Work out for charity

Last week, Silicon Valley-based startup Striiv announced plans for a portable fitness device that blends fitness and gaming with something a bit unexpected -- charitable donations

Last week, Silicon Valley-based startup Striiv announced plans for a portable fitness device that blends fitness and gaming with something a bit unexpected -- charitable donations.

By being active, such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator, users can earn points to donate to real-world charities, at no extra cost to them. The device partners with GlobalGiving to help a range of projects around the globe, including aiding drought victims in Ethiopia or providing vital medicines to children in India.

The device, also called Striiv, is about the same size as an Apple Nano and is attachable to a keychain or belt. It tracks all of your movements throughout the day -- including steps you take around your office and gym workouts -- and transforms your activities into games and donations.

So far the device's only game, MyLand, is powered solely by physical activity. The more you move, the more your enchanted island fills with exotic wildlife and plants. More games are expected to be added in the future, according to the company.