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Google location data led police to investigate an innocent cyclist
Those concerns about police indiscriminately collecting Google location data have some grounding in the real world. NBC News has revealed that police inadvertently made a suspect of an innocent cyclist, Gainesville, Florida resident Zachary McCoy, after using a geofence warrant (collecting all location data around the scene of a crime) to look for leads in a March 2019 burglary. McCoy had been using RunKeeper to track his biking, and had passed by the victim's house three times in the space of an hour -- enough to raise eyebrows among investigators looking for suspicious info.
Runkeeper drops its Wear OS app due to a 'buggy experience'
Add Runkeeper to the list of companies dropping their smartwatch apps -- albeit not for the usual reasons. The developer is warning customers that it's scrapping its Wear OS app as of the 9.13 release. It's "just not able" to deliver the best experience on Google's smartwatch platform, according to the notice. When a customer asked support for clarification, Runkeeper added that it was a "very buggy experience" and didn't work consistently well for most people. It's a "small team with limited resources," support added.
Runkeeper uses Apple Watch GPS to keep track of your route
Apple Watch Series 2 arrived with two notable updates: waterproofing and built-in GPS. Even though the popular jogging app has been letting users run without their iPhone since last fall, Runkeeper now tasks the wearable's own GPS for better tracking of your routes. An update to the company's Apple Watch software takes advantage of the built-in feature for "richer stats" and a detailed map you can view on your phone.
Runkeeper's Running Groups keep you motivated
If you have running buddies, you know the advantages they bring -- they'll encourage you to run when you'd otherwise slack off, or when you just have to one-up a friend. And Runkeeper knows it. The Asics-owned developer has updated its Android and iOS apps with a Running Groups feature that, unsurprisingly, promises to keep you off the couch. As many as 25 people can participate in challenges (such as distance or the most runs), and there's a group chat to either motivate your pals or trash-talk them when you emerge triumphant.
Runkeeper nixes its 'DJ' feature in favor of 'Spotify Running'
Spotify announced on Friday that it is partnering with Runkeeper and more deeply integrating its own Spotify Running feature into the popular fitness app. Spotify and Runkeeper already offer playlist integration but now, by selecting Spotify as the app's music source, users can leverage the streaming music service's pace-matching algorithms as well. The new features are currently available on iOS and are coming soon to Android.
Runkeeper is the latest app to be bought by a shoe company
If you're a sportswear company, then you need your own app-cum-social network to maintain relevant in this modern age. That's why Asics has just picked up Runkeeper in a deal that's been announced by the latter firm's CEO, Jason Jacobs. In a post over on Medium, Jones reveals that the pair have entered into a "definitive agreement" to be bought, although he's not revealing how much the company will cost. What is interesting, however, is that it made plenty of sense for Asics to buy the company, since Runkeeper's data said that most of its Shoe Tracker users run with that very same brand of shoe.
Hexoskin's fitness clothes now work with third-party apps
In late 2014, I tested out Hexoskin's first smart shirt, a vest that promised to monitor your vital statistics while you exercised. After a year in the lab, the company has rolled up to CES with a second-generation version of the wearable that comes with a couple notable changes. The first is that the battery life has been extended, with the firm promise that it'll last up to 30 hours on a single charge. After that, the most notable tweak has been to include Bluetooth Smart in the hardware, enabling it to connect to any compatible GPS, smartwatch or bike computer. In addition, the data that you create while out and about can now be exported to third-party fitness apps like Strava, Runkeeper and Endomondo.
Runkeeper's new Apple Watch app lets you jog phone-free
The Apple Watch got a lot more useful with WatchOS 2.0, an update that let developers write apps that can run natively on the Watch without the need for your iPhone. Runkeeper's latest app update enables exactly that -- you can now use the Apple Watch to track a workout without needing to bring your phone with you, something that'll certainly be appreciated by those who don't want to have an iPhone 6 Plus strapped to their arm during a run.
