Peloton is testing new handheld Gadget called ‘The Tiger’

The New York Post reported that their sources have revealed Peloton is currently testing a new handheld gadget called The Tiger for a possible release or reveal planned in the fourth quarter of this year.

The Post wrote:

The handheld gadget, about the size of an old Sony Walkman, can be attached to a TV or computer and provides instant feedback on customers’ workouts, said a source close to the company.

It was not clear what sort of workouts Peloton would be offering, but The Tiger is equipped with software that will assess customers’ form and movements. 

There is also a cover that slides over the lens when it’s not in use, presumably so customers don’t feel like they are being watched. 

The Tiger, if real, would likely work with Strength, Yoga, Cardio and possibly other class types to count reps and/or provide real-time feedback on your form. Peloton is likely using the tech for this device from their recent acquisition of Otari, which developed an interactive yoga mat using AI and computer-vision technology.

As someone who has played around with various AI-based exercise feedback, I have doubts that The Tiger from Peloton will be used to give much feedback around form. It is relatively easy to create a device to count your reps… but being able to analyze and provide feedback on form for a variety of body types and skill levels is an enormously tricky task.

A task that would be a lot easier if released along with a new Peloton Wearable, which is also likely coming given Peloton’s renewed focus on heart rate with their Strive Score. And of course, it could also make use of AI-voice technology that Peloton now has after their acquisition of AI-voice company Aiqudo.

However, if Peloton can pull it off, the combination of a new wearable and AI workout tracker would be a very powerful tool that I am sure many Peloton users would be interested in purchasing.

We will keep our eye out more any updates regarding “The Tiger,” or whichever name Peloton decides to go with, in addition to the possible upcoming rower, wearable, and updated Tread+ after their recent voluntary recall.