Sony Smart B-Trainer

Sony Smart B-Trainer

Sony Australia has announces its new Smart B-Trainer (SSE-BTR1), an all-in-one training device and application to motivate your exercise regime with its range of features, such as intelligent music playback based on heart rate[1] monitoring, various training plans, and real time voice coaching[2].

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 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, calories burned, 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[3].

Smart B-Trainer for Running[4] is an app that enables you to manage running logs on your smartphone by looking back at graphs of past track records to give you a clearer picture of your training progress. After you finish a workout, you can transfer the running log to the app to view the results and easily look back on your track record through graphs and comparisons with past accumulated records, best records, and trends. With more detailed awareness of training progress, settings goals for a sense of accomplishment leads to more effective, sustainable training. 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 -Fat burning training' or -to Endurance training'.

The Premium Training Plan offers a selection of training plans for a variety of levels, from walking to full marathon. Designed by professional coaches and other experts[5], the content is arranged in such a way that you can experience professional coaching, all from just voice instructions from the device. 

Premium Training Plan in collaboration with MY ASICS[6]

The Smart B-Trainer can work in coordination with the MY ASICS Training Plan developed by ASICS. 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 periods, including Speed Training Period and Full Run Period. 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 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[7] stores up to approximately 3,900 songs[8], so you won't have to worry about running out of music to listen to while exercising. The Smart B-Trainer has waterproof performance equivalent to IPX5/IPX8[9], 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.

Pricing and availability

The Smart B-Trainer will be available in Australia for SRP $349 from June 2015 onwards. For more information on the Smart B-Trainer, please visit Sony.com.au for product information.