Fitness brand New Balance entered the wearable market for the first time Wednesday as its Digital Sport Division launched smartwatch RunIQ in collaboration with leading companies Intel, Google and Strava at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.
Designed for runners and engineered with Intel Inside, RunIQ will help athletes improve their performance with the assistance of a built-in GPS, heart rate monitor, lap button and other features. RunIQ, which will be available for pre-order starting this week, will retail for $299.99.
“New Balance has a 110-year heritage of product development and innovation in the running category, and RunIQ represents our commitment to helping athletes achieve unparalleled fitness experiences,” Rob DeMartini, President and CEO of New Balance, said in a statement. “A smartwatch for runners made by runners, RunIQ combines our expertise in running with the best engineering advances through breakthrough collaborations with some of the biggest players in the technological industry.”
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Added Brian Krzanich, CEO of Intel Corporation in a statement: “Intel technology is reinventing the boundaries of computing to evolve the way people get fit, stay active and improve their performance. Our collaboration with New Balance brings to market a smartwatch with enhanced design and functionality, resulting in a smart and connected device for runners that makes amazing experiences possible.”
An additional feature on top of RunIQ is New Balance’s new Global Run Club, which utilizes Strava’s platform to connect runners from around the world. The brand’s collaboration with Strava — the social network for athletes, as part of RunIQ — will give runners the ability to upload and share workouts with a global athlete and fitness community.
At CES, New Balance also announced it will debut PaceIQ, Bluetooth wireless sport headphones with sound provided by Jabra. The new headphones will pair with RunIQ and provide real-time audio in-ear performance and training updates for athletes.
“Jabra PaceIQ Wireless not only extends our range of unique sports audio solutions, but helps athletes enhance their sports experience too,” Jabra senior vice president of marketing Calum MacDougall said in a statement. “These headphones are made with best-in-class sound technology which means that you have access to premium sound quality for improved motivation.”