Li Ning's smart running shoes will track the user’s activity via an embedded chip.
Smartphone maker Xiaomi and Chinese sports brand Li Ning have teamed up to produce a new generation of "smart" running shoes. The smart shoes are expected to be launched later this year.
The "smart" running shoe will be equipped with chips placed in the soles which will send your personal workout and running information to a mobile app. The app will monitor your activity, analyze the data and congratulate you when you hit milestones. It has partnered with Huami Technology, the company behind the Xiaomi Mi band to make the technology behind the shoes. Li-Ning adds that it plans on offering the smart shoes at an affordable price.
Li-Ning which posted its third consecutive full-year loss in January, expects to revive its fortune with the smart running shoes. The company has also signed a multi-million dollar sponsorship deal with NBA basketball superstar Dwayne Wade and plans to target the younger generation with the product.
The smart shoe already has competition from Adidas' miCoach Speed Cell that attaches to your shoe laces, or is placed in the soles of your shoes to track your speed, distance, steps and more. The cell then uploads the data to the miCoach MultiSport app.Xiaomi and Li-Ning plan to make the entire shoe with the technology, however the product is just meant for China.
Li Ning said in a statement, "We have chosen to collaborate with the Mi band because of Huami Technology's strength in "smart" wearable products. We hope to use this opportunity to provide professional "smart" running shoes to running enthusiasts in China at an affordable price."
Xiaomi is also being rumoured to be working on a smartwatch that will be competing with the Apple Watch. According to rumours, the watch is likely to feature a large dial and sport a brushed metal design. The dial is expected to be round and overall have a slim design.
Source: Reuters
Follow Us
Silky Malhotra
Silky Malhotra loves learning about new technology, gadgets, and more. When she isn’t writing, she is usually found reading, watching Netflix, gardening, travelling, or trying out new cuisines. View Full Profile
