Amazon is rolling out an update for Echo Buds – its true wireless headphones with Alexa built in – which brings new fitness features.
The Buds will now track distance, steps, duration, calories and pace for runs and also walks. So you may be able to hold fire on that Fitbit purchase.
When wearing the Buds, you simply say “Alexa, start my workout” to begin the tracking.
You can also say the following to get updates during your run or walk, as well as pausing tracking when you stop:
- “Alexa, pause my walk”
- “Alexa, end my workout”
- “Alexa, how far have I run”
- “Alexa, what’s my pace”
Tracking is made possible by sensors already in the Buds, while data you supply in the Alexa app – such as height and weight – allows it to figure out distance and steps.
Amazon says the update should be installed automatically on your Echo Buds at the end of November when they’re in their case and connected to your phone.
With the latest version of the Alexa app on your phone, you should find details from your workouts going to Devices > Echo & Alexa > Echo Buds > Workouts.
You can read our review of the Echo Buds, or buy a pair from Amazon – they’re currently £99.99 for Black Friday.
If you’d rather work out at home and have an Amazon Echo or Fire TV, then there are plenty of skills you can use to do it. Chief among these – at least in my view – is Joe Wicks’ Body Coach which lets you do short 15-minute HIIT workouts with no equipment required.
Just ask, “Alexa, start The Body Coach”, which works best on the Echo Show, which includes videos you can follow.
Author: Jim Martin, Executive Editor
Jim has been testing and reviewing products for over 20 years. His main beats include VPN services and antivirus. He also covers smart home tech, mesh Wi-Fi and electric bikes.