Strava Upsets Fans With New AI Feature That Promises Insights But Provides Bland Pep Talks
Strava, the popular fitness tracking app, has introduced a new AI-powered feature called “Performance Insights” that’s designed to provide users with personalized feedback on their training. However, the feature has been met with a wave of disappointment from users, who are finding that the insights provided are often vague, unhelpful, and even a bit insulting.
Performance Insights works by analyzing users’ workout data and providing tailored recommendations. For example, the feature might suggest that a user should “keep pushing” or that they’re “doing great.” However, many users are finding that these insights are too generic and offer little actionable advice. Some have even likened the feature to a “pep talk from a robot.”
One user, who has been a Strava Premium subscriber for years, shared his experience on Twitter. “I’m really disappointed in the Performance Insights feature,” he wrote. “The AI seems to have trouble recognizing actual performance and instead just throws out generic phrases like ‘you’re crushing it’ or ‘keep going.’ I don’t need motivational platitudes, I need real data and specific feedback.”
Another user expressed similar sentiment on Reddit. “The Performance Insights just feel like a marketing gimmick to me,” they wrote. “I’m pretty sure I could come up with more helpful and meaningful insights by flipping a coin.”
The lack of actionable insights is not the only issue with the new feature. Users are also finding that Performance Insights often fail to account for their individual training goals or preferences. For instance, some users have received advice that’s directly contrary to their specific training plan, leading to confusion and frustration.
While some users have expressed their displeasure, Strava has defended the feature, claiming that Performance Insights is still in development and that they’re constantly improving its capabilities. The company also emphasizes that the feature is designed to be a supplementary tool, not a replacement for professional coaching.
However, the initial reception of Performance Insights highlights a larger issue in the fitness technology space. AI-powered features are becoming increasingly common in fitness apps and devices, but they’re not always providing the level of personalized insights and guidance that users are expecting.
With so much focus on using AI to analyze data, some apps and devices are failing to deliver actionable advice that users can actually implement in their training. As AI continues to play a larger role in the fitness industry, it’s crucial that developers focus on providing meaningful and personalized insights, not just generic motivational platitudes.
