Archive for July, 2010
Written by Peter Suciu on 30 July 2010
If movies and TV shows are to be believed someday the machines will take over. When that day comes – and Terminator and The Matrix plus the iPhone and hybrid cars are enough to make us think it is just around the corner – we’ll all likely be bossed around by robots. Until then you can have a robot help you with your diet. That’s the idea behind the new Autom, a personal robot developed by Intuitive Automata, which was designed to be a motivational tool as part of a weight loss regimen. The Autom robot was officially unveiled at an entrepreneurial event in Barcelona, Spain in June, 2009.
The robot is actually based on the PhD thesis of MIT graduate Cory Kidd, co-founder and chief executive of Intuitive Automata Inc., who suggested that interactive technology could help people lose weight. Thus the concept behind Autom is that people who keep track of their food and exercise whilst dieting will have more success, and if you don’t have someone to help you manage this information the robot can help.
Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: Autom, Boston Medical Center's clinic, Cory Kidd, Intuitive Automata Inc., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, MIT
Posted in Exercise, Software | No Comments »
Written by Enid Burns on 30 July 2010
The Expresso Bike mounts a video screen on the handlebars, like dangling a carrot.
Sometimes weather dictates an indoor workout, even when you’re longing for the outdoors. A video screen mounted to the handlebars with scenery doesn’t replace the outdoor feel. Expresso Upright Bike makes claims to “fuse exertainment with Web-based personalization features in a commercial-quality system! Eye-catching and fully-integrated design.” The bike has over 30 Basic-to-Extreme rated interactive tours such as rides along the California coast and the Peruvian mountains.
If you look at this bike, about the only thing that’s advanced beyond other stationary bikes and spin bikes is that the handlebars move to simulate turns and steering around a course or those curvy coastline roads. It also changes the resistance with the terrain on the road or course you’re riding. The video screen provides the scenery, but we’re not certain if it speeds up or slows down to match your speed as you ride. The screen is too small to offer any kind of immersive experience the company claims to provide. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: Cycling, Expresso Bike, spin bike, stationary bike, video workout
Posted in Cycling, Equipment | No Comments »
Written by Peter Suciu on 29 July 2010
The Airtool Pro Floor Pump utilizes SwitchHitter Head Technology to automatically switch between Shrader and Presta valves
Unless you’re a hardcore bike geek, and even then, you might have to stop and think when it comes to Schrader and Presta valves on your bicycle tubes. Walk into a shop and ask for a tube and you’ll likely be asked, “Schrader or Presta,” as if you should automatically know what they’re talking about! If, like many the new rider, you respond, “I’m not sure,” you might hear, “well, European or American.” Of course that doesn’t help matters for most riders.
As a sidebar, the Schrader valve (also called the American valve) was invented by August Schrader in 1891, and it is used on virtually all automobiles – as well as many low-end bicycles – to this day. To confuse matters the French adopted the Presta valve (also called the French valve, or just as commonly “European” valve), which is now found on most high-end bicycles. Confused? Well, consider that Schrader is sometimes spelled “Shrader” by many manufacturers including some tire makers and it is enough to make your head spin. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: American Valve, August Schrader, Bike Tubes, Floor pumps, French Valve, Preseta, Schrader, Shrader, Specialized, SwitchHitter Head Technology, valves
Posted in Cycling, Equipment | No Comments »
Written by Peter Suciu on 29 July 2010
It is hard to think about winter given that the recent heat waves, but next week is the beginning of August and that means that fall is just around the corner. While there is plenty of outdoor running left, it is never too early to think about how to keep up the miles once it gets cold outside and the snow starts to pile up. While this reporter will stick to the treadmill, our friends over at the Competitive Runner have another tip for those who need to put in some real miles in the great out doors.
The site offers tips on transforming an old pair of running shoes into some winter trainers. The solution they’ve come up with involves adding some sheet metal screws to the soles, which should certainly provide some extra traction and stability when you hit icy conditions. It is a good tip, and a great reason to save shoes that still have a few miles left in. Maybe it will get those of us who prefer to stay indoors in the winter to actually head outside for a run.
[Via Competitive Runner: Make Your Own Screw Shoes]
Tags: Competitive Runner, Running Shoes, screws, Shoes, Treadmill
Posted in Apparel, Outdoors, Running | No Comments »
Written by Enid Burns on 28 July 2010
Got a problem with your bike? Need to true your wheels? Flat tire? Having a problem with the rear derailleur? There’s an app for that. Last summer I had problems with the shifter/brake levers and the rear derailleur on my still new road bike. Luckily it was still within the warrantee period at my local shop, however the problems were difficult to diagnose. The ability to look up bicycle maintenance on my phone would have been a big help.
