While consumer GPS units have long been “rugged” some specialized field devices have lagged behind. But recently Trimble introduced its next generation of GNSS devices for GIS field applications, including the Trimble Juno 3B and 3D handhelds. These specially computers offer positioning, imaging and communications in a single package.
These units offer GPS, a 5MP autofocus camera and Windows Mobile Software. What is more impressive is this also offer Juno 3G wireless technology, which allows users to transfer data and stay connected via the device’s integrated mobile phone. These are designed for those in the gas, electric and water utilities, but we could see that such a device could have uses for consumers who need a rugged device that has the power and connectivity of a smartphone and can stand up to the elements.
This week Panasonic announced that will re-enter the European mobile phone market with a waterproof, dustproof phone called the Eluga. While pricey – as much as $650 in American currency – the phones will utilized the Google Android OS.
The Eluga smartphone’s features include a 1GHz dual-core CPU, 1GB of internal RAM plus 8GB of internal flash memory (there is no mention of a microSD slot) and a 4.3″ 540 x 960 pixel qHD touchscreen display. It is reportedly waterproof and dustproof rated to IP57 standards, and it can be immersed in a maximum of 1.5 metres of water for 30 minutes.
Panasonic is currently the leader in the UK market for “ruggedized products” and the company is looking to build on the success of the products in its Toughbook laptop line. No word on whether the Eluga would arrive in America, but we’re sure to hear more about it at next week’s Mobile World Congress from Barcelona.
There is a saying the close only counts in horse shoes and hand grenades, but it soon close could be enough when it comes to providing light for bicycles. Right now there are two ways to get light to shine the way – either have it powered by a battery or utilize a dynamo-powered light that works by utilizing the motion of the bike itself. The latter is green, but can still slowly wear down the tire and it requires extra effort for the rider.
Now German inventor Dirk Strothmann has created a small, no-contact, self-contained dynamo bike light that makes close close enough. So how does it work? Simple enough actually, instead of friction it works magnetically where the spinning wheel and the magnets in the dynamo take advantage of eddy currents, with the result being electric energy from the metallic rims. Video after the jump
Admit it – there are times when you just want to throw your phone. You know you shouldn’t do it but it would feel so good. At last week’s Toy Fair The O was awarded the Popular Science Best of Toy Fair 2012 award for making a way to throw the phone and even make a game of it.
Developed by Physical Apps, a NH-based technology company, The O takes mobile gaming to a whole new level – and in a very big way. Instead of just titling or shaking that iPhone or Android device you can put it in this special casing and really play with the phone! Throw it in a game of “hot potato” – just be sure you don’t play when “mom” calls! Video after the jump
Soldiers wear helmets to protect their heads, body armor and even special boots these days. Vehicles are getting retro-fitted with extra armor as well. And now Flying Circle Bags, a supplier of field, tactical and travel bags for the U.S. Military has introduced the Tactical iPad Cover.
This cover has been optimized to securely hold an iPad in a variety of methods including one handed and on hands-free with an adjustable leg strap. It features a removable viewing hood that can reduce glared in bright sunlight, and more importantly reduce the visual signature during no-light and low-light conditions. Video after the jump
At times it might seem as if comfortable and sound quality are mutually exclusive with earbubs, but Sonomax Technologies hopes to change that perception with its new PCS-150 and PCS-250 custom-fit earphones that will arrive next month. These promise to offer low profile, ergonomically shaped design and ear loop that comfortably cradles the back of the ear, while providing a channel for the wire from the sound source, as well as assisting the user in proper insertion and removal.
Designed for active users and fitness enthusiasts, the PCS-150 eers utilize a tuned dynamic speaker to deliver enhanced bass response through bass reflex technology.
And in addition to sounding good for music, both models will offer users the ability to answer calls through a smartphone. Read the rest of this entry »
As a way of generating power we think the exercise wheel in the video is actually an interesting idea. But as a way to escape taking Rover for a walk we see it as a Mis(Shift) and given that so many people will go to great lengths to avoid work – this one simply makes us nervous. So maybe not a full-blown Kinetic(Mis)Shift we think there might be better ways to generate some power.
Accessories-maker Snow Lizard Products has introduced what could be the perfect rugged case for the iPhone 4 and 4S: the AQUA TEK S. The tank-like case not only gives your iPhone waterproof protection, but a built-in batter and solar charger gives your iPhone an extra boost of power (with these devices getting more and more power hungry, that’s welcome, especially if you’re outdoors without access to a power outlet).
The case is waterproof up to 20 feet and can withstand drops. A top lid opens up to easily let you remove or insert an iPhone, and all the iPhone external buttons are accessible via corresponding external buttons on the case.
However, there’s a catch: it’s not for sale, yet. It looks like Snow Lizard is looking for some financial backing for this product and is utilizing Kickstarter. Snow Lizard plans to sell it at retail for $130, but if you pledge $25, $175, $1,000, or $5,000, Snow Lizard is including some extras for those who get in early, like ski passes to Utah resorts.
Check out the video and more info on the AQUA TEK S Kickstarter page.
How important is sleep? For many the lack of quality sleep can mean being sluggish during the day, but it can make all the difference in the world between a good performance and a great performance. Now Zeo, a sleep management company, has announced that it has teamed up with Athletes’ Performance into a training program aimed at elite and professional athletes, as well as military personnel.
