A new line of activity tracking fitness apparel has everyone talking -- and investing, for developers of Athos have managed to secure $12.2 million in series B funding from venture capitalists, according to Forbes, a notable event in the burgeoning wearables market.
The form-fitting pants and shirts are made of moisture-wicking four-way stretch fabric that does not contain wires and the interwoven sensors are said to be capable of working even in the presence of body hair.
Activity is tracked by means of a removable sensor, called "the Core," that tucks into a pocket on the garments and claims to be capable of tracking muscle effort and fatigue by means of its 6-axis accelerometer.
The accompanying Athos app, which will be available on iOS before Android devices, will allow users to adjust the sensor to focus on target muscle groups.
The device tracks heart rate and breathing and promises to coach users towards developing proper breathing techniques for exercise.
A new focus on exercise safety is entering the wearables market, evidenced also by the Leo, a sensor-equipped leg-band that promises to account for dehydration and overexertion and provide technique analysis.
As high tech weaves its way into the domain of textile technology, activity trackers are taking the shape of a garment that corresponds to an app, accompanied as always by a tangible gadget.
OMsignal shirts are another example, containing interwoven sensors that track activity as well as compressing the muscles, which is said to stimulate blood flow and increase muscle capabilities.
Athos is available for pre-order with shipping expected to start in Fall 2014.
Shirts and shorts can be purchased seperately, and a package containing a shirt, shorts and the core is available for $397 with free shipping within the U.S.
