New Balance unveils RunIQ smartwatch, PaceIQ Bluetooth headphones

New Balance RunIQ

New Balance is delivering on its promise to launch an Android Wear smartwatch — it is called RunIQ, and it is made in collaboration with Intel, Google and Strava. Also, the company has also unveiled PaceIQ, Bluetooth wireless sport headphones, with sound by Jabra.

Specifically designed for runners, RunIQ features a built-in GPS, heart rate monitor, lap button, interval capability, and marathon distance battery life to help you get the most out of your run.

“New Balance has a 110-year heritage of product development and innovation in the running category, and RunIQ represents our commitment to helping athletes achieve unparalleled fitness experiences,” Rob DeMartini, President and CEO of New Balance, said in a statement. “A smartwatch for runners made by runners, RunIQ combines our expertise in running with the best engineering advances through breakthrough collaborations with some of the biggest players in the technological industry.”

Thanks to the collaboration with Strava, RunIQ enables runners to upload and share workouts with their global community of athletes. A built-in GPS allows for course tracking, pace and distance measurement while the heart rate feature monitors in real time. With up to 24 hours of battery life with typical use or up to 5 hours of continuous life with GPS and heart rate monitoring, runners can track their marathon event. Runners can sync, store and listen to Google Play Music from an Android phone and stay connected to smartphone notifications for on-the-go replies when connected to WiFi or Bluetooth. RunIQ is also waterproof up to 5 ATM.

As for the PaceIQ wireless sports headphones, they can work alongside RunIQ to allow the user to run free of wires with a dedicated Sports Button providing real-time audio in-ear RunIQ performance updates. The PaceIQ also enables easy remote control access for both music and calls.

Available now for pre-order at newbalance.com, RunIQ will launch at retail with an MSRP of $299.99 on February 1st; initially, it will be available in black and gray face.

PaceIQ on its end will also hit retail on February 1st with an MSRP of $109.99 and include 3 sets of EarGels, 1 FitClip and a USB cable.

RunIQ was developed through New Balance Digital Sport, a division formed in 2015 to connect consumers with technologies to improve their athletic performance.