INCUS Performance has unveiled its next generation INCUS | NOVA wearable fitness tracker. Incorporating 5G connectivity, onboard location and more, the company notes that the NOVA 2.0 device can… ‘impact and engage sports fans with new interactive experiences – known as Mixed Reality.’
The INCUS | NOVA wearable fitness-tracking technology sits in a mesh pouch atop the centre of the spine and tracks athletes while training or racing.
Using high performance 10-axis MARG motion sensors, the NOVA device measures and analyses the movement a user’s body makes during exercise. The NOVA and accompanying cloud app takes this positional information to produce high quality actionable training feedback – giving athletes insights to improve technique and proactively manage injury when swimming and running.
Coming in 2023, the NOVA 2.0 device will be equipped with onboard location, wireless charging and 3x battery capacity, all within the same physical size as the original device.
According to the company, the addition of high-precision GNSS location means that the NOVA 2.0 functions as a complete standalone unit, bringing INCUS’ motion analytics to outdoor swimming, running, cycling, and beyond without the need for a smartphone or other device.
Going one step further, INCUS is pioneering a new way of connecting outdoor swimmers, runners and cyclists with remote audiences in real time. Known as Mixed Reality, INCUS will use onboard 5G connectivity within the NOVA 2.0, to deliver live broadcast of multisport and health information to remote audiences around the world, direct from the backs of athletes in an event field.
INCUS adds… ‘This unprecedented achievement brings together live, outdoor swim/bike/run activities with the virtual world for the first time, via livestream metrics and upcoming interactive virtual experiences.
‘Mixed Reality enables live, outdoor races and events to be reflected in a metaverse environment in real time, while allowing friends, colleagues, teammates, and coaches the opportunity to interact and engage together like never before.
‘For professional sports, this means a new era in sports broadcasting and safety; for individuals, the ability to enjoy outdoor training and racing experiences with others across the world, at the same time, and more.’
Powered by live location and performance data from NOVA 2.0, Mixed Reality can support event commentary and fan engagement across swim, run and cycling environments, with to-the-second updates on location, speed, cadence and more.
The NOVA 2.0 also connects with third party health sensors such as heart rate monitors and power meters to enable them to stream live to the Mixed Reality environment.
‘Paired with interactive online experiences, this allows a future where fans can make the race their own, follow who they like using virtual cameras and 3D displays, and unpick the stories behind the golden moments beloved in sport.’
For everyday athletes, Mixed Reality can help to bring connected fitness experience to life, improving training, remote competition and safety. For those accustomed to virtual cycling, real world riding can be overlaid with competion in a virtual reality event. Similar experiences can be provided in swimming and running, with a INCUS citing a host of applications to be announced next year.
INCUS adds that it is… ‘set to disrupt the world of endurance sport and connected fitness with major racing partnerships and Mixed Reality events to be announced for the 2023 summer season.’
