Sony has just launched a new Walkman headset which is a first for the brand to be both fitness tracker and audio companion combined. Named the Smart B-Trainer, the gadget is the latest member of Sony’s wearable weatherproof Walkman players that wholly encompass wireless freedom. If you love running, this could be the gadget that can get you going without the need of carrying a smart phone.
As far as looks are concerned the device looks about the same as its predecessor the Sony NWZ- WS615 albeit being a wee bit larger and is available in more colour options in Black, Pink, Blue, White, and Yellow. What makes it different is that it has fitness related sensors under the hood so you can eschew fitness bands altogether.
The Smart B-Trainer has a waterproof rating of IPX5/IPX8 to keep out dust and water while you hit the trail or even go for a swim if the mood strikes you. The device will also have a gyroscope, GPS, Accelerometer, Electronic Compass as well as a Heart Rate Sensor that will collect data and feed it to the Smart B-Trainer for Running app so you can keep track of your workout. The Smart B-Trainer also has a nifty feature that talks to you during your workout to tell you your speed, distance and other information so you always know what you’re doing.
To top it off, the device actually can pick and play songs for you based on your heart rate (and what you have in your playlist) using Sony’s 12 Tone Music Analysis tech to guide your running pace for keeping your heart rate in your optimum BPM. With the on-board 16GB of storage, the B-Trainer could store up to 3,900 songs. When paired to your smart phone, it also doubles up as a Bluetooth headset. On a full charge, it can last up to 14 hours for pure music playback with GPS disabled or 5 hours in Training Menu with GPS on. It takes 1.5 hour to recharge via USB.
The gadget will be retailing at RM 999 starting from 15th June. If you’re interested, you can pre-order yours from Sony with deliveries starting on 17th June. Sony is also throwing a welcome kit consisting of a T-shirt, towel, wristband and headband worth RM99. For more info, you can head over to Sony Malaysia’s product page.
