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Health and wellness technology specialist Runtastic unveiled its first hardware product, the Orbit, a 24-hour tracking device that allows users to track their daily movements, fitness activities and sleep cycles.
The device, which is also waterproof up to 300 feet, includes other features like an OLED display, time and alarm functions and connectivity. Six additional colored wristbands are also available for purchase.
The Orbit comes with a black clip and two wristbands (in black and blue), allowing users to make use of Orbit on their wrist, attached to their waistband or attached to a more discreet location like an undershirt or bra.
“For us it was super-important that it is easy to use. With this one button to press I think we made it to develop a device that everybody can understand quickly,” Johannes Knoll, vice president of marketing at Runtastic, told eWeek.”Also with our one size fits it all system, we made sure that really everybody can wear the Runtastic Orbit on his or her wrist.”
Orbit’s tracking capabilities and data output are complimented by the compatible Runtastic Me app and greater Runtastic ecosystem.
Data generated by the Orbit syncs wirelessly with the app, allowing users to view data on the Orbit display, within the Me app and on the company’s website.
The updated design of the new app also provides users with detailed statistics, including steps, distance, active minutes and calories burned.
U.S. customers can purchase Runtastic hardware from the company’s online shop for $160, and Knoll said the Orbit and other hardware would also be available in retail stores soon, with information on exact stores forthcoming.
“We did a lot of testing with different kind of people. Different ages, gender, different backgrounds and from a tech nerd to a non-technical interested person at all,” Knoll explained. “From these tests we saw that it actually works and people understand how the Orbit works really fast. But back to your question: It is very important that the device is easy to use if you want to attract a lot of people.”
The company has already developed 15 various sports and fitness tracking apps which data will be automatically synced into the Me App and the Orbit.
“At Runtastic our goal is to provide the user with recommendations and help how they can get fitter and healthier in their daily life,” Knoll said. “We don’t just want the users to buy because we convinced them. We would like to show the people that it really can make a difference when you take the stairs compared to taking the elevator or that certain routines can be optimized with some really easy things, if you just know how you can do so.”