New Balance, Intel Reveal RunIQ Android Wear Smartwatch

At CES 2017 this week, running shoe company New Balance revealed its first fitness-focused smartwatch, the RunIQ. Designed in partnership with Intel, the wearable is powered by Google's Android Wear software and pairs common smartwatch functionality with a number of running-centric features. Priced at $300, the RunIQ is available for pre-order now and is scheduled to begin shipping on February 1st.

On the surface the smartwatch includes a 1.39-inch AMOLED display, while on the inside it comes packed with GPS, a heart-rate monitor, gyroscope, and accelerometer, along with 512MB of RAM and 4GB of internal storage. It's waterproof up to 5ATM of pressure, and New Balance says a full charge will offer up to 24 hours of battery life with "typical use," or up to 5 hours with GPS active.

The RunIQ also features integration with Strava for run tacking, including automatic syncing with the service and a dedicated one-tap lap button for track runs. The 4GB of storage can used for syncing music from Google Play, and users can easily respond to notifications when paired with a smartphone.

New Balance isn't done getting into tech, however, as it's also partnered with headphone maker Jabra for a pair of branded PaceIQ sports earbuds. Designed to be paired with the RunIQ watch, the Bluetooth headphones include a dedicated button that offers real-time exercise feedback that comes directly from the wearable. Priced at $110, the PaceIQ will also be available starting in February.

SOURCE Intel/New Balance