Mio Global, winner of the coveted ISPO “Product of the Year” Award in 2013 for its ALPHA heart rate monitor sport watch, this week unveils new innovative products that continue to refine the brand’s application of its highly successful patented continuous heart rate technology.

For its 2014 product line, Mio is introducing the Mio LINK wristband and Mio GO application. Now runners and cyclists can continue to get all the benefits of heart-rate training in a new format without using an uncomfortable chest strap. Available in March, for only 99 Euros/89 pounds, Mio LINK with Bluetooth Smart (4.0) and ANT+ transmits heart rate data to Mio’s new mobile training application, Mio GO, as well as other fitness apps and sport devices.

Mio LINK provides all of the functionality and reliability of a connected chest strap, but is conveniently worn on the wrist. Heart rate data is captured using the same, patented electro-optical cell technology as featured in the award-winning Mio ALPHA heart rate sport watch. Data is then transmitted from Mio LINK using Bluetooth Smart (4.0) to connect to fitness apps including the new Mio GO app, and using ANT+ to connect to sport devices.

The all-new Mio GO app creates an interactive experience, utilizing the user’s heart rate data by wirelessly connecting Mio LINK or Mio ALPHA. The real-time continuous heart-rate data drives the app, and the effort and difficulty of the terrain are reflected in a virtual training experience. “Adventure Trips” allow the user to experience trails and routes from around the world. Starting in March 2013, consumers can download the iPad/iPhone app Mio GO from the iTunes App Store.

“Up until the invention of Mio’s continuous technology, athletes have had two choices: wear a chest strap to track their heart rate or rely on other measures—like distance and speed—to track their fitness level,” said Liz Dickinson, Mio’s CEO. “At the €99 price point, we’re making the comfort of wrist-worn heart rate monitoring economical for the first time. And with our new app Mio GO, we’re even adding the benefit of a virtual training experience when the weather forces you, or if you prefer, to workout indoors.”

At the core of both the Mio LINK and the Mio ALPHA, an optical sensor monitors the volume of blood pulsing under the athlete’s skin as he or she works out—even at performance speeds—so sophisticated algorithms can be applied to the pulse signal to accurately track the heart rate. For athletes looking for a way to capture continuous heart rate data, the Mio GO app serves as an organized central portal where indoor and outdoor exercise data, such as speed and distance can be automatically tracked and correlated against heart rate data.

“Over the last few years, because it was not convenient or comfortable, heart rate training has given over to training using non biometric and less effective measures such as speed and distance,” said Dickinson.  “At €99, you never have to wear a chest strap again. Using the Mio LINK’s Bluetooth Smart (4.0) and ANT+ features, you can transmit heart rate data to Mio GO to drive a unique indoor workout experience, or connect to the fitness app or device of your choice.”

For more information about Mio GO and Mio LINK, visit the Mio Global website at mioglobal.com/pressroom. To check out the new products for yourself, stop by the Mio Global booth at ISPO, Booth #101 in Hall B4.

Logo courtesy MIO