At the recent CeBit Expo in Germany Samsung and Adidas announced the launch of the miCoach workout tracking system in an effort to take on the Apple Nike running shoes that link with an iPod. See http://www.micoach.com.

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Accordin g to the Samsung press release the miCoach which has not yet been launched in Australia will combine the Samsung miCoach mobile phone with "a heart rate monitor and stride sensor to provide accurate feedback about workout activities."

There was no word on when the product will be launched in Australia but the system will be available in Europe beginning next week.

"miCoach is the most advanced interactive training system in the marketplace, blending sophisticated mobile technology with the most advanced in sport innovation and training," added Eric Liedtke, VP of Adidas Brand Marketing.

"The uniqueness of miCoach is that it collects and analyses personal data and then customizes training plans based on your fitness level and specific goals, while giving you real-time feedback during your workout via the miCoach phone."
The mobile phone in itself has good specifications without the heart rate monitor or stride sensor including seven colourways, a 2 megapixel camera, 1GB memory capacity and a slider portion.