Amazon today is starting to roll out a new update for Echo Buds that will allow users to have Alexa track their workouts. While those who are serious about fitness may want to stick to dedicated fitness trackers, it seems that the functionality rolling out to Echo Buds today covers the essentials, giving users basic statistics about their workout via voice commands.
Garmin has announced a new Connect feature for pregnancy tracking, allowing expectant mothers to keep tabs on their heart rate, blood sugar levels, and even baby movements. The feature is available with certain compatible Garmin smartwatches, and likewise includes the ability to 'pause' training status to avoid a drop caused by the normal changes involved with pregnancy.
A new study out of Canada has found that healthy people who exercised while wearing a three-layer face mask didn't experience issues with blood or muscle oxygen levels. The study, which was recently published in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, addresses some of the controversy and claims related to wearing face masks.
Endomondo, the popular fitness tracking service, will be shut down by the end of the year, it's been confirmed, as owner Under Armour prepares to scythe off some of its health tech operations. News of the shut-down came as UA announced it was selling off the MyFitnessPal platform in a deal worth $345 million.
Peloton has recalled the pedals from 27,000 of its connected fitness bikes, after reports that the clip-in pedals could break and cause injuries to riders. According to the company, 120 consumer reports of flaws with the pedal system have been recorded, some of which resulted in injuries demanding medical treatment.
The Samsung Galaxy Fit2 was released today for the masses to track their fitness in two tones. There's a black version, and there's a scarlet version. This device is an exceedingly simple activity / fitness tracking device the likes of which will last you up to 15 days on a single charge - and it'll tell you the time, too!
The Polar Vantage V2 was revealed with a "stunning lightweight premium design" right out the gate. This device has advance performance testing and splits its focus between training, recovery, and "life." This smartwatch works with the full suite of Polar service as well as your average everyday smartwatch features.
Fitbit may have released its latest Sense and Versa 3 wearables recently, but owners with older models like the Versa 2 and Ionic will be out of luck when it comes to the newest Fitbit OS 5.0. The updated software brings with it a new UI, updated navigation with swipe gesture support, and various usability improvements intended to make controlling the smartwatches easier to use while working out.
Amazon has denied taking on Peloton with a cut-price exercise bike under its Prime brand, scolding fitness tech-maker Echelon for implying otherwise. The Echelon EX-Prime Smart Connect Bike was priced at $499 on Amazon, and pitched as a collaboration between Echelon and the retailer to bring connected fitness features to a much lower price point.
On the heels of the announcements of new smartwatches like the Apple Watch Series 6 and the Garmin Forerunner 745, Amazfit has its own wearable reveal to make. Today the company announced the Amazfit Band 5, a new smart band that has a number of fitness tracking features. It's no Apple Watch, but that's true of both its feature set and its price.
Amid its various virtual reality announcements today, Facebook revealed that Oculus users will soon get access to fitness-tracking features, capitalizing on the growing trend of exercising with a VR headset strapped to your face. With these features, users will be presented with a simple record of their activity, including the information they want the most like calories burned and minutes (or hours) spent active.
Garmin today announced the Forerunner 745 GPS smartwatch, the successor to the Forerunner 735XT. These days Garmin makes smartwatches and fitness trackers for a lot of different segments, but like the 735XT, the Forerunner 745 seems aimed squarely at athletes who need a higher degree of fitness tracking. Specifically, the 745 has workout tracking features for running, biking, and swimming.