Fitness app maker RunKeeper launched a new feature for the iOS version of its flagship running app, last week. The free feature, Goal Coach, aims to help users stay motivated, but also help them pick goals that are both "realistic and specific". In May, the company also plans to raise its rates for its premium upgrade.
Users who want to add Goal Coach insights to their workout are prompted to enter a motivation, including "lose weight", "challenge myself", "get fit", "learn to run", and "do a race". Goal Coach will take "everything it knows about you and others like you" to help people set and reach goals. Some of these metrics might include what kind of self-described athlete the user is, gender, and weight.
While every RunKeeper user can take advantage of Goal Coach, the company says Goal Coach will provide more insights to users who are members of RunKeeper's premium version, RunKeeper Elite. When users pair the two services, Goal Coach also provides users with weekly updates on their progress and suggestions on how users can adjust their goal so that it's reachable.
The company also informed customers that it will be raising its rates for RunKeeper Elite starting May 1. Until then, the service will cost $5 per month or $20 for the year. After the price hike, the service will cost $10 per month or $39.99 for the year. All existing members will be grandfathered into the service at the current prices.
A few weeks ago, in April 2014, RunKeeper also launched a new app, called Breeze. The app is aimed not just at runners but at walkers and casual exercisers. The app uses the phone’s M7 motion coprocessor to track the user’s movements all day, similar to ProtoGeo’s Moves app, Azumio’s Argus app, Facebook's Moves app, and the Fitbit app's Motion Track feature.