iPhone To Become Fitness Coach & Spiritual Guide April 01, 2008

Read more Apple , Digital Audio , Gadgets , Gizmodo UK , Mobile Devices , Mobile phones , Smartphones , Software , Sport , iPhone

I realise that today is April’s Fools so all ‘proposed’ technology developments will be taken with an extra helping of salt, starting with Apple’s plans to turn the iPhone into a fitness companion.

According to AppleInsider, Apple has lodged patents for a digital fitness companion system for use on the iPhone that would turn it into your very own lifestyle coach.

Well, considering that after buying the hugely overpriced iPhone you probably have a lot less cash for boozing it up at the weekend, you may need something else to do.

The patents list 4 key components to the system: an iTunes-like software application, hardware-based heart rate and physiological sensors, a rewards tracker, and a component to facilitate synchronous group activities. The software ‘interviews’ you to assess your physical state and goals - and even religious/spiritual stance, work goals, financial situation etc. - before working out a routine for your well-being. One of the patents states, quite madly I might add:

"The lifestyle companion system also can interview the user about non-health related topics, e.g., spirituality/religion, identity (e.g., sense of belonging), relationships, career, financial condition, environment, hobbies, interests, other personal information, and goals regarding the same."

That’s the bit that makes me think this stinks of Fool.-Martin Lynch

[AppleInsider]

iphone apple mobile phone