Bike Repair, an iPhone app with the basics on keeping your bike running – all the way down to getting a proper fit from your helmet – may just save you a few trips to the bike shop. The app walks you through bike mechanics such as adjusting the height and angle of the front derailleur; cleaning and lubricating the chain; aligning the handlebars and adjusting the headset; and brake adjustments for cantilever, V-Brake and center mount brakes. If you find yourself on the side of the road, Bike Repair’s got you covered. Just be sure to take hand wipes. This app will get your fingers in the grease, and you’ll probably want to clean up before using your phone again.
The app is available from the Apple App Store.
Bike Repair Mobile Official Site
[Via PC World: Fix Your Bike on the Go With Bike Repair]
Tags: bike repair, iPhone app, there's an app for that
Posted in Cycling, Mobile Phone | 1 Comment »
Written by Peter Suciu on 28 July 2010
While the last few days of this year’s Tour de France were pretty exciting to watch, one fact was missing from a lot of the commentary. Both over all winner Alberto Contador and second place finisher Andy Schleck rolled into Paris on Specialized bikes. This was the first-ever Maillot Jaune for California-based Specialized.
For a company with the name “Specialized,” it makes a range of products that aren’t limited just to the road bikes either. The company’s gear was used throughout the peleton, not only with both the Astana and Saxo Bank teams sponsored teams, but notably with many other riders using shoes, saddles and other Specialized accessories. Alessandro Petacchi also sported the new Prevail cycling helmet as he sprinted his way to winning this year’s Green Jersey.
“Winning the Tour is a dream for us that has taken 36 years to come true,” said Mike Sinyard, founder and owner of Specialized. “It’s a clear example of successfully following our founding principle to focus on the rider’s need for technologically advanced products that provide true performance benefits.”
With a one-two finish for the bikes we can’t but agree!
Specialized Official Site
Tags: Alberto Contador, Alessandro Petacchi, Andy Schleck, Astana, California, Green Jersey, Maillot Jaune, Mike Sinyard, Paris, Previal cycling Helmet, Saxo Bank, Specialized, Tour de France
Posted in Apparel, Cycling, Equipment, Pro Sports | No Comments »
Written by Enid Burns on 28 July 2010
U.S. Olympic skater Apolo Anton Ohno welcomes new sponsor BMW.
Years ago it was BMW Films. Short pideos of theater-quality storylines that highlighted the auto brand and were fun to watch. Now BMW is putting money behind the United States Olympic Committee.The six-year deal makes BMW the Official Mobility Partner of the United States Olympic Committee and of four National Governing Bodies: USA Bobsled & Skeleton, U.S. Speedskating, USA Swimming and USA Track & Field. This is multi-million dollar agreement isn’t just a monetary commitment. The sponsor will provide the USOC with fundraising opportunities and the four NGB groups will gain access to BMW Group technical expertise. BMW group will use its experts, deep technology base and facilities to help the Olympic and Paralympic Teams improve their training and performance. Teams will get to use the auto manufacturer’s facilities including the wind tunnel to test aerodynamics.
via: MediaPost
Tags: Apolo Anton Ohno, BMW, bobsled, Olympics, Skeleton, Speed Skating
Posted in Pro Sports | No Comments »
Written by Enid Burns on 27 July 2010
Walking on a bumpy, packed sand surface is supposed to be better than an even, paved surface for your feet and leg muscles. That’s what the company MBT came up with a few years ago and this season shoes with the but-busting concave soul have been released by many brands. Avia is one of those, but they created a double rocker, or the rocker concave soul with an air pocket under the arch. Three models include the ishape, iburn and iquest. The negative heel, double rocker and low density forefoot in each shoe model claims to make downtime activity productive by building muscles in the leg and quads – those muscles in the rear. This is done by making you work for every step by rolling your foot over the shoe’s soul.
Avia has a history of innovation since its beginning in 1079. Soleredemption.com has an interesting profile on the company’s progress.
