Philips' Activa MP3 Player Matches Music to Your Running Speed

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 8, 2010— -- For the runner who can't hit the pavement without music pumping in his or her ears, Philips' new Activa MP3 player promises a whole new level of motivation.

Royal Philips Electronics has now announced an audio player that matches music to a runner's pace. The Activa is on display this week at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

Using Philips' proprietary software -- a program called TempoMusic -- the Activa sorts music according to tempo and then uses a built-in accelerometer to pick music according to your speed.

The program also lets you choose an inspiring song ("Chariots of Fire," anyone?) to help push you to your finish line.

If you slow down too much, the Activa turns personal trainer on you and plays some words of encouragement.

Philips says the Activa will be released in April 2010 for $129.99.