Nokia N79 Active Tracks Heart Rate

There’s a lot of potential for digital self-measurement–pedometers, calorie counters, and heart monitors all promise to make our workouts more efficient. We’ve noted that the best way to do this would be through the mobile phone, but this does present limitations. For example, the iPhone Heart Monitor requires that you hold the phone (or headphone mic) up to your pulse. Perhaps not so convenient mid-workout. So we like the Polar Bluetooth WearLink heart rate monitor; it can measure your heart rate while you run without you doing a thing.

Nokia likes it too. It has announced a partnership with Polar to get the strap and other fitness monitoring gadgets integrated with its products. First up, the N79 Active, will come with the Polar strap as well as 4GB of onboard memory and a new version of Nokia’s Sports Tracker app. From the press release:

“The Nokia N79 Active is all about fun and fitness,” said Juha Kokkonen, Director, Nokia Nseries. “This handset keeps you entertained on those long workouts as you get in shape for next summer, while the Polar heart rate belt lets you know exactly how you’re doing. And with Sports Tracker you can add a new social dimension to your fitness program by building up and sharing a great record of all your workouts. This is an inspiring way to track your progress and to challenge yourself and fellow workout partners.”

Other Polar products include cadence sensors for bikes, pedometers, blood pressure systems, and body temperature devices. We expect their bundling with Nokia phones and fitness monitoring systems will give a boost to both products.

[via Engadget]