AmpStrip, the new fitness device from wellness equipment supplier FitLinxx, was one of the wearable technology stars at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2015, which wrapped up last week.
The Las Vegas show, which showcased the next generation of consumer technology, drew 3,600 exhibitors and more than 170,000 industry professionals between 6-9 January.
AmpStrip was picked out by organisers for particular praise – chosen as a 2015 Best of Innovation Honoree for outstanding design and engineering. The tiny activity tracker is a thin, sensor-filled waterproof device that sticks to the user’s torso like a plaster. Designed to be worn day and night, it tracks heart rate, activity, respiration, body temperature and posture; not only during workouts but also during rest, recovery and sleep. The device wirelessly streams data in real-time, while also holding it in memory.
Expected to be commercially released in June 2015 for around US$150 (€127, £99), AmpStrip is currently the subject of an Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign. Interested athletes, fitness enthusiasts and gadget lovers are encouraged support the product’s development with a donation and be among the first to receive the new product – while select contributors will also be asked to help with testing.
“This is our first foray into direct-to-consumer products and we want to do it right,” said Dave Monahan, president and CEO of FitLinxx.
“We’re excited to share our product on Indiegogo and get feedback from athletes. We know having them as part of our AmpStrip team will make our product much better.”
Elsewhere at CES, the SmartMat turned heads as an innovative yoga mat-cum-coach. Another Indiegogo project – which raised around US$320,000 (€270,716, £211,064) when it ended last month – the mat features a dock to hold the user’s iPad. The SmartMat app subscription model provides access to yoga classes, as well as advice based on sensors inside the mate – able to detect balance and alignment in over 60 different poses and give real-time feedback. The SmartMat is currently available for pre-order, priced US$297 (€251, £196).
