NOVELTY - The device (100) has a sensor (208) receiving a set of user performance metrics associated with a user (202). A network interface receives a competitor workout file from a remote computer. A processor performs comparison between the set of user performance metrics and the competitor workout file associated with a virtual competitor. A display displays a summary of the comparison in real-time. A memory stores the competitor workout file, where the competitor workout is streamed to the network interface during the exercise routine.    USE - Portable electronic device such as iPod (RTM: portable media player) and iphone (RTM: internet-connected multimedia smart phone) for use in an interactive game play providing system (claimed), for providing real-time interaction between a user performing an exercise routine by using a fitness equipment such as treadmills, stationary bicycles and elliptical trainers, and a virtual competitor, by providing a media file to the user. Uses include but are not limited to songs, audio books, multimedia presentations, still images, text, pod casts and videos.    ADVANTAGE - The device allows facilitating real-time interaction between a user performing the exercise routine and the virtual competitor. The device receives performance metrics from the user running on a treadmill and displays real-time graphics related to the user's performance metrics on a display along with a competitor's performance metrics.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - INDEPENDENT CLAIMS are also included for the following:    (1) a web server for facilitating communications among a set of electronic devices, comprising an input module    (2) a computer-readable medium storing instructions for facilitating communications    (3) a system for providing interactive game play, comprising a computer.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The drawing shows a schematic view of a system for providing real-time interaction between a user and a virtual competitor.    Portable electronic device (100)    Network (162)    User (202)    Treadmill display (203)    Treadmill (204)    Sensors (208, 210)