RunKeeper powers training sessions with Spotify playlists
Most of us like to blast a collection of inspirational tunes during a workout, and with its latest iOS update, RunKeeper is making that a bit easier. Runners who also have a Spotify premium subscription can now access saved playlists inside the fitness app. You'll need to connect the two services first, but once you do, swiping over to your fine-tuned collections and suggested workout playlists is pretty straightforward. Unfortunately, there's no mention of Android users getting the integration as part of future updates. However, RunKeeper says this is the beginning of its foray into music, so perhaps those upcoming tools will cross over.
RunKeeper will now bribe you to beat your best
You tell yourself you're gonna go running. You might even have an app that gently prods you to get your lazy keister up off the couch. But let's be honest, the most effective motivator is the good ol' fashioned bribe. That's why RunKeeper is teaming up with Kiip, a company that delivers ads and rewards through games and mobile apps. The idea isn't just to get you casually jogging though, but to actually get you to push yourself. Through the new workout rewards program, RunKeeper will deliver discounts on Propel Water, Secret Deodorant or even a Pebble smartwatch when you reach a personal best in distance or pace for instance. All the rewards are specifically chosen to appeal to RunKeeper's athletic market niche, so you shouldn't have to worry about being offered discounts on Transformers Blu-rays. You won't get bombarded by offers either, they'll only pop up sometimes -- and you'll really have to work for them. But it might be nice to get something at the end of a long marathon than a smug sense of self satisfaction.
SMS Audio makes Intel's heart-rate tracking earbuds a reality
Back at CES, Intel showed off its smart earbud concept that matched tunes to your pulse, and now it's bringing similar tech to the masses. Thanks to a partnership with 50 Cent's SMS Audio, the heart-rate-tracking chops will hit the gym inside the headphone maker's new BioSport offering. Looking to "motivate and encourage" peak activity levels, the in-ear option packs a biometric optical sensor needed to monitor both physical exertion and relaxation. What's more, the audio add-on syncs the collected data with RunKeeper to keep tabs on progress, and as you might expect, the pair is IPX4 certified for sweat and water resistance. So how did the collaboration come about? Well, I had a chat with Intel's New Devices Group head Mike Bell and SMS Audio President Brian Nohe about just that.
The TUAW Daily Update Podcast for April 17, 2014
It's the TUAW Daily Update, your source for Apple news in a convenient audio format. You'll get some the top Apple stories of the day in three to five minutes for a quick review of what's happening in the Apple world. You can listen to today's Apple stories by clicking the player at the top of the page. The Daily Update has been moved to a new podcast host in the past few days. Current listeners should delete the old podcast subscription and subscribe to the new feed in the iTunes Store here.
Breeze by RunKeeper steps up your activity level
RunKeeper is a great app, and I've been using it for years to capture my walks during those times that I'm actually getting off my butt and exercising. I've found that I'm much more apt to really get moving if I can just track the number of steps I take every day and try to reach or exceed a goal. Today RunKeeper is shipping a free iPhone 5s-only app called Breeze to track all of the steps you take during a day. I had an opportunity to use Breeze for a few days prior to its release, and wanted to compare it to other methods of capturing step information. For that purpose, I formerly used a Fitibt Force -- until it was recalled -- and then started using the Moves ($2.99) app. For iPhone 5s owners, Moves can take advantage of the M7 motion coprocessor built into the top-of-the-line smartphone to capture your steps without needing to use GPS information. In that respect, Breeze is quite similar to Moves. RunKeeper notes that their self-named app is focused on workouts, while Breeze is designed to capture the rest of your day and motivate you to move more. I'm a crappy dancer, so I won't be following in the footsteps of the star of that video. But I do enjoy seeing just how many -- or how few -- steps I take every day. Like Moves, Breeze is a background app that is constantly running. RunKeeper decided to make Breeze specific to the iPhone 5s and future phones that use the M7 coprocessor to keep it from being too much of a drain on your iPhone's battery. The app has a clean interface that's a snap to figure out. The first time you launch Breeze on your iPhone, it pulls your activity data for the past seven days from the M7 and then creates a daily movement goal for you -- automatically. Breeze gives you reminders throughout the day, nudging you to get out and walk more when you have time to get those steps in before heading to bed. Every morning, the app provides a recap of your steps the previous day, hopefully providing an incentive for you to move a bit more each day. Whenever you pull up a completed day, you're greeted with a beautiful photograph in the background. The RunKeeper folks have really made Breeze an app you'll be glad to look at. One other nice touch -- the app assigns you a "spirit animal" based on your activity level. Me? I'm a regimented lion that is active in midday, moves in short bursts, and is mostly active on the weekend. I found the little notifications delivered during the day to be a surprisingly good motivator to get me up from behind the desk and at least moving around the house. Compared to Moves, I think Breeze will make better use of the iPhone's battery as it doesn't use Location Services to determine where you're doing your walks -- it just knows that you're moving. The app is already quite impressive, but the RunKeeper team promises that they'll provide integration with the RunKeeper app so all of your activity is captured -- workouts and normal movement.