Zeo’s recent Sleep Like an All Star publication featured the results of a study conducted by sleep and sports expert Cheri Mah of Stanford University, which demonstrated that more sleep helped collegiate football players take 0.15 seconds off their 40-yard dash, basketball players increase their free throw shooting by 11 percent, and swimmers improve their reaction time off the starting block by 17 percent. Now the results will be seen for themselves. Read the rest of this entry »
For those planning to take their iPads out in the field, Ballistic has a new case that will help protect the pricey device from getting damaged. The Tough Jacket for iPad 2 has three layers of material that resist impact and absorb shock. One layer features an inner silicone to absorb shock, the second is impact-resistant hard plastic, and the third is shock absorbent polymer. “Ballistic corners” protect the sides from drops and prevent the screen from making actual contact with a surface. The removable cover protects the screen but can also be used as a kickstand to prop up the iPad. Available in black or red, the case has a list price of $69.99.
Cisco may think the pocket camcorder is dead, but that isn’t stopping Sony from updating its Bloggie line of dedicated video shooters. The company’s latest model, the Bloggie Sport, is a ruggedized shooter that’s shock proof, dirt resistant, and waterproof down to 16 feet.
It features a 2.7″ touchscreen (which is still functional when the Bloggie is submerged 16 feet under) and can capture 1080p video as well as 5-megapixel stills, all of which is stored on the Bloggie’s 4GB of onboard memory. For those with clumsy hands, the camcorder can also survive drops of up to 5 feet. A hidden flip-out USB arm lets you connect directly to a computer or you can bypass your PC and connect directly to an HDTV using the Bloggie’s built-in HDMI port.
Can’t wait to upload your videos? Sony also offers the more advanced Bloggie Live HD which has a 3″ touchscreen, 8GB of storage, 12-megapixel still capability, and built-in Wi-Fi, which lets you stream straight to Qik Video. However, the Live model loses all the ruggedness of the Bloggie Sport. Both the Live and Sport are currently available for $249 and $179 respectively.
Rugged cameras are the thing this season and Pentax Ricoh Imaging has unveiled its new line-up, which includes the Pentax Optio WG-2 and Optio WG-2 GPS digital compact cameras. Both models are waterproof to 40 feet, and of course are dust-proof, shock resistant to a drop of five feet and are freeze-proof to 14° F.
The WG-2 series offers a wide-angle 5x (28-140mm 35mm equivalent) internal optical zoom lens, 3-inch LCD screen and hardened cover with SP coating. The cameras feature digital movie shake reduction, fast face detection, focus assist lamp, smile capture and blink detection. Read the rest of this entry »
Google has many eyeballs on its search engine, as well as eyeballs on its mobile Android OS and of course eyes on the Google Chrome browser. Now it seems Google may be looking to get eyes looking through sporty looking eyewear too. Rumors have been circulating that Google Glasses could be on the way, offering an HUD screen on one lens to see a miniature screen, and earbuds to listen to music and make calls.
While not exactly designed for sports, these could offer benefits the in future for athletes, providing speed, calories and other information directly to the glasses so eyes are never off the road (or in many cases the prize). Let’s just hope people don’t think they can watch a bike race while out on a ride with these!
While consumer GPS units have long been “rugged” some specialized field devices have lagged behind. But recently Trimble introduced its next generation of GNSS devices for GIS field applications, including the Trimble Juno 3B and 3D handhelds. These specially computers offer positioning, imaging and communications in a single package.
This week Panasonic announced that will re-enter the European mobile phone market with a waterproof, dustproof phone called the Eluga. While pricey – as much as $650 in American currency – the phones will utilized the Google Android OS.
There is a saying the close only counts in horse shoes and hand grenades, but it soon close could be enough when it comes to providing light for bicycles. Right now there are two ways to get light to shine the way – either have it powered by a battery or utilize a dynamo-powered light that works by utilizing the motion of the bike itself. The latter is green, but can still slowly wear down the tire and it requires extra effort for the rider.
Admit it – there are times when you just want to throw your phone. You know you shouldn’t do it but it would feel so good. At last week’s Toy Fair The O was awarded the Popular Science Best of Toy Fair 2012 award for making a way to throw the phone and even make a game of it.
At times it might seem as if comfortable and sound quality are mutually exclusive with earbubs, but Sonomax Technologies hopes to change that perception with its new PCS-150 and PCS-250 custom-fit earphones that will arrive next month. These promise to offer low profile, ergonomically shaped design and ear loop that comfortably cradles the back of the ear, while providing a channel for the wire from the sound source, as well as assisting the user in proper insertion and removal.
Accessories-maker Snow Lizard Products has introduced what could be the perfect rugged case for the iPhone 4 and 4S: the AQUA TEK S. The tank-like case not only gives your iPhone waterproof protection, but a built-in batter and solar charger gives your iPhone an extra boost of power (with these devices getting more and more power hungry, that’s welcome, especially if you’re outdoors without access to a power outlet).
How important is sleep? For many the lack of quality sleep can mean being sluggish during the day, but it can make all the difference in the world between a good performance and a great performance. Now Zeo, a sleep management company, has announced that it has teamed up with Athletes’ Performance into a training program aimed at elite and professional athletes, as well as military personnel.
Rugged cameras are the thing this season and Pentax Ricoh Imaging has unveiled its new line-up, which includes the Pentax Optio WG-2 and Optio WG-2 GPS digital compact cameras. Both models are waterproof to 40 feet, and of course are dust-proof, shock resistant to a drop of five feet and are freeze-proof to 14° F.
Google has many eyeballs on its search engine, as well as eyeballs on its mobile Android OS and of course eyes on the Google Chrome browser. Now it seems Google may be looking to get eyes looking through sporty looking eyewear too. Rumors have been circulating that Google Glasses could be on the way, offering an HUD screen on one lens to see a miniature screen, and earbuds to listen to music and make calls.
