Samsung-Backed IOFIT, Debuting Globally at MWC 2016

Salted Venture, a startup supported by Samsung, is to debut IOFIT smart shoes at Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2016 next week.

IOFIT is a solution that utilizes a combination of pressure sensors and a coaching app to improve a user’s balance and body posture to enhance one’s fitness routine or golf swing.

“There’s so much valuable information coming from our feet, and it’s being wasted,” said Jacob Cho, CEO of Salted Venture.

“So, we wanted to make use of this data and utilize it to provide value to people. That was the driving force behind IOFIT.”

The idea for the smart shoe was born at C-Lab, one of Samsung’s primary Innovation Programs that helps its employees to nurture creative business ideas. Soon thereafter, the team left the firm to establish Salted Venture as an independent company and create new business opportunities.

As wearable device users, the creators behind IOFIT recognized the limitations of wearables such as smartwatches, fitness trackers and even other smart shoes currently available on the market.

“They’re tracking and throwing around all these data points and suggesting problems, but not providing a solution to the problem,” Cho said.

“The few devices that have been able to offer a solution are trying to serve as an alternative to training with a coach, and attempting to build something greater than a human-to-human experience.”

It didn’t take long for IOFIT to become centered specifically on coaching. Instead of simply offering users a compilation of data, the Salted Venture team developed a system that allows for an enhanced person-to-person connection.

What makes this possible is the video playback feature of the IOFIT application, which allows a user to evaluate their form and the respective real-time data all on one screen. Utilizing this core feature, a user can better visualize how they look, and how their stance and posture are affecting their fitness routine or their golf swing.

Another core feature of the application is the customizable coaching and analysis software which can be used to leave feedback or compare saved videos. With this tool, a coach can draw directly on the video or leave voice-over comments to offer precise, straightforward feedback. Furthermore, two videos can be compared side-by-side or stacked to give a clearer picture of what the data should or should not look like, allowing trainers to easily coach no matter their location in the world.

“We want to be a platform and a coaching tool for people to use. It’s an add-on to the interactive experience between people,” stated Lee.

“You can’t outweigh the benefits that come from a real human-to-human interactive experience.” In this way, IOFIT remains unique in an ever-growing wearables market.

Salted Venture is also excited to showcase IOFIT on a global level and get feedback on their product.

“Our goal is to empower people who love fitness and sports to train smarter and coach better,” Cho explained.

“We want to see our products being used by inspiring athletes, coaches and individuals all over the world and to make their training and coaching experience the best it can be.”

IOFIT will be showcased at Stand 8.0K5 in Hall 8.0 of Fira Gran Via from February 22 to February 26, 2016.