Motorola fitness device would merge music, runs

Motorola may have new media player that would simultaneously take on both the iPod nano and exercise trackers like Garmin's Forerunner or the Nike+ SportWatch. A spotting Wednesday from a survey shows a device very similar to Apple's with a ready-made wristband. As described to Engadget, it would have GPS to track runs but also have a "smart music player" that, like a cross between Apple's Power Songs and Genius, would tailor the music to similar-sounding content ideal for a workout.

The peripheral would sync to computers to upload its data and do the same for Android devices. What little has been seen of the interface raises the possibility of ANT+ accessory support with heart rate tracking along with the usual pace and estimated calories. Owners can tailor the data based on the kind of activity underway.

Motorola hasn't given any clues as to how soon the hardware would ship or if it would ship at all. Names have been floated and could see the hardware christened the MotoActive as one possibility.

By Electronista Staff