NikeFuel integration is coming to MyFitnessPal, RunKeeper and Strava
Nike's line of FuelBand wearables has been a popular choice for those looking to keep tabs on daily activity, but Fuel tallies haven't meant much outside of the company's own apps. Now, with the launch of the Nike+ Fuel Lab in San Francisco, the athletic outfit is looking to expand through partnerships and collaboration. Through the initiative, the Fuel platform will soon team up with "industry-leading companies" that include the likes of MyFitnessPal, RunKeeper and Strava. According to Nike, this means that over 100 million new participants will have access to its "common universal currency to monitor and evaluate" all kinds of activity. "The demand for simpler data-powered experiences is soaring, and all-day sensing is more available on mobile and wearable devices than ever before," said Nike VP of Digital Sport Stefan Olander. "Nike is committed to broadening the use of NikeFuel through collaborations with industry leaders to create smarter products and services." Unfortunately, there's no word on when the integration will begin just yet.
RunKeeper announces regional localization, and more product news
You know how hard it is to believe that some people are speaking the same language -- allegedly English -- that you are? Bostonians are probably the worst manglers of the Queen's English, although some of the New York/New Jersey dialects can be horrible. And let's not even talk about the Southern US, where I don't think the root language spoken is English. At least those of us in the West speak clearly and enunciate properly... Well, enough of that. RunKeeper has announced regional localizations of the verbal prompts in their fitness tracking app, starting with RunKeepah, the Boston/New England version of the app. The company promises versions of the app in midwest, New York and Southern dialects over the course of the next year. You can read all about RunKeepah heah ... I mean "here" and listen to the Bostonian version as well. Moo.com -- You know those classy business cards you can get from Moo? The company today announced their new delivery option in Boston, Providence, and London. Pug Post will "add a little warmth to our delivery service and give people a reason to smile." Who needs delivery drones when you can have something much cuter delivering your biz cards? Beginning tomorrow, the Canine Courier Pug Post option will be available as a delivery option for any orders including Luxe products. Pad and Quill's Field Bag has been a huge hit with those who love the high-quality handmade luxury of P&Q's product line. Now the company has announced the Micro Field Bag for iPhone, bringing the same leather details, waxed canvas body, and even a cherry wood "ampersand" logo. It's on Kickstarter, and for as little as $50 you can own one of these cute little bags. I'm planning on backing at the $70 level so I can get one that will match my Navy Blue Field Bag... As the company says, "Again we think it's amazingly practical way of carrying your iPhone, multiple credit cards, ID and cash. You can even stuff your charger cube and cable...in your other pocket." One day after iFixit CEO Kyle Wiens griped about how Apple is doing its best to put repair shops out of business, the company announced that it is being acquired by Apple. Said Wiens, "Everyone has a number. I didn't think there was a reasonable number that would make me say, 'You know I was going to change the world with repair documentation but here's a number.' In the end, Apple gave us a number that we couldn't refuse." Our very own Erica Sadun is working on an iOS 8 book for an October release -- iOS 8 Development for the Really Impatient is available for pre-order on Amazon.com. And right here in the State of Colorado, case manufacturer OtterBox has licensed the rights to the official colors and flag of its home state. To quote Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper, "By adopting the OtterBox brand image, Colorado strengthens its creative, playful and outdoorsy reputation on a global scale," said Gov. Hickenlooper. "Plus, now I get to ride the slide at OtterBox headquarters whenever I want. Who doesn't love a slide?"
