14 DAY TRIAL // New Balance, one of the world's major sports footwear manufacturers, and Intel have teamed up for the release of a smartwatch aimed at runners, the RunIQ.
The smartwatch is now available for pre-order for $299.99 via New Balance's online store, and it will be launched worldwide at New Balance brick and mortar stores, online, and other select retailers on February 1.
The RunIQ smartwatch was completely designed by Intel to provide improved functionality for runners. The wearable syncs with STRAVA, which allows runners to connect and share workouts with a global community of athletes without a smartphone via built-in capability.
Since it runs Android Wear, the smartwatch allows users to sync, store and listen to playlists downloaded from Google Play Music. Obviously, it features built-in GIP for tracking course, pace and distance.
Just like many other smartwatches out there, RunIQ comes with a heart rate monitor, as well as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.
According to Intel, the battery should offer 24 hours of typical use or up to 5 hours of continuous life with GPS and hear rate monitoring.
Users will also be able to track run time and intervals with a dedicated one-tap LAP button. They can also reply to smartphone notifications when connected to a smartphone or Wi-Fi on the fly.
Hardware-wise, RunIQ is powered by an Intel Atom Z34XX processor, coupled with 512MB of RAM and 4GB of storage. It also features a 1.39-inch AMOLED display, as well as accelerometer, gyroscope and optical heart rate monitoring (OHRM).
“From professional athletes to everyday consumers, Intel technology is reinventing the boundaries of computing to evolve the way people get fit, stay active and improve their personal performance.
Though partnerships with industry leaders and experts, Intel is creating smart and connected products that allow partners to put design and function first to improve everyday experiences,” reads Intel's press release.
