Polar WearLink+ gives heart rate tracking to Nike+ runners
updated 11:25 am EDT, Mon June 7, 2010
Polar intros WearLink+ for heart rate with Nike+
Training heart rate monitor maker Polar has introduced one of the few Nike+ transmitters outside of Nike in the WearLink+. The band is compatible with the Nike+ SportBand and Nike+iPod Sport Kit but does more than track pace. It straps around a user's chest and brings heart rate monitoring for the first time to the two existing Nike+ offerings.
Using the SportBand, users can see their heart's beats per minute or hear spoken BPM when paired with a Nike+iPod kit. The heart rate data is saved and can be transferred to the nikeplus.com site for a later look. The WearLink+ works with Polar training computers that use 5kHz wireless transmission and can be paired at the same time as the Nike+ products. At the gym, the WearLink+ can be paired with most modern equipment.
The WearLink+ strap conforms to a user's body, allowing freedom of movement. It has a user-replaceable battery. Polar ships it in June, with Canada and Europe receiving the device early in July. Pricing is yet to be announced.
