HTC, Under Armour introduce $400 connected fitness system, UA HealthBox

LAS VEGAS -- HTC and Under Armour opened the CES trade show here by introducing an all-in-one fitness system to track sleep, activity and nutrition. Branded the UA HealthBox, the system comprises a fitness band, heart rate monitor and connected scale that are integrated with Under Armour's UA Record app, which is available for Android phones and the iPhone.

The system will sell for $400 in the U.S. later this month before being rolled out internationally throughout the year. The items will also be available individually.

Under Armour also introduced two sets of wireless headphones made in collaboration with JBL as well as the company's first pair of smart athletic shoes. Those gadgets are not included in the UA HealthBox.

The announcement builds on a relationship between HTC and Under Armour that has seen mixed results as the market for wearables gets legs. HTC and Under Armour used last year's CES to unveil their strategic partnership, but HTC's initial fitness wearable -- dubbed the Grip -- has yet to come to market after being announced in March 2015.

Meanwhile, HTC continues to struggle in the ultra-competitive smartphone market. It was forced to slash jobs and trim its handset portfolio after a disappointing second quarter of 2015, and the widespread commercial launch of its Vive virtual reality headset remains delayed.

Like other smartphone manufacturers -- especially makers of low- and mid-range Android devices -- HTC sees big opportunities in an IoT market that is still in its infancy. But mobile hardware companies are rushing into the space at a tremendous clip, and the clock is ticking for HTC and some of its competitors.

For more:
- see this HTC and Under Armour press release

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