Apple's 'Workout Buddy' adds to AI coaching trend
Core hardware and software companies in the cycling and endurance sports world have already staked a claim to AI-powered coaching services, but the trend got a big boost this week with Apple's announcement at its Worldwide Developer Conference that it is rolling out a new AI coaching service to its Apple Watch.
Called "Workout Buddy," it's mostly an AI-powered hype man (or woman), as its primary function is using AI to sift through workout data to highlight notable achievements and deliver text- and audio-based encouragement. At launch, the voice function is in English only, and works with seven types of workouts, which include outdoor rides but not (yet) indoor ones.
The new service so far lacks the ability to generate actual workout plans, so it likely won't soon supplant existing coaching apps (either human or AI) from other providers. But it's a notable statement of intent from Apple that spreads the concept of AI coaching to a far wider audience than existing options from TrainingPeaks, Strava, Wahoo, or Garmin. DC Rainmaker has more details.
