At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in 2010, a new startup named Wellcore launched a fall detection system for aging in place. This week Wellcore officially announced the launch of a new product called NewYu, a fitness monitor that can identify specific body movements and track fitness progress via an Android app. The device weighs less than an ounce.

Quite a pivot for a fall detection startup except the original Wellcore device included some activity monitoring services, too. The startup's first device was designed by Frog Design founder Dr. Hartmut Esslinger.

NewYu's sensor device, worn on the waist, shirtsleeve, or collar, distinguishes between running, cycling, an elliptical machine or everyday activities and tabulates the number of calories burned doing each. The device will retail for $99.99 and is expected to be available in September, according to the company.

“The NewYu team has developed groundbreaking motion detection technology that can distinguish a wide variety of physical movements in the human body... The more accurate the tracking, the more likely users are to reach their goals,” stated Van Krueger, President and CEO of Wellcore, in a press release.

The biometric data is synced via Bluetooth to an online dashboard that can also be viewed via an Android app. The online portal includes ConnectYu, an online social community where users can connect with each other to find workout partners, get encouragement and more. There, users can get fitness information from experts, who can view clients' fitness and diet progress everyday and then offer exercise and diet recommendations.

One of the notable features of Wellcore's fall detection system was that the company offered a simple fitness tracking service as part of the offering. The seeds of NewYu were present in the startup's first product offering, but NewYu is clearly meant for a broader user group than the aging in place market. More on the fall detection device and service here.

Read the full press release after the jump.

PRESS RELEASE -- As fitness enthusiasts and experts converge at the IDEA Show in Los Angeles tomorrow, attendees will get a first look (Booth 1350) at the NewYu Connected Fitness Monitor and Service – a comprehensive system for monitoring and managing wellness goals all day long.

Using industry-first motion detection and advanced pattern recognition technology that detects and identifies specific body movements, the small and lightweight NewYu easily clips anywhere on the torso or to the pocket. The monitor not only tracks basic activities such as walking and running, but also specifically recognizes complex movements like biking, elliptical and step machine, while also capturing data for daily living tasks like cooking, cleaning and shopping. The result – a more accurate view of how many calories are burned based on every movement made throughout the day.

“The NewYu team has developed groundbreaking motion detection technology that can distinguish a wide variety of physical movements in the human body. In the fitness market, this unique technology enables us to accurately track both fitness and everyday activities and thus, accurately calculate how many calories are burned throughout the day. The more accurate the tracking, the more likely users are to reach their goals,” said Van Krueger, President and CEO of Wellcore, NewYu’s parent company. “The NewYu Connected Fitness Monitor and Service offer a full-scale solution – from monitor to online tracking to professional management – providing a truly comprehensive wellness and weight management tool.”

NewYu – An Overview

At less than an ounce, the NewYu monitor can be easily and securely clipped to a waistband, collar or sleeve for all day wearing comfort and convenience. Designed to be worn anywhere in the torso area or clipped to the pocket, NewYu is able to accurately sense full body movement.

The monitor works hand-in-hand with the NewYu online dashboard, providing users a home base for setting and tracking goals. With the free NewYu Android app, users can sync data from their monitor to the dashboard in real-time via Bluetooth. Or, users can sync information by connecting the monitor to their computer with a USB adapter. In a matter of seconds, updated information is displayed in easy-to-understand charts.

The Online Dashboard

The personal and secure online dashboard lets users track progress and fitness trends via easy-to-read charts that breakdown activities, detail the number of steps, display the number of calories burned vs. calories consumed and show progress toward goals for the current day, week, 30 and 90 days.

Partnering with CalorieKing™, the site also gives access to tens of thousands of foods, so users can quickly track calories consumed whether at home or on-the-go. Once personal goals are set on the dashboard, NewYu shows real-time progress via LED light bars on the monitor itself.

Professional and Peer Support

NewYu is the only device to offer a solution for personal trainers and health professionals through the Managed Fitness feature. This free tool enables personal trainers, doctors and nutritionists to help clients maintain a healthy lifestyle outside of training sessions and office visits. By viewing clients’ nutrition and fitness progress, professionals can provide custom advice on workout and diet, as well as share words of encouragement.

NewYu also offers ConnectYu – an online social community where users can browse forums, initiate or join groups, and chat with other members to find workout partners, stay accountable, get encouragement, and access tips. Additionally, users can share updates with friends and family via Facebook and Twitter right from the NewYu dashboard.

Pricing and Availability

The NewYu Connected Monitor will retail for $99.99 and is expected to be available in September 2011 through newyu.com and select online retailers, including BestBuy.com and Amazon.com. Consumers can pre-order monitors on the NewYu website.

About Wellcore

Headquartered in San Jose, CA, Wellcore is dedicated to developing consumer products and services that promote fitness, health and security. The company, founded in 2007 by long-time tech entrepreneurs, has developed ground-breaking motion and pattern recognition technology with a scalable platform that is changing how people manage their safety and wellness, both at home and away. For more information, please visit www.newyu.com.