# ErgBuddy

> Concept2 rower performance data display for visually impaired users. (iPhone/iPad app by Concept2, Inc..)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ergbuddy/id446481795 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Concept2, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/446481798)
- Category: Health & Fitness, Lifestyle
- Price: Free
- Rating: 1.70/5 from 6 App Store ratings · 4 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 3.2 · 1 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2011-07-13
- Data updated: 2026-06-10
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ergbuddy/id446481795/reviews.md

## What is ErgBuddy?

** DISCONTINUED PRODUCT ** 
Concept2 suggests looking at ErgData App which now includes voice features for visually impaired, works with PM3 and PM4, and does not require Wahoo Key.  Concept2 understands that ErgBuddy provides some advantages for some customers, so it will remain in the iTunes app store until June 1, 2014.

ErgBuddy displays performance data from your Concept2 Indoor Rower providing a large, bright display which is particularly useful when rowing in a dimly lit or dark room.

Fully compatible with the iOS VoiceOver feature, ErgBuddy can also announce your performance data at regular intervals, making it an ideal training partner for the blind and visually impaired.

IMPORTANT NOTE: To use this program, there are some system requirements:
1) Wahoo Key (formerly "Fisica Sensor Key").
2) Concept2 rowing machine with PM4 monitor.  Any rowing machine or PM4 monitor purchased before December 2012 may require a free firmware update to the PM4 monitor.  

See www.concept2.com/ErgBuddy for more detailed information.

If you cannot connect your PM4 to ErgBuddy, you may need a firmware update.  Contact rowing@concept2.com if you need assistance.

History of ErgBuddy: This project was started as a demonstration to show that it was possible to connect an iOS device to the PM4 and was shown at CES 2011.  Visually impaired customers gave Concept2 feedback that this was an important development as the results could be spoken.  As a result, Concept2 expedited the publishing specifically for this market.  ErgBuddy is a low-frills free app specifically for this market.

## Key features

- Large, bright performance data display
- VoiceOver compatibility
- Performance data announcements
- Concept2 Indoor Rower integration
- Ideal for visually impaired users

## Recent user reviews (4 of 4)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ergbuddy/id446481795/reviews.md

### 1/5 — Poor SW design and integration

*2014-02-17, version 1.1.2*

This app looks circa 1980s. Yes, its nice to have a chart to look at, but why can’t it be more like RowPro? What about HeartRate? integration to online log book? 
Can the C2 folks please hire a competent software engineer or outsource this development. Truly disappointing. 
I also paid to get the iPhone connector kit and it did not come with a lightning cable. Apple switched over a while ago to lightning. They told me to go buy an adaptor ($30) to make this work.

### 1/5 — Forget it for PM3

*2013-12-25, version 1.1.2*

No longer works with PM 3 monitors, so I wasted my money for the cable. Used to be great, but I'm not forking over the money for a new monitor just so I can use this software. Back to jotting numbers down on a tablet and manually entering data.

### 5/5 — Great app! Very useful!

*2012-12-13, version 1.1.2*

The combination of the app, the connection kit, firmware updates to the PMx and the iDevice offer compelling new features. Leveraging the backlit screen allows rowing in the dark (simulates those early moring on water experiences), and the new exposed data elements are useful for developing better understanding of your performance.

For me, the top enabled new feature is the direct capture and syncing with the online logbook. This allows me to use public ergs while travelling without bringing my shared logcard from home or taking camera phone pics of the monitor screen! I simply can use the direct sync feature from the app.

NOTE - do not insert logcard into monitor when using this app as noted on concept2 web.

### 1/5 — No logbook connection?

*2011-11-17, version 1.1.2*

Why on Earth isn't this linked to the Concept2 online logbook? That seems like the first thing the official app should do.

## Frequently asked questions about ErgBuddy

### What is ErgBuddy?

ErgBuddy is a free app designed to display performance data from a Concept2 Indoor Rower. It is particularly useful for visually impaired users due to its VoiceOver compatibility and data announcement features.

### What are the system requirements for ErgBuddy?

To use ErgBuddy, you need a Wahoo Key and a Concept2 rowing machine with a PM4 monitor. Rowing machines or PM4 monitors purchased before December 2012 may require a firmware update.

### Does ErgBuddy have ads?

The provided data does not specify if ErgBuddy contains advertisements. However, it is described as a 'low-frills free app'.

### What is the rating of ErgBuddy?

ErgBuddy has a rating of 1.7 stars based on 6 user ratings.

### Is ErgBuddy still supported?

No, ErgBuddy is a discontinued product and was available in the iTunes app store until June 1, 2014. Concept2 suggests using the ErgData App as an alternative.

### What devices does ErgBuddy support?

ErgBuddy supports iPhone, iPad, and iPod devices.

### When was ErgBuddy last updated?

ErgBuddy was last updated on September 13, 2011, to version 1.1.2.

### How does ErgBuddy compare to ErgData App?

Concept2 suggests ErgData App as a replacement, noting it includes voice features for the visually impaired, works with PM3 and PM4 monitors, and does not require a Wahoo Key.

## Version history (last 2 releases)

### 1.1.2 — 2011-09-13

- Fixed issue with SPM not being displayed
- Fixed issue with split time jump to 0 at end of workout
- Fixed issue with split average pace being incorrect during the workout
- Detect old AP1 Fisica keys and display warning if inserted
- Display "Ski" instead of "Row" when Ski Erg detected
- Added a rowing inactivity timer.  When no rowing is detected for 15 minutes, device is allowed to sleep.
- Display of PM4 device number is now the complete serial number.  Voice over speaks "Connected to PM serial number ending in XXXX".

NOTE: Some customers have indicated problems using iPhone 4S, Concept2 is aware of the issue and working on a solution.  Please report any issues to rowing@concept2.com.

As of 1/6/2012 works with PM4's both old and new.  
For PM4 older than 2008, use Ver 28 or higher
For PM4 from 2008 and newer use Ver 318 or higher
Firmware is available using the Concept2 Utility program.  Ensure you click on the GEAR icon, select "I want beta firmware", then "Check Now".

### 1.0 — 2011-07-13

No release notes.

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## More apps by Concept2, Inc.

- [ErgData](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ergdata/id561716382)
- [ErgRace Online](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ergrace-online/id1509799588)
- [ErgData for PM3 PM4](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ergdata-for-pm3-pm4/id1575416793)

All apps by Concept2, Inc.: https://appshunter.io/developer/446481798

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-10.*
