Since processors and other components have been getting smaller while being able to do more complex tasks, tech companies started creating a wide variety or accessories in various form factors. Wearable devices, as they have become known, could accessorize an outfit by changing colors and a mobile app would be used to control them, although they are often used to measure various fitness and health-related data. While most of these devices are worn on the wrist, as they need to be in contact with the skin for such purposes, Hexoskin has developed smart clothing to measure data for sports training or health tracking.
The company unveiled their new Hexoskin Smart shirt at CES 2016, and it is now available for pre-order at an Indiegogo campaign. The smart shirt can measure heart-rate, breathing and movement while users are engaging in any kind of activity and also while they’re sleeping. Through the companion app and a Bluetooth connection, the shirt will provide users with insights on the intensity of their exercises and help them find a good way to recover. Even if a smartphone is not in range, the Hexoskin Smart will store that data until it finds a compatible device or an Internet connection. It will also provide information about the calories they burn, fatigue level and sleep quality. This data will be stored securely in the cloud so users can keep track of their fitness evolution. They could also download the data and even share it with other people such as trainers or healthcare professionals.
One of the advantages of the shirt is that it doesn’t require additional equipment that might get uncomfortable or cumbersome in different situations to make these measurements. Plus, the Italian fabric is comfortable, durable, odor-resistant and safe to use in many sports, even those that require contact. This shirt is the first one to be compatible with fitness tracking apps like Strava, Runkeeper, Runtastic, Endomondo, and MapMyRun, so users can have a better understanding of their health, athletic performance and recovery from an app that they are used to. The Hexoskin Smart is compatible with Android and iOS devices, as well as GPS sports watches and bike computers, and its battery can last up to 30 hours. If users choose to support this project, they can get a full kit starting at $299.