Avia Avimotion
Tags: Avia, MBT, muscle tone, walking shoe
Posted in Footwear | No Comments »
Written by Peter Suciu on 27 July 2010
Given the recent heat waves that have gripped much of the country it is hard to think about ice – except for the kind used in a cool drink. But hockey season is just around the corner, and the ice that the skaters will do their thing on is evolving. On the surface – no pun intended – ice is pretty simple. Run some water; add some cold and you have a skating surface. Mother nature usually does a good job every winter, but for the artificial ice rinks it is another story. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: artificial ice rinks, Dinseyland Paris., Florida Panthers, Goalie, Ice, NHL, shooting rink, synthetic ice, water, XTRAICE Ice Identical Response Technology, XTRAICE Max Gliding Technology, XTRAICE Sport Technology
Posted in Equipment, Pro Sports | 1 Comment »
Written by Peter Suciu on 27 July 2010
The Montague Paratrooper Will Dive Into Action
You probably wouldn’t want to jump out an airplane with your Trek or Cannondale mountain bike, and that’s not a slight at either company. The truth is just that those companies make a very good product for hitting the trails, but it isn’t meant to take this kind of dive. Most commercial mountain bikes can survive a crash, but not to do the airborne soldier thing. That’s where Montague comes in. The company produces a range of high quality folding bikes, and in their off-road fleet is the Paratrooper.
This airborne warrior utilizes the CLIX system, which allows the bike to be folded up in under 20 seconds without the use of any tools. A flip of the quick release turns a full-sized off road machine into a compact package that is ready to travel. While actual folding time is reported to be about 20 seconds, we’d recommend you take your time, but we’re sure you probably have a minute or to spare to do it right. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: CLIX System, F.I.T., Folding Bike, Folding Integrated Technology, Montague, mountain bike, Paratrooper
Posted in Cycling, Outdoors | 1 Comment »
Written by Peter Suciu on 26 July 2010
Game developers might have a problem with gamers hitting the floor with the Microsoft Kinect. We’re not talking about those who suddenly collapse after working out for the first time in ages, but rather on how the Xbox 360 add-on will be able to track users who lay down in certain games. Who is not lying down on the job is Blitz Games CTO Andrew Oliver, who said his team is trying to resolve the issue for the upcoming game The Biggest Loser: Ultimate Workout.
Joystiq.com is reporting that Oliver noted this problem recently at the Develop Conference. It seems that many of the exercises done on the TV version, such as the usual push-ups and even certain yoga poses, require that one lies on the ground. The Kinect 3D motion sensing hardward can’t track this, and that could be a problem – one that would be a problem in any shooter where you might go prone. Oliver is reportedly working with the team on the issue, and progress has been made so gamers will be able to drop and give the game 20 when it comes out this fall! As if they’d actually get out of doing push-ups!
[Via Joystiq.com: Can Kinect handle a player lying down? Yes and no]
Tags: Andrew Oliver, Biggest Loser: Ultimate Workout, Blitz Games, CTO, Develop Conference, Kinect, Kinect 3D, Microsoft, motion sensing, Xbox 360
Posted in Exercise, Video Games | No Comments »
Written by Peter Suciu on 26 July 2010
If you’ve ever visited London you know that the Brits like to paint clear directions on their streets – as in “Look Right” for those who are about to cross the road. No doubt that is done because they drive on the opposite/wrong side of the street (depending on your perspective), and it probably wouldn’t be good to have the black taxicabs run down American tourists. But this summer London has introduced another type of painted marker – and this one is a lot more than just merely “look” plastered on the ground. London now has cycle superhighways, with the first two being opened this year, and to keep riders safe the routes are marked out in bright blue paint.
Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: Bike Lanes, blue paint, Cycling, Cycling Superhighway, London, New York, superhighway
Posted in Cycling, Low Tech | No Comments »
Written by Enid Burns on 26 July 2010
Rubberized coating on these shoes make them spashproof.
Seamless is the new stitching. A new trail running shoe from Hi-Tec was on show at the OutDoor show last week, the Infinity V-Lite. Layers of technology make for a streamlined shoe. A seamless upper reduces weight and tendency to develop blisters. Hi-Tec worked with Vibram to provide an exclusive sole with two rubber compounds that provide traction and durability. A rubberized coating provides permanent water repellence. There’s plenty more features to give the shoe a comfortable fit and support while on the trails. And it looks cool too. We hope to get our hands on a pair when they become more widely available.
Hi-Tec
Via: Outdoors Magic Gear Blog
Tags: OutDoor Show, Running, seamless shoes, trail running
Posted in Footwear, Running | No Comments »
