Forget the FitBit and the Apple Watch: Produce giant Dole is delving into the wearable tech game with a banana that functions as a wearable fitness tracker, reports The Verge. The strange new invention will be debuted at the 2015 Tokyo Marathon that takes place February 22.
According to the official Dole Japan website for the bizarre gadget:
This device can measure the runners' heart rate, lap time and display the figures onto a real banana. You can even cheer the runner through social media, which will show directly onto the banana peel! And after the race, of course you can eat it too! Finish the race mentally and physically energized!
Bananas are a commonly recommended snack for athletes, so it (sort of?) makes sense that Dole would look to the potassium-rich fruit as a companion for runners. At least, it's more sensible than the wearable robot that feeds you tomatoes that Japanese ketchup company Kagome invented for the upcoming marathon.