Artificial Intelligence: Vi LifeBEAM Headphones

Artificial intelligence has reached headphones. Meet Vi LifeBEAM headphones, your first AI personal trainer.

Vi LifeBeam Headphones

LifeBEAM headphones, known as Vi, are a wearable that learns from you and trains you based on your progress. Truly working as a personal trainer, Vi handles everything from planning workouts, pushing you to hit your training goals, even adjusting your workout plan based on the weather.

The headset, produced in conjunction with Harmon Kardon, will provide rich audio while regulating your workout. The AI technology allows for the headphones to interact with the wearer via voice commands and text messaging. Let Vi know you’ve decided for a marathon and your fitness plans and goals will be updated accordingly.

During your workout session, Vi is responsive to your body’s vitals – constantly measuring your heart rate, stride, and calories burned. With a pleasant voice, Vi encourages you to push through rough patches, slow down when you are fatigued, and even give you a beat to adjust your pacing.

When you aren’t working out, Vi is like any other trainer, checking up on you, literally. “Tomorrow we train for your 5K. Are you ready for it?” she asks via the website. To the user’s “Yeah, let’s do it!” she responds, “Cool. Rest up. It’s going to be a big day.” Impressive.

The loop around the neck wearable is constructed as an all-day wearable – meaning it is meant to be used even when you aren’t working out. Thanks to Harmon Kardon the headset should provide stellar audio while the AI technology continues to track your activity. You can take calls by simply placing the earbuds in your ears.

Vi is also customizable with the accompanying phone app, available for both iOS and Android. During workouts, the app is able to provide you feedback in quick snapshots. Outside of workouts, the app can be used to set up fitness plans and track your progress. LifeBEAM headphones can be taken anywhere thanks to their foldable design and magnetic storage clips.  vi is also sweatproof and textured for a no-slip grip.

LifeBEAM launched on Kickstarter yesterday and has already racked up more than $208,000 in crowdfunding – well over their goal of $100,000. Vi will retail at $249, but those looking to back this project can purchase a pair at $199. That being said, happy running.

Crowdfunding Disclaimer: If you’re investing in a prototype hosted on a crowdfunding platform like Kickstarter or Indiegogo, be wary. Not all projects hosted by crowdfunding platforms come to fruition. Before making a purchase you should read the FAQs of the hosting platform as well as our article on the risks associated with investing in a crowdfunding projects.