Play real-world soccer, get FIFA Mobile rewards with this Google wearable

Activity tracking is ubiquitous these days thanks to cheap fitness trackers, but Google, Adidas, and EA Sports are taking things one step further with the GMR smart insole.

The new insoles fit into your shoes and contains a Jacquard tag for your dominant foot that tracks your real-world soccer activity thanks to on-device machine learning. Actions measured include kicks, shot power, distance, and speed.

EA has also implemented integration with the tag in FIFA Mobile, allowing you to complete weekly challenges and milestones. According to The Verge, these challenges include kicking a ball a certain number of times or running a given distance. Furthermore, you can improve your Ultimate Team and unlock in-game rewards by using the tag in the real world.

The outlet also notes that data syncing with FIFA Mobile is a little awkward right now, as you can’t import data directly from the tag to the game. Instead, you’ll need to sync the tag with the GMR app, then open FIFA Mobile to get your data in-game.

As for battery life, the website says it should last for two or three full soccer games (90 minutes each). The tag can be charged by removing it from the insole and connecting it to a microUSB cable.

Personally, I do wonder how comfortable this will be, and whether it’s water resistant in case you decide to play in the rain. In any event, you can buy the Adidas GMR smart insoles and tag for £29.95, €34.99, or $35 via the Adidas website.