New Balance is getting into the smartwatch game with a little help from Intel.
The shoemaker today announced RunIQ, a new $299 smartwatch that is engineered and powered by Intel technology, including its Atom processor.
The device, available for pre-order on Thursday and sold at retailers starting Feb. 1, runs on Android Wear. It integrates with apps like STRAVA and Google Play Music. Runners can use the smartwatch to map workouts with a built-in GPS; track heart rate and pace; and get smartphone notifications. There is 24 hours of battery life with “typical use” or up to five hours of continuous life with GPS and heart rate monitoring.
The smartwatch also features a 1.39-inch AMOLED screen; 512 MB of DRAM; and 4 GB of memory.
All in all, it doesn’t feature anything spectacularly different than other smartwatches available on the market today.
New Balance also today announced its own Bluetooth headphones made by Jabra called PaceIQ.
Intel and New Balance first began working together last year, when Intel CEO Brian Krzanich talked about the smartwatch partnership during his company’s CES keynote. Intel is making a big push into sports, using its technology for motion-tracking devices, instant replay innovation, virtual reality, and more. The company is also investing in wearables, though it reportedly laid off a major chunk of its wearable group late last year.
We’re settling into Intel’s CES press conference in Las Vegas — stay tuned for more announcements.
