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Running app syncs music to target pace, heart rate

Provided by: RELAXNEWS
Written by: Relaxnews
Jan. 8, 2013

Cruise Control (Cruise Control)

You could call it an app that allows you to run to the beat. Described as "part coach, part dance partner," Cruise Control adjusts the pace of users' music, helping them stay on course to complete a 10km run in 50 minutes, for example, or maintain a 10-minute mile.

Developed by researchers at Simon Fraser University in British Columbia, Canada, the new app was designed to help runners hit their target pace, heart rate and cadence by synchronizing certain playlist songs to users' footfalls.

After scanning the iPhone's music library, the app chooses songs with the appropriate beat and tempo before speeding up or slowing down the rhythm in real time, without altering the sound and pitch (i.e. the 'Chipmunk' effect).

The app also keeps a record of users' time, location, distance, calories and running pace and allows runners to share their workout performances with friends on Facebook and Twitter, not unlike Nike+ running apps.

The Nike+ Fuelband, a wristband device, also tracks your daily exercise levels by converting time, calories, and steps taken throughout the day into a metric called 'NikeFuel.'

Cruise Control is available on iOS for $4.99.

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