Tech Runner

Together at last

RunKeeper and Pebble yesterday released an integrated app for iOS and Android that turns the Pebble smartwatch into a personal trainer, allowing runners to keep track of their activity and providing a detailed analysis of their performance.

The Pebble smart watch, which was made hugely popular when it raised more than $10 million on Kickstarter last year, can finally display real-time fitness information related to workouts, giving users a way to stay connected without constantly needing to check their smartphone.

Users can also control music and manage incoming messages, calls and notifications directly through the device. Developers can get their hands on a software developer’s kit (SDK) to introduce more apps to the device.

The app was initially promised a year ago as part of the expected autumn launch of the Pebble, as RunKeeper was Pebble’s first app partner, but early shipment delays kept backers from tracking workouts with their wrists until now.

The Pebble connects with the RunKeeper iPhone and Android app, and allows runners, walkers, cyclists, hikers, and skiers to be unencumbered by a smartphone during a workout. RunKeeper tracks pace, mileage, and starting and stopping points, as well as other features that are fully accessible on the Pebble.

The Pebble deal is the first of what RunKeeper said will be many integrations with hardware and fitness tracking devices.

“Pebble integrates tech into people’s daily lives in a fashionable and unobtrusive way,” Eric Migicovsky, Pebble CEO, said in a statement. “With the RunKeeper app, fitness enthusiasts can benefit from Pebble to track their workouts, get motivated and meet their goals.”

[Via IT Pro Portal, Mashable]