A new Android Wear device by New Balance, the RunIQ, is now available for purchase. New Balance's RunIQ, an Android smartwatch designed by runners, was first unveiled at the 2016 Consumer Electronic Show (CES).
The smartwatch is specifically made for fitness and was designed in collaboration with Intel, Google Android Wear, and Strava. The RunIQ features a classic sporty round display with an interchangeable 22mm wrist band.
The RunIQ comes with built-in GPS as well as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, which enables the user to track and upload workouts directly to Strava. The RunIQ features Strava application to connect users with a community of runners worldwide. Music can be stored, synced, and played from this Android Wear smartwatch via Google Play playlists through Bluetooth-enabled headphones especially the PaceIQ Bluetooth sport headphones by Jabra. Users can also reply to messages on the go when connected to an Android smartphone via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. The RunIQ also has a built-in heart rate monitor to track the user's heart rate in real-time and stay within the target zone. The Android Wear smartwatch features water resistance up to 5 ATM which can also be used while swimming short distances. The RunIQ's battery lasts up to 24 hours with typical use or up to 5 hours with GPS and HR monitoring.
The RunIQ is a standalone smartwatch which can be used to track workouts without a smartphone. It is priced at $299.99 and comes in black color. It is currently sold out on Amazon but can be purchased directly from New Balance's website. A charger with USB cable and an interchangeable 22mm band is included upon purchase. Other band colors and styles will be available in the future and sold separately.
New Balance's RunIQ was awarded by Runner's World as Editor's Pick at this year's CES 2017 and also earned the CES 2017 Wearable Tech Award, which was presented by Stuff.