Samsung Group announced Wednesday that it has teamed up with Trek Factory Racing to integrate its gadgets with bicycles and provide a better riding experience.
Several of the South Korean company's mobile devices, such as the Galaxy 5, Galaxy Note, and Gear Portfolio, are being tested by members of the Trek Factory Racing Team, which is training for the Tour de France and other top races, according to CNET.
The team will monitor its racing cadence, health stats, speed and other factors as they ride. Samsung is looking to use this information and find cycling features to add to its mobile products.
"Fitness and wellness are important parts of people's lives, and Samsung is continuously focused on integrating meaningful features into our smart mobile devices," Younghee Lee, executive vice president for Samsung's Global Marketing, IT & Mobile Communications. "Through our collaboration with Trek, we will be able to better understand the needs of cyclists to enhance their interaction with mobile devices and enable athletes and fans to stay connected and active in their daily lives."
The partnership will not only focus on racers, but also on causal bikers looking to get in shape or just have a fun ride, Android Headlines reported. The team will also be provided with tablets to help them train for races.
"Trek shares the vision of sharing new technology to sport, and we are excited to join forces with Samsung on this strategic alliance," said Joe Vadeboncoeur, vice president of Product Development and Marketing at Trek. "We believe the innovation of Samsung's mobile technology will transform the riding experience for professional cycling teams and consumers around the world."
The partnership between Samsung and Trek was first hinted at during the Consumer Electronics Show in January, when the two companies presented two prototype bicycles with gadgets attached to them, CNET reported.
The first bike featured a Galaxy Gear handlebar mount and sensors on the back capable of wirelessly recording data, such as the user's speed, location, and cadence. The second bike included a hub on the front wheel for charging a Galaxy Note 3 when the cyclist pedaled.