RunKeeper adds training plan feature to its Android app
RunKeeper has a solid track record when it comes to giving users new ways to interact with the application. It's no surprise, then, that the fitness-focused app is getting some fresh tidbits on Android. Most notably, you'll now see a training plan feature, which is set to coincide with the goals you've set up within the app. This version also brings a redesigned "Me" tab, an option to keep a close eye on training schedules and the ability to view your workout history. It's a very nice update, to say the least -- and given that it's Monday, it couldn't have come at a better time to inspire your next run.
Daily Update for November 7, 2013
It's the TUAW Daily Update, your source for Apple news in a convenient audio format. You'll get all the top Apple stories of the day in three to five minutes for a quick review of what's happening in the Apple world. You can listen to today's Apple stories by clicking the inline player (requires Flash) or the non-Flash link below. To subscribe to the podcast for daily listening through iTunes, click here. No Flash? Click here to listen. Subscribe via RSS
RunKeeper gets M7 and AirDrop support
The developers at RunKeeper have done it again, keeping up not only with the new features in iOS 7, but also adding support for the M7 motion coprocessor that is installed in the iPhone 5s. To begin with, RunKeeper 4.1 has added AirDrop (iPhone 5, 5s and 5c only) sharing of friend requests and workouts. Let's say you're at a 10K, see someone using RunKeeper and want to add them to your friend list. From the app, you can now zap them a RunKeeper friend request with AirDrop, with no need to ask for an account name or email address. If you've created a workout routine and want to share it with friends, open the workout and then select Share with AirDrop. iPhone 5s owners will love the fact that they can now turn on a new feature called Pocket Track. Have you ever "accidentally" gone on a walk of more than 15 minutes and then realized after the fact that you forgot to start tracking? Well, now Pocket Track -- when enabled -- works hand-in-hand with the M7 motion coprocessor to automatically realize that you've been active for more than 15 minutes and retroactively tracks the walk. M7 support also adds cadence (steps per minute) info during a run, and RunKeeper adds that information on a trending chart similar to the ones for pace and elevation.
RunKeeper adds that iPhone 5s special sauce to its running app
If you thought that Nike+ Moves was the only fitness app to quickly latch on to Apple's new M7 co-processor, think again. RunKeeper has announced that the latest update to its iOS app will now automatically track periods of activity lasting longer than 15 minutes and will also track your cadence -- letting you analyze that statistic with the same level of obsessive detail as you do your pace and elevation. If you own an iPhone that isn't a 5s, the company is throwing a bone your way too, letting you prove how grueling your morning run is by sharing route details to other users over AirDrop -- as if those incredible calf muscles weren't evidence enough.
Samsung Galaxy Gear apps include Path, Pocket, RunKeeper and more
Samsung's Galaxy Gear smartwatch will launch with 70 native apps, and it turns out that there's quite a few heavy-hitters in that bunch. Path is available to share photos taken from the Gear's wriststrap; Pocket users, meanwhile, can have Gear read saved articles out loud. And fitness apps will definitely be in vogue -- RunKeeper, MyFitnessPal, Phigolf and others have embraced Samsung's vision. There are too many other apps to list them all, although we've noticed big-name titles like Snapchat in the mix. If you're planning to pick up Samsung's wristwear in the next few weeks, there won't be any shortage of things to do with it. Follow all of our IFA 2013 coverage by heading to our event hub!