27th November 2013 – GeoPalz today announces the iBitz PowerKey and iBitz Unity – a new line of activity trackers to measure the physical activity of both children and their parents. The iBitz PowerKey, specifically designed for kids, motivates children to remain active by asking them to look after a virtual pet – ‘GeoBotz’. Physical exercise is turned into energy, food and water to keep the character healthy. Gaming rewards on Apple devices and prizes on Amazon can also be redeemed from steps taken, to engage and encourage children into leading a healthy lifestyle. The iBitz Unity, designed for parents, tracks steps, distance, calories and weight, but also displays the activity of any associated PowerKeys so the wearer can ensure their children are staying active. Both have accompanying iOS apps that quickly and easily sync using Bluetooth 4.0.

iBitz PowerKey: Combining the fun of virtual gaming with physical activity, the colourful iBitz PowerKey pedometer simply attaches to the shoe or clothing of a child to enable their activity to be tracked. Users simply download the free corresponding app for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch, sync it to the device using Bluetooth and the child can then take care of their virtual pet, GeoBotz, by walking, running and being generally active to ensure they are rewarded with energy, water and food to keep the character alive. Children also have the ability to unlock over 50 games on the iTunes store by using their actual steps taken.

iBitz Unity: An adult activity tracker, designed for use by parents, the iBitz Unity syncs via Bluetooth and also uses a free corresponding app for all activity information to be shown on the screen on an iOS device. Parents can track steps taken, calories burned, distance and levels of activity. Most importantly, the Unity app also has the ability to sync all of the iBitz devices in the home so that the activity of all family members can be seen, minute-by-minute. Parents are able to immediately see if their children are being active enough during the day.

Rich Schmelzer, CEO and Founder of GeoPalz, commented: “7.5 hours a day are spent by children consuming media on mobile devices, so we wanted to create a product that would help encourage families to lead more active lifestyles and get kids moving again. Children love gaming, and with iBitz we are able to combine their favourite activity with physical activity, giving reassurance to parents and making going outside fun again.”

Pricing and availability: The iBitz PowerKey and iBitz Unity are priced at £29.99 and £39.99 respectively and available from John Lewis and Amazon. The PowerKey is available in seven bright colours, and the Unity is available in a discreet black. Both corresponding apps are now available to download free from the iTunes store and are compatible with iPhone5, iPhone 5s and 5c, iPhone 4S, iPad Air, iPad4, iPad Mini and iPod Touch (5^th gen).