Archive for September, 2010
Written by Enid Burns on 02 September 2010
Banned: The full-length swimsuit worn in swimming competitions including the controversial Beijing Olympics. On the first of the year the Federation Internationale De Natation (FINA), the governing body of competitive swimming; water polo; diving; synchronized swimming and open water swimming, ruled that competitive swimmers must discontinue the use of the rubberized suits. Now the aftermath and controversy of so many new world’s records takes place.
Last year 108 world records were broken, and nearly 30 so far this year, cites an article on Canadian radio site CBC. A second article mentions other sports associations enforce an 18-month waiting period when revolutionary technology is introduced to equipment. These suits were embraced after just three months of testing. And not all competitors had access to the suits during training and competitions. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: Federation Internationale De Natation, FINA, Olympics, swimsuit
Posted in Swimming | No Comments »
Written by Peter Suciu on 02 September 2010
Having a fantastic run on the ski slopes is something you’ll want to talk about with your friends, but Vail Resorts now has a new mobile smartphone app that will let you share your experience on the slopes before you even get back to the lodge. EpicMix is a new online and mobile application that allows skiers and riders a seamless way to digitally capture and share their mountain experiences. From either a computer or via free mobile app for the iPhone, Android or other smartphones, the EpicMix takes advantage of newly installed state-of-the-art radio frequency (RF) scanners that are in place at 89 lifts across five mountain resorts. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: Android, App, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, EpicMix, Facebook, Heavenly, iPhone, Keystone, Keystone Mountain, PEAKS, radio frequency (RF), Rob Katz, ski, smartphone, Twitter, Vail, Vail Resorts
Posted in Equipment, Gadget, Outdoors | No Comments »
Written by Peter Suciu on 02 September 2010
Fall means football, and as the season kicks off this year will see a whole new dimension to the games. ESPN 3D has just announced that the first 3D college games will be broadcast on the new network, and this should certainly have fans getting into the school spirit like never before.
“The technology is now cleaner, crisper and more interactive than ever before,” says David Berman of Home Technology Specialists of America, adding, “it’s more affordable and there is strong demand for these products. Consumers are investing in a variety of options on the market right now that will create an exciting experience.”
Beyond the 3D experience, Berman notes that another way fans are enjoying the game is by watching them outdoors but closer to home; tailgating in their own back yards with new weather-proof outdoor TVs from makers such as Pantel and SunBrite. These sets are ruggedized and meant to stand up to extreme temperatures – from the record highs at the season openers to the more nasty November weather.
So while we still like to focus on technology that gets users moving, we have to admit that the large HDTV sets offer plenty of ways to enjoy the big games, whether it is outside in the elements, or in the full glory of HDTV in 3D. It’s time for some college football.
Home Theater Specialists of America
ESPN 3D
Tags: 3D, College Football, ESPN, ESPN 3D, HDTV, Home Theater Specialists of America
Posted in Equipment, Outdoors | No Comments »
Written by Enid Burns on 01 September 2010
Laces. Velcro. Buckles. Bindings. You need one of those to tighten the shoes to get the support you need. Nike recently filed a patent for shoes with tightening laces. Or at least self-tightening straps. A battery and electronics built into the heel of the shoe control the laces and maintain a snug or loose and comfortable setting for the wearer. This technology is still in development, but fun to think what it will be like to slip into a pair of shoes and have the straps tighten on command.
Of course there are drawbacks in relying on this technology. The electronics could cause the shoes to tighten on their own, or give up working while laced on your feet. Is there an emergency out setting? We’re not sure if the battery is replaceable, and therefore its life could possibly determine the life of the shoe. On the flip side an electronic indicator to replace your shoe might be what some people need. I’ve seen people wear their shoes into the ground. Quite literally.
[via PopSci: Nike Patents Back-to-the-Future-Style Self-Lacing Shoes]
Tags: laces, Nike, self-tightening straps, shoelace
Posted in Footwear | No Comments »
Written by Peter Suciu on 01 September 2010
There have been dozens of books on bicycle maintenance, riding techniques and even the history of the sport, but little has been written that actually describes the technology around a bike – at least not in a way for the average rider. Authors Rob van der Plas and Stuart Baird, who both share a lifelong passion for bicycles, have finally addressed this and have written a concise book that examines everything you’d ever need to know about the two wheel contraptions.
This effort, Bicycle Technology: Understanding the Modern Bicycle & Its Components will appeal to the hardcore gear head as well as the causal rider. It offers 28 chapters, beginning (fittingly enough) with a short yet thorough history and development of bicycle, its accompanying technology and finally to what the future may bring for riders. Additionally, this book offers detailed information on practically every single component and materials used in bike construction, and while this isn’t meant to be a study on maintenance, it will help anyone who tinkers with their cycles have a better understanding of how the specific parts work. Other key topics such as different types of bicycles, as well as information on design are all presented over the course of the 320 pages. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: Bicycle, Bicycle Technology: Understanding the Modern Bicycle & Its Components, Book Review, Cycle Publishing, Cycling, ISBN: 978-1-892495-66-2, Rob van der Plas, Stuart Baird
Posted in Cycling, Research | No Comments »
Written by Peter Suciu on 01 September 2010
Skiers heading to Park City, Utah this coming season will be in for a treat. It has been announced that the first of its kind bubble enclosed, quad lift will be introduced just outside the Grand Summit Hotel. The weather protecting orange bubble will give visitors a new perspective on the slopes. It promises to offer unmatched visibility, safety and for those who don’t like the mountain chill – new comforts that include heated seats.
The orange bubble will further make skiers feel like they’re inside a pair of ski goggles, and this lift should increase the uphill capacity from base to mountain by around 47 percent. And it will allow skiers to get to the top of the mountain in a mere nine minutes. But again, we think the fact that skiers will stay warm is the best part.
Tags: Grand Summit Hotel, Heated, Orange Bubble, Park City, Ski Lift, Utah
Posted in Equipment, Outdoors | No Comments »
