While this nifty new light from Denmark-based Copenhagen Parts won’t likely have owners of carbon fiber bikes hanging their rides up for an old-school steel frame, it could create some “steel” envy. The company is developing a magnetic bike light that attaches directly to the steel frame and turns on as soon as it is in place. By removing the light from the frame it automatically turns off. Read the rest of this entry »
Fitbit fans have a new accessory to compliment their Fitbit pedometer. The new Fitbit Aria is the company’s modern-day take on the scale packing built-in Wi-Fi and the ability to record (and blast out to the Internets) your weight, BMI, and body fat percentage.
The scale can recognize up to eight different user profiles (all profiles are set to private by default) and once connected to your home Wi-Fi network, wirelessly beams your data straight to your Fitbit online dashboard combining your physical activity (tracked by the Fitbit) with your weight loss (tracked by the Aria). From the dashboard you can set goals, track your weight loss progress, and even earn “badges” as you reach your goals. Read the rest of this entry »
There’s never been a better time to get fit. Technology and the Internet have combined to make it easier than ever to record and track your health. From advanced pedometers like the Fitbit to wearable bracelets like Nike’s Fuelband, we’re living in an era where tracking your day-to-day health is as easy as updating your Facebook status.
However, a new study from New York-based NPD Group shows that while consumers are highly aware of all the latest health gadgets, many are still reluctant to purchase them. For instance, of the men and women polled for the NPD Group’s digital fitness study, only 9% have ever used a heart rate monitor. Making matters worse, nearly half of those who have used one have borrowed it from a friend or relative. Read the rest of this entry »
There’s some innovations we have to applaud for getting people on the bike and doing some exercise. Chalktrail is one of those innovations. Chalktrail is an accessory that drags a very big piece of sidewalk chalk behind a bike or scooter to leave a line. Possibilities for fun are endless. Read the rest of this entry »
Mr. Spock on TV’s Star Trek would probably think it is illogical that Android users don’t get the same level of product offerings as their iPhone counterparts. But logic, or rather BioLogic, proves that Android users shouldn’t be left out.
The company has unveiled its Bike Mount for Android, a weatherproof case for Android-based smartphones that can mount to bicycle handlebars. This allows users to use GPS, and other apps on the phone to track speed, position or distance traveled, well riding. The weatherproof hardshell case features a welded, touch-sensitive membrane that allows for touchscreen functionality. Video after the jump
While it is possible to see smoke, and even to some degree smog, it is sometimes hard to know what the quality of the air might be. For many, even a little pollution in the air can go a long way towards big respiratory problems. Unfortunately, it isn’t so easy as just looking out the window to know whether the air quality is good enough for extensive physical activities.
A new personal monitoring device may make it easier to know whether you might want to keep the activities indoors. The MircoPEM was created by North Carolina-based RTI international, and is small enough to be worn on your body and help you know the quality of the air out there. It can measure pollution content of the surrounding air, and monitor your workout levels at the same time – and more importantly inform you if you should cease activity. Read the rest of this entry »
We’ve been seeing a number of new methods to deliver music to those riding a bicycle, and this week we came across the Otus Mini-Speakers, which mount to the wearer’s helmet. These resemble traditional earbuds, but the 15-watt speakers are not actually designed to go into the years. Instead these are applied to hang just above the ears. Videos after the jump
Tired of looking for the perfect pair of workout headphones? Sonic Walk has introduced a line of wearable mini speakers that let you rock out to your tunes without being tied down by wires or uncomfortable earbuds.
The entry-level 300 Series (Lightning; pictured) weighs 8.5 ounces and is designed for walkers, cyclists, and joggers. The strap fits snugly around your shoulders and features built-in speakers that can pump out your tunes, but also keep you aware of your surroundings (unlike most earbuds which drown out ambient noise). They even feaure a built-in LED band that lights up with the push of a button for night jogging. Volume controls are located on the strap itself as is a rechargeable 10-hour battery and pocket for your smartphone/MP3 player. Read the rest of this entry »
You may not realize it, but there’s a small war brewing in the sports and fitness industry. The combatants are ANT+ and the newer Bluetooth Smart technology. Since it’s introduction in 2010, ANT+ (which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Garmin) has been the technology of choice for various fitness gadgets ranging from heart rate monitors to foot pods. The technology allows for the collection, automatic transfer, and tracking of sensor data. In other words, it’s the reason the heart rate strap on your chest can communicate with the heart rate monitor on your wrist.
However, Bluetooth Smart, which uses less power than ANT+, is quickly gaining traction and according to a recent report from IMS Research, it will overtake ANT+ as the technology of choice for fitness gear by 2016.
We’ve already started seeing gadgets using the new technology. Among the heavy hitters supporting Bluetooth Smart are Wahoo Fitness, Motorola, and Nike. Smartphones are also expected to side with Bluetooth Smart (the Motororla DROID RAZR and Apple iPhone 4S are among the more popular handsets.) Read the rest of this entry »
Whether you’re running casually or training for competition, it helps to have a coach keep track of stats and give you motivation to keep going. PEAR Sports’ PEAR Square ONE plus an iPod Nano, which uses ANT+ to transmit data, puts a virtual coach in your ear to keep you updated on heart rate, calories and other stats. The coach also sets the pace for each workout. PEAR Sports President and Co-Founder Kristian Rauhala talks about the personal coaching PEAR Square ONE provides as you run through the season.
Music fuels workouts. But sometimes the cord from headphones gets in the way. On a run your arms swing and often come in contact with the cord and rip it out of your ear. The reason for this is too much slack in the cord, though shorter cords aren’t necessarily the answer, then you risk not having enough cord to accommodate your needs. videos after the jump
Beach season is just around the corner, but boomboxes are so last decade as everyone now relies on “personal music devices.” How about something that combines the two?
The Beach Sounds Mandalay Radio & Speaker from SunnyLife might not look like a serious outdoor device, but it caught our attention. While simple and basic looking, it is actually a fairly robust- and water resistant – housing for an iPhone or other portable music player, or even smartphone. The Mandalay Radio & Speaker provides a speaker as well as radio tuner, and can thus supply the tunes whilst protecting your MP3 player – rain or shine.
Judging from all the “rugged” cases for portable electronics we have covered, we are going to confirm (unscientifically) there’s a really big market for people who want to take their smart phones and music players into the water or any place that is electronics unfriendly. The latest such product for the iPhone 4/4S is the Keystone ECO MarineCase from Concord Keystone, a fully submersible case – up to 20 feet – that lets you shoot video, take photos, send e-mail, or perform any smart phone-related activity while under water. It also protects against other elements like dust and sand, and is IP58 certified for dustproof and waterproof.
Check out this video shot with an iPhone encased in the MarineCase. Read the rest of this entry »
