting poses they should try and ways in which they could improve, plus it lets them adjust the intensity of the vibrations.
First introduced last year, the Nadi X pants are now the subject of a Kickstarter campaign. A pledge of US$229 will get you a pair, along with a one-year subscription to the app – the retail value of that package is $370. If all goes according to plan, delivery is estimated for December.
Potential backers might also want to check out the SmartMat, a pressure-sensor-laden yoga mat that's designed to guide users through poses.
Sources: Wearable X, Kickstarter
I will not "subscribe" to software. It's that kind of BS that caused me to abandon Photoshop for better -- and cheaper -- things.