Sporting giants Adidas have recently released a series of gadgets that monitor heart rate, distance and speed when running; they have dubbed them ‘miCoach’. Unlike usual heart rate monitors, the data is not just output on a watch; instead they pair with software downloadable for free for all smartphones.

The miCoach gadgets separate themselves from the popular Nike+ pedometer by not pairing exclusively with Apple technology, although the software for the iPhone is likely to be the most popular. The devices will also pair with an array of mp3 players and hardware.

Rather than charging a high price for the software, it is free to download from app stores and the website; this will most likely prove popular as it incorporates GPS enabled smartphones to allow fitness training without purchasing the hardware.

The software can be used on its own but the addition of heart rate and pedometer are much more effective in performance analysis, which Adidas hope will be an incentive to buy the full price gear.

The app uses software to analyse data from GPS, heart rate and footfall to determine how effective your training is, it will provide on the go feedback from a pre-recorded voice that can instruct you to pick up the pace, relax a little and can direct you through a personalised training regime.

Adidas have released the products in a bid to compete with rivals Nike over their Nike+ products. The Nike+ is much cheaper but has limited functions and only provides a basic analysis. The miCoach provides one of the most in depth analyses of any personal training device, data can be uploaded to an online database to track your progress and provide useful feedback.

If you want to prove how fit you are to your peers, there is an ability to upload data to Facebook. The results can be streamed wirelessly on the go so your friends can track where you are and how fast you have been running. Adidas hopes this will encourage users to train harder as they will feel the pressure of their friend’s judgement.

Due to their sponsorship of some very large footballing names, some stores are offering discounted miCoach equipment with the purchase of a pair of Adidas Predators and Manchester United Football Shirts.