New Balance has announced at CES 2016 that it will be launching a smartwatch powered by Android Wear by the end of the year. The vendor has created a Digital Sport division that will target three categories: devices, embedded technology, which sees sensors integrated into its footwear and apparel, and performance sport, which will involve placing sensors in sports equipment.
As for the smartwatch, New Balance was light on the details, only stating that it will offer GPS connectivity and a way to workout while being “untethered” from your smartphone:
Specifically designed for runners by runners, the watch will track runners’ routes via GPS and also enable them to run with music, all without carrying their smartphones.
New Balance is partnering with the likes of Intel, Google, Strava and Zepp to build an ecosystem of hardware and software services. The vendor’s smartwatch will run Intel’s hardware, which will likely be the same Z34XX Atom CPU we’ve seen on the TAG Heuer Connected smartwatch. New Balance has also stated that it will leverage Strava’s technology to offer the New Balance Run Club, which will provide training programs, performance tracking, and the ability to connect with other runners on the platform.
With the Moto 360 Sport not living up to its expectations, it will be interesting to see how New Balance fares in this segment.
Source: New Balance