New Docomo fitness service connects with smart shirt to provide biometric data

Japanese telco NTT Docomo is joining the health-tracking wearable race with a new fitness service that collects data not from a watch or wristband, but from a form-fitting workout shirt.

Docomo first revealed its “smart shirt” prototype last January. The consumer version, dubbed the C3fit IN-pulse, was designed in partnership with Japanese sportswear manufacturer Goldwin. It utilizes “Hitoe” cloth that’s woven with conductive nanofibers and uses a Ironman-esque transmitter in the middle of the chest to send vital signs to a wearer’s smartphone.

Runtastic for Docomo, the health-tracking service that interacts with Docomo’s truly wearable new wearable, was developed by an Austrian workout app company by the same name. It offers six apps for six different sports and exercises: running/jogging, biking, squats, push-ups, pull-ups, and sit-ups. The service, which is set to go live in December, will cost 350 yen per month (US$3.20) and is compatible with smartphones and tablets running at least Android 2.3 or iOS 7.

“We conducted a study that found that 5.7 million people run at least once a month, while 2.9 million go cycling at least once a month,” said Kaoru Kato, NTT Docomo president and CEO. “In addition to monitoring your health, users can earn Docomo points [that can be used toward Docomo producs and services] when they exercise.”

Six separate apps seems like overkill, and a smart shirt – unlike a less invasive wristband – is likely to be a very niche product. Add a monthly fee and it seems that Docomo’s smart shirts and Runtastic service will be embraced by only the most hardcore fitness buffs.

See: Japan’s largest telco announces child-tracking wearable, ‘Docotch’