PRESS RELEASE
LONDON, 8th November, 2017 – Interactive fitness devices enter a new phase of evolution today as Vi, the world’s first voice-activated artificially intelligent (AI) personal trainer, becomes available in the UK. Created by LifeBEAM Labs and following a successful launch in America earlier this year, Vi brings consumer AI to the next level by adapting to an individual’s behaviour, environment and physiology to deliver tailored, real-time coaching ideal for entry to intermediate runners.
"Vi is not like anything people will have heard or seen before. She is a listening, talking trainer that is aware of a person’s surroundings, physiology and activities inside and outside of workout sessions,” said Omri Yoffe, CEO of LifeBEAM Labs.
“Our vision is to build the best AI companion for body and mind and we feel that our experience in working with NASA and the Air Force has enabled us to do just this. Vi uses real time voice and sound commands to connect with each individual, ultimately helping them reach their personal fitness potential. Users are served software updates which allow Vi to evolve, grow and provide additional insights and interactions throughout a workout (indoors and out). All of these adaptations have been developed based on customer feedback following the success of Vi’s launch in the U.S. earlier this year. In fact, we’re excited to announce our most recent and sought-after update today.”
From Wearable to aware-able
Unlike other fitness devices on the market, data points and AI make Vi aware. The advanced biosensing earphones fit snugly in any ear shape and have an array of sensors, such as heart rate, motion, posture, speech enhancement, elevation, touch and more. Vi even knows her user’s location and weather conditions and tailors a coaching based on these variables.
Vi tracks a user’s cadence, heart rate, calories, speed, steps and distance, but goes beyond just monitoring stats. She pulls data from a wealth of sources to provide personalised coaching and feedback based on an individual’s progress and goals. She connects with multiple third-party apps such as Google Fit, Apple HealthKit and Strava, to understand a user’s behavior and health levels outside of training sessions and combines this information with real-time environmental and physiological data to change training insights on the fly.
Voice activation with contextual human interaction
To create the experience and relationship with a life-like fitness companion, Vi has been designed with a human voice powered by hundreds of thousands of audio recordings. Vi doesn’t just repeat phrases, but converses with users – even going so far as to ask if she’s pronouncing a runners’ name correctly.
Vi’s functionality is triggered by voice commands which, as of today, have become even more simplified and intuitive by allowing users to say one word prompts such as distance, calories, speed, check my stats and pace.
Improving outcomes whether indoors or out
From increasing stamina to weight loss, Vi helps people burn more calories, improve their running and/or cycling stamina, manage exhaustion and avoid injuries to achieve fitness goals. Vi’s adaptiveness supports a wide range of users but is ideal for the beginner to intermediate runner.
As of today, Vi’s new treadmill mode is available to iOS and Android users. This ensures that individuals that prefer to workout indoors can be proactively guided by Vi just in time for the cooler months. Simple commands will ensure that Vi helps runners to fix their posture, hit their ideal step rate and stay motivated.
Best in class hardware
Vi boasts a lightweight and comfortable design that is sweat and water resistant, and packs an impressive eight hour battery life for all day use. This is made possible by Vi’s unique form factor which hangs comfortably around the user’s neck, even during vigorous workout activity. Vi’s beautifully crafted & high-fidelity sound is powered by Harman Kardon.
Connectivity and interactive app
Using the Vi Fitness companion app, Vi’s earphones connect with iOS and Android devices through Bluetooth & BLE connectivity. Vi uses smartphone GPS during outdoor workouts to accurately map routes and the Vi Fitness companion app displays visual progress during and after workouts in addition to providing the user with an interface to set goals, review progress and customise Vi.
Availability
Vi is available now at www.getvi.com, Amazon and Selfridges for £200.
Listen to and see Vi in action
About LifeBEAM Labs
Founded in 2011, LifeBEAM is bringing aerospace-grade innovation to the consumer space. LifeBEAM started by creating life-saving technology for pilots and astronauts, before gradually transforming its proprietary technology into wearable-tech products for brands like Under Armor and Samsung. Today, LifeBEAM continues to break ground by creating AI-powered experiences that help individuals reach their full potential in body and mind. Recognising the promise of AI to reshape human wellness at a global level, LifeBEAM created Vi – the world’s first AI Personal Trainer. LifeBEAM is based in New York City, with R&D centers in Israel, Los Angeles and Asia.
