Spree Fitness Device Named #2 M2M Innovation at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona

Barcelona, Spain, February 28, 2013 --(PR.com)-- Spree, the first fitness monitor on the market to track body temperature, movement and heart rate without using a chest strap, was named runner-up in the global M2M Challenge Innovation competition at an awards ceremony today at the GSM Mobile World Congress 2013 in Barcelona.

Spree was a finalist in the Consumer Electronics category, which recognized novel applications “demonstrating the huge innovation potential in the world of machine-to-machine (M2M) communication.” More than 200 submissions were received from contestants in 44 countries covering energy, healthcare, mobility, security and consumer electronics.

“We are very honored to receive this extraordinary recognition for our product by such a prestigious international organization of M2M pioneers,” explained Peter Linke, President of Dallas-based Hothead Technologies, Inc., a subsidiary of IDENTEC GROUP AG, which developed the proprietary technology in Spree. “We truly believe Spree is the next ‘must-have’ workout companion for serious athletes, and this honor reinforces that belief.”

Each year, the GSMA Mobile World Congress attracts the largest number and highest-quality attendees of any event in the mobile industry. Professionals from 205 countries are scheduled to attend the 2013 event in Barcelona.

A panel of experts headed by Robin Duke-Woolley, CEO of Beecham Research and renowned figure in the M2M industry, evaluated the 200 submissions and nominated two finalists for each category followed by an overall winner.

“Having solutions that leverage the power and versatility of M2M connectivity is vital to drive market adoption,” stated Gerhard Schedler, Head of M2M Centre of Competence, Swisscom. “We were very pleased with the quality and creativity of this year’s submissions.”

The revolutionary Spree biometrics device debuted to rave reviews at the International CES in Las Vegas in January. Spree stands apart from other fitness monitors, such as those worn around the chest or arms, by analyzing the three most important variables in every fitness routine – body temperature, movement and heart rate. The sleek and comfortable headband unit captures all the real-time data needed to optimize every workout and achieve ultimate performance, then streams the information to a smartphone app that charts key body metrics and provides visual indicators when each activity’s goal is reached.

“Traditional bracelets, armbands and chest straps are fine for tracking heart rates and other basic information, but they ignore the critical element of body temperature,” explained Linke, during his presentation to an audience of international industry and media representatives assembled at the World Mobile Conference. “Knowing the temperature at which your body reaches peak performance is a huge advantage, and Spree is the only device that does it.”

Spree measures body temperature, distance traveled, speed, time, heart rate and calories burned, and combines these data points into simple graphs that indicate when your body is hitting its ultimate stride. Armed with this information, you learn where your body is burning the most calories, when it is building the most muscle mass and at what pace you are achieving maximum endurance.

Spree uses wireless Bluetooth technology to relay real-time information from the headband device to the smartphone app. Spree also stores the data in the unit for later download, for those without smartphones.

“We use the phrase ‘On Your Mark’ to describe how Spree directs you into the ideal zone for an optimal workout,” said Linke. “There’s simply no better way to learn how to maximize your body’s physical performance which, after all, is the ultimate goal of fitness training.”

Customers may pre-order Spree online at www.indiegogo.com/spreesports/x/2001213 and at www.spreesports.com. The game-changing technology will be available in stores by May.

About Hothead Technologies
Based in Dallas, Texas, Hothead Technologies, Inc. (www.HotheadTechnologies.com) is a leading provider of wireless biosensor solutions, including the revolutionary Spree fitness device. Its patented and proprietary systems are at the forefront of performance measurement systems and are currently used to help prevent heat-related illness in athletes, firefighters and industrial workers. Hothead Technologies’ solutions have earned national recognition, including Popular Science magazine’s prestigious “Best of What’s New” Award.

About IDENTEC GROUP
IDENTEC GROUP is a leading, advanced RFID solutions provider that capitalizes and grows companies in global business-to-business and business-to-consumer RFID markets. Recognized worldwide for its patented, award-winning RFID solutions in a multitude of industries, IDENTEC GROUP member companies develop and market innovative RFID solutions that identify, measure, track and trace assets and people across the value chain, delivering actionable information through the cloud. IDENTEC GROUP works with its member companies on issues ranging from capitalization and development of business models and strategies to operations and shared technology, sourcing efficiencies and mutual customer relationships. For more information, visit www.identecgroup.com.