Striiv launched on Wednesday its new touchscreen smart pedometer that not only tracks your steps and motivates you to walk, but also allows you to compete against friends in virtual races and challenges.
The new social Striiv Smart Pedometer ($99.95) monitors your physical habits and creates personal challenges and goals based on your behavior. It also sends gentle reminders throughout the day to walk more, take the stairs and lead a healthier lifestyle.
The built-in social component adds an extra layer of entertainment by allowing you to race against friends for real-life prizes, such as household chores or a cup of coffee. Don’t know anyone else with a Striiv? Play against virtual characters named Waddles, Sir Bacon and Walkatron.
These competitions allow you to win trophies and collect points that can be redeemed in Striiv’s Sims-meets-FarmVille virtual world called Myland. Cashing in points will add in new characters to the game, as well as plants and structures.
The device is a highly entertaining way to get more exercise without a rigid gym routine. It also comes with a detachable keychain holder, so it can fit nicely in your pocket as you walk. The downside, however, is that it doesn’t pick up on movements if it’s inside a purse or bag. It has to be on your person at all times.
It’s also highly sensitive — much more so than your typical fitness app. If challenged to a competition that involves climbing stairs, you won’t be able to fake it by pretending your climbing stairs. This reinforces authenticity of your workouts and encourages you to do the actual work to get the credit.
However, the device was a bit buggy during our tests. It took a while for to properly sync up with another Striiv and froze several times while trying to set up a race. In addition, it inaccurately logged the number of steps taken during a “city block” run by not counting any movement for several-second periods.
Although you can compete against friends in real time, the challenge has to be accepted when in close proximity. However, you can start that race later on even if you aren’t in the same area.
The device is now available at Striiv.com, Amazon.com, HSN.com and BestBuy.com
What do you think of the Striiv Smart Pedometer? What smart fitness gadgets and apps do you use? Let us know in the comments.
Read more : Hands On: Smart Pedometer Striiv Takes Fitness to Social Level
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