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Amazon’s Alexa can now track your run

The new Echo Buds let you bring Alexa on your run with you

You ask Alexa to look things up for you on the internet, you ask her to play music, you ask her to check the contents of your fridge and now, you can ask her what your pace is on a run. Amazon’s Echo Buds have new fitness features that allows running, walking and workout tracking, all initiated with Alexa voice commands.

While voice-guided runs aren’t a new thing and many companies like MapMyRun, RunKeeper and Strava have had these features for a few years, there are a few features that set the Echo Buds apart.

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Using these headphones means you can run without a watch, but still gather a similar amount of data. You don’t even need to bring your phone with you. The headphones collect data through an accelerometer and personal information which is provided in the Alexa app. Time and distance are used to measure pace. You simply ask Alexa to start your run, and you’re off. 

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Photo: Strava

Voice-activated runs

Wireless headphones are becoming the way of the future, and they are quite convenient for runners who don’t need a cord catching their arm or a bud falling out of their ear mid-workout. If you’re the kind of person who likes to run without a watch, then wireless headphones connected to a running app will do the trick. Presumably, you’ll use their guided run option if you’re without a watch to check in on your pace and time elapsed. 

If you choose the Echo Bud, you can even leave the phone at home and embark on your next run with just you, your headphones and your new favourite workout buddy, Alexa. The Echo Buds retail for $129 USD. 

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