MotoActv: 8GB, $249.99; 16GB, $299.99
You can wear MotoActv on your wrist and -- in your choice of color scheme and watch face -- it'll tell you the time. You can jam to imported iTunes playlists. And more than just counting your steps taken and calories burned, it can actually help you workout more effectively. In fact, beyond the 1 3/4-inch squared music-enabled fitness tracking device itself, MotoActv is a whole training ecosystem.
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You start by filling in a few profile details via the intuitive touch screen, selecting your workout and snapping MotoActv into the included clip-on accessory. It shows your stats indoors while walking or on an elliptical or step machine. (For more precise readings, you can calibrate it to your stride.) And outdoors with the built-in GPS, it will accurately measure your progress while walking, running or cycling. (For which you can get the optional wrist strap, arm band or bicycle accessories.)
Where it makes the leap from tracker to trainer is in the coaching. Based on your programmed profile and goals, it will literally tell you when you're reaching (or leaving) your target pace, heart rate or PowerZone. Through the included lightweight, durable earphones, you can opt to hear 'coaching' voice cues.
To further motivate, it will create a special 'performance' playlist for you based on the songs to which you burn the most calories. You can also race against your saved personal bests. And the online MotoActv training portal gives graphs of your synched sessions, lets you enter public competitions and provides over 400 workout plans.
This tiny wonder seems to have more personalizable prerferences than some phones out there. Speaking of which, Bluetooth 4.0 can connect you to incoming calls on your Android phone -- on-screen texts as well, if it's a Motorola. It also has a built-in FM receiver. Before the end of the year, a ladies' version of the wrist strap should be available. And they haven't specified when, but Motorola plans to release both wired and wireless sports headphone accessories with built-in heart rate monitors.
Credit: Motorola Mobility
Tags: Gadgets, Health, Music, Online Community and Social Networking, Sports
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