Unique app connects any ANT+ heart rate monitor and foot pod to videos of iconic running routes. ANT+ monitoring devices provide reliable data while controlling video speed.

Cochrane, Alberta (PRWEB) January 31, 2013 -- ANT Wireless ("ANT" www.thisisant.com), a division of Dynastream Innovations Inc., announces certification of Outside Interactive’s Virtual Runner application and its compatibility with the millions of existing ANT+™ heart rate monitors and foot pods. These ANT+ devices interactively drive the Virtual Runner app, controlling video speed while monitoring performance data such as heart rate, speed, distance, pace and cadence. Consumers benefit with Virtual Runner’s unique treadmill running and training experience where popular running routes such as Niagara Falls and the Washington Mall are viewed via a Windows based PC/laptop or an iPad®.

“ANT+ is what enables the Virtual Runner app to be interactive and we are pleased to give our customers the ability to connect any ANT+ foot pod and heart rate monitor to our software. The versatility of ANT+ allows the user to customize their experience by using monitoring devices they may already own and prefer,” said Gary McNamee, Outside Interactive’s President and Founder. “Running on a treadmill can be very boring, but it doesn’t have to be. The Virtual Runner engages the user by allowing them to experience routes through places like Central Park or the Australian Outback while using ANT+ to simulate the video speed and view performance data live on the screen. Our goal is to create the ultimate treadmill experience while at home, at the gym, or on the road.”

With a foot pod, ANT+ controls the screen’s visual simulation by syncing the video speed of the software with the speed of the runner on the treadmill. An ANT+ dongle (iPad) or USB stick (Windows) then enables the on-screen dashboard to display the runner’s ANT+ heart rate, speed, distance, pace and cadence in real-time.

“Running on a treadmill can be a drag in comparison to running outdoors,” said Sharon Gayter, world record holder for the most miles run on a treadmill in seven days at 517.33. “The Virtual Runner software is as close as it gets to the real thing and it makes running on the treadmill a thrill.”

“The Virtual Runner made it feel like I was actually on the course,” said Mike Wardian, men’s treadmill half marathon world record holder. “I could see the landmarks, mile markers and track my progress right on the screen. The fact that the video adjusted to my pace made it a very real experience."

“ANT+ is all about creating exceptional products that enable optimal consumer experiences and the certified Virtual Runner app does a great job of both,” said ANT Wireless Vice President, Rod Morris. “Outside Interactive has brought yet another unique and entertaining option to the market and we’re excited to be a part of it.”

ANT+ is the established wireless standard for sport, fitness and health sensor devices allowing users to mix-and-match products from top global brands such as Garmin®, Timex®, Geonaute and A&D Medical.

The Virtual Runner creates many market opportunities within the sport and fitness segment including being built into treadmills, potential integration into health clubs, video sharing of course routes and the promotion of race events with featured course videos.

A video demonstration of the Virtual Runner software can be viewed at http://vimeo.com/26057578.
     
Outside Interactive plans to release an Android version of the Virtual Runner application in the summer of 2013.   

About ANT / ANT+ (www.thisisant.com)
ANT is a proven protocol and silicon solution for ultra-low power (ULP) practical wireless networking applications. With over 60 million devices in the market, ANT+ facilitates interoperability between ANT+ Alliance member devices and the collection, automatic transfer and tracking of sensor data. Applicable in sport, wellness management and home health monitoring, ANT+ (built on the base ANT protocol) defines device profiles that specify data formats, channel parameters and network keys. The ANT+ Alliance is an open special interest group of companies who have adopted the ANT+ promise of interoperability. The Alliance ensures standardized communications through optimized brand value and partnerships with other top tier products.

The company behind ANT Wireless is Dynastream Innovations Inc. (www.dynastream.com).   Dynastream was established in 1998 and became a wholly owned subsidiary of Garmin Ltd. in December 2006. Dynastream is based in Cochrane, Alberta, Canada, and is a world innovator in the research and development of inertial and wireless technology.

ANT+ Product Directory (www.thisisant.com/directory)
The ANT+ Product Directory is a complete inventory of all ANT+ certified or verified products. It is a tool designed specifically to help consumers source hundreds of industry-leading devices and all compatible products within the vast ANT+ ecosystem. Devices may be searched by product name, brand, activity or product category, allowing the consumer to create a monitoring system that meets their specific needs.

For further information on how the directory works, please visit:
www.thisisant.com/directory/d/getting-started.

About Outside Interactive (www.outsideinteractive.net) 
Outside Interactive is a Boston-based startup and the developer of Virtual Runner for Windows and Virtual Runner for the iPad, revolutionary patent pending forward motion technology solutions featuring famous race courses, popular running routes and scenic destinations, all shot in HD from a runner’s point of view. Founded by Gary McNamee, a lifelong Boston resident, avid runner and entrepreneur, Gary developed Virtual Runner after becoming bored on the treadmill and frustrated with not being able to train properly for the B.A.A. Boston Marathon in New England’s unpredictable and often harsh weather.

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