Polar Releases H7, a Preeminent Wireless Heart Rate Sensor with Bluetooth Smart

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., June 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Polar (www.polarusa.com), the leader in heart rate monitoring and fitness assessment technologies, today introduced the new Polar H7 heart rate sensor, one of the first to use low energy Bluetooth^® Smart technology in wireless heart rate transmission.

Polar is at the forefront of the Bluetooth Smart standard adoption, the first truly open standard for manufacturers and application developers of low power devices. At the 2012 International CES Exhibition, the company was named one of the finalists in the 7th annual Bluetooth SIG Best of CES Awards program, which represents the latest, most innovative products using Bluetooth technology.

"We're excited to be a pioneer in this market. We authored the heart rate profile for Bluetooth Smart along with the other Bluetooth companies.  We expect that products like the H7 will become compatible with more and more applications every day. The H7 will allow the masses to experience the benefits of heart rate for the first time thanks to the Bluetooth Smart open standard," said Marco Suvilaakso, Group Product Director at Polar. "The smartphone market is huge and we're anticipating that by the end of 2012 most new smartphones and many tablets will support Bluetooth Smart ready devices. The opportunities appear to be endless, especially for the sports and fitness world."

Using the Bluetooth Smart standard, which offers low energy consumption, the H7 will easily pick up the correct user's heart rate and will have a longer battery life.

With the H7 heart rate sensor, users can see their real-time heart rate on compatible mobile training applications and make the most of every workout by determining their training intensity while exercising. Using the data recorded during a workout, users can analyze and share their workouts wirelessly via mobile training applications in smartphones, tablets or any Bluetooth Smart ready devices including the iPhone 4S. H7 can also communicate with Polar compatible fitness equipment & Polar 5kHz units.

Worn around the chest during exercise, the H7 seamlessly adapts to every body shape, bringing full freedom of movement to training sessions. The chest strap is the most reliable heart rate measurement method and performs consistently even during the most intense workouts.

"The Polar H7 heart rate sensor is a great addition to our product portfolio as it gives ECG-accurate heart rate to any Bluetooth Smart ready device. This greatly expands the possibilities of heart rate tracking, ranging from fitness assessment to a new dimension in video games," says Matti Rautiainen, Accessories Segment Manager for Polar. "Also, Bluetooth Smart technology makes it quick and easy to add heart rate to your smartphone. It will allow you to track your training and help you exercise at the desired intensity to get the exact training effect you're looking for."

Key Features:

• Ability to see heart rate on smart phone during training
• Bluetooth Smart transmission technology:  low energy consumption
• Transmission range:  10+ meters
• User changeable battery
• Total operating time around 200 hours
• New soft strap
• Compatible today with the iPhone 4S

Compatible Polar Products:

• Compatible with all wrist units using 5kHz:
  • FT1, 2, 4, 7, 40, 60, 80
  • RS100, 300, 400
  • CS100, 200cad, 300
  • RCX5
• Note: The H7 is NOT compatible with W.I.N.D., Cardio GX and Team 2

Availability

The H7 ($79.95) is now available as an accessory set with user manual through authorized Polar USA retail and specialty shops, online, and in select fitness facilities.

About Polar
Headquartered in Lake Success, NY, Polar USA is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Finland-based Polar Electro OY, which invented the first wireless heart rate monitor (HRM) in 1977. Polar now operates internationally in more than 80 countries and its products are sold through 35,000 retailers globally. Polar heart rate and fitness assessment technology delivers unparalleled insight into the human body from valuable training guidance and feedback, to enabling individuals to improve their fitness level and sports performance. Polar technology is key to the success of leading fitness facilities, athletic teams, corporate wellness facilities, health insurance providers and thousands of physical education programs around the world. Today, Polar training computers are the number one choice among consumers worldwide. For more information, visit www.polarusa.com.

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SOURCE Polar USA