SOURCE: http://www.marketnews.ca/LatestNewsHeadlines/CES2012:NewFitnessGadgetsCombineActivityTracking,CloudServicesandSocialMedia.html

We are seeing a number of companies offer fitness gadgets that exploit various technologies, such as digital pedometers and accelerometers, Web-based cloud services and even social media, to get people active, focused and fit.

In what seems to be an emerging trend, devices like the Fitbit Ultra (which I recently reviewed), Striiv Personal Trainer and Motorola MOTOACTV GPS and fitness tracker are helping to create a new product category.

Motorola’s MOTOACTV creates a fitness-focused experience that is also entertaining. A watch-sized GPS, fitness tracker and music player in one, the MOTOACTV tracks distance, speed, pace and heart rate, so runners can monitor workouts with precision.

Data is analyzed at MOTOACTV.com and on some Motorola Android-powered smartphones with a free mobile app. Other innovations include a ‘Fit Song’ (a track that users choose to motivate them further) to intensify workout.

Throughout the workout, an audio coach helps keep users updated on progress; think of it as a more driven Siri. MOTOACTV costs $250 for the 8GB device and $300 for the 16GB version. Watch straps are sold separately.

The Striiv (shown at right) is a tiny keychain-like device with a colour touchscreen that counts steps and activity. Striiv ties into a cloud service that generates graphs and reports of fitness goals and progress. It even has a social awareness angle. Striiv walkathons are tied in with corporate sponsors. As more users use the device towards a goal, donations are made on their behalf for providing clean water to families in South America, polio vaccines, and saving the rainforest.

Currently sold through Amazon for US$100, Striiv expects to come to other retail outlets in 2012.