Sony today announced the new ™, an all-in-one training device and application that literally motivates your exercise regime with its range of features, such as intelligent music playback based on heart rate monitoring, various training plans, and real time voice coaching.
Developed with the modern runner in mind, the Smart B-Trainer™ comes in a neckband-style housing, and is non-slip to provide you the freedom to run as you like. This sports companion integrates Sony’s latest audio advancements with the latest sensor and software technologies to provide a holistic exercise experience. It consists of the SSE-BTR1 headphone-integrated device that is packed with six types of sensors – heart rate, acceleration, GPS, compass, gyro and barometer – and measures as well as records 11 types of running logs – heart rate, burned calories, distance, time, speed, pace, cadence, steps, stride, running route and elevation.
Based on a preset user profile and heart rate goal, the Smart B-Trainer™ measures your heart rate and automatically selects music for efficient training. Music tempo analysis is carried out by Sony’s 12 Tone Analysis technology, which extracts a variety of metadata through signal and statistical processing to analyse music waveforms. When your heart rate is higher than your targeted speed, a song with slower tempo will be automatically selected to guide you to slow down, and vice versa when your heart rate is lower than the targeted speed. Additionally, you can also adjust the tempo of the song to match your mood at the time of running[1].
Smart B-Trainer™ for Running[2] is an app that enables you to manage running logs on your smartphone. It also provides a versatile selection of training plans, so you can choose one that fits your goals – be it to get in shape, build strength, or even to prepare for a marathon. After making your selection, send the plan to the Smart B-Trainer™ via Bluetooth® to begin training immediately.
There are two sets of training plans to choose from – Basic and Premium. The Basic Plan offers a range of options, enabling you to manually set running goals for the day (time, distance, burned calories, pace, etc.), or select from theme-based trainings, such as “efficient fat burning” or “to improve endurance”.
The Premium Training Plan offers a selection of training plans for a variety of levels, from walking to marathon running. Designed by professional coaches and other experts[3], the content is arranged in such a way that you can experience professional coaching, all from just voice instructions from the device.
In an app which will launch later this year, you will be supervised by Japanese professional running coach, Kin Tetsuhiko, who will be voice coaching you during training, warming up, and cooling down sessions. He will even share post-workout pointers, which can be checked on the app to track progress and design your next exercise regime.
Premium Training Plan in collaboration with MY ASICS[4]
Smart B-Trainer™ can work in coordination with the MY ASICS Training Plan developed by ASICS, the “True Sport Performance Brand”. Training plans created in MY ASICS can be experienced in real-time on the Smart B-Trainer™, and you can store and manage your running logs. Simply enter the necessary details in MY ASICS, such as your current level, sex, age, and training frequency to set six different phases, including Getting Faster phase and Going Further phase. You will then be able to see the training regime required to achieve your target.
After completing your workout, transfer your running log to the Smart B-Trainer™ for Running app to view the results. Easily compare your current session with past records through graphs and comparisons, assess your progress, and aim higher.
The built-in memory of 16GB[5] stores up to approximately 3,900 songs[6], so you won’t have to worry about running out of songs to listen to while exercising. The Smart B-Trainer™ has waterproof performance equivalent to IPX5/IPX8[7], so you can run without the worry of sudden rain showers. Additionally, it can be used as a Bluetooth® headset to answer calls hands-free.
Starting from 22 May to 7 June 2015, the Smart B-Trainer™ will be available for pre-ordering at all Sony Stores[8] and selected authorised dealers, at a recommended retail price of S$399. This promotion comes with a free 2XU Compression Shorts, worth S$139 that is redeemable from 11 June to 31 July 2015, at Key Power Sports, located at Velocity[9].
Available in five colours (yellow, white, blue, pink, and black), the Smart B-Trainer™ will be available at all Sony Stores, Sony Centres and selected Sony authorised dealers from 11 June 2015 onwards.
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About MY ASICS
MY ASICS is a highly effective running menu that can produce strong results even with little training. The training menu is based on sports science theory AT* and was developed to deliver more exact training results at the ASICS Institute of Sport Science based upon substantial research.
The user inputs details such as current training level, gender, age, and training frequency, while the system produces a calendar outlining goals and training details (distance, speed) for different periods, including six periods, such as “Getting Faster” phase and “Going Further” phase. By using these functions to prepare for races and events, the user can determine the best training program to help produce targeted times.
*AT refers to the gradual range between aerobic exercise and anaerobic exercise. The body starts to store lactic acid while exercising beyond AT and is less able to continue exercising.
Key features
Customisation／Race time forecast／Mapping／Training analysis／Logging／Pace reset／Mobile function.**
**Applications are free of charge, but additional charges apply for a separate package for usage with a smart phone.
[1] Supported in the Basic Training Plan where you can set time and distance.
[2] The Smart B-Trainer™ for Running app is available on Google Play and the App Store. Display and features are slightly different for Android version and iOS version. An iOS function update is planned for summer 2015. The Android version app can be used without SSE-BTR1. However, some functions are limited when not connected to the device. An update for iOS version app is planned for summer 2015 so that it can be used without the device.
[3] Music playback linked to heart rate and audio advice from professional coaches are supported in some exercise menus only.
[4] Coordination with MY ASICS is planned from spring 2015.
[5] This is the total capacity available including space for maintaining and managing measurement data, music, and audio data.
[6] When only music is transferred to the built-in memory (calculated as 1 song = 4 minutes, 128kbps).
[7] JIS waterproof protection class IPX8 (protection class against water immersion) shows that according to Sony testing conditions, a swimming earpiece was attached and submerged in 2.0 meter deep water for 30 minutes without damaging the product. JIS waterproof protection class IPX5 (protection class against a stream of water) shows that in conditions where a nozzle with an inner diameter of 6.3 mm was used to spray water from an approximate distance of 3 meters at 12.5 l/minute for more than 3 minutes, the main unit functioned normally even when sprayed directly with water from all directions. Liquids covered under waterproof protection are fresh water, tap water, sweat, and pool water. When using underwater, Bluetooth and some measurement functions (heart rate, pressure, GPS, etc.) will not function properly.
[8] Except for Sony Store at Changi Airport, Terminal 3
[9] Key Power Sports at Velocity, Novena Square 238 Thomson Road #02-48 Tel: +65 6250 6282