KineticShift | Evolving Consumer

An Object in Motion

While the Wii was a huge hit with casual gamers – including those who wanted to get off the couch – the Wii U hasn’t exactly delivered for Nintendo. Instead it could be that Apple TV could fill the void with games such as Motion Tennis, which utilizes an iPhone for a controller. The game takes advantage of the iPhone’s magnetometer, gyroscope, and accelerometer to accurately interpret your movements.

For those who want to go from Mii (the onscreen characters on the Wii) to I – as in the iPhone, then Apple TV might get you there.

Motion Tennis Official Website

Dwarf-Sized Axe

The Joseph Bowen Micro Hatchet TAD Edition is not an axe for a dwarf but it be used one-handed, while its design centers the force of the impact into the middle of the blade allowing for even hard objects to be cut. It is skeletonized to reduce weight, and it features one large center hole to aid the grip. This might just be the axe to take hiking, camping, unless you actually need to chop a lot of wood.

Joseph Bowen Micro Hatchet TAD Edition Official Website

Softer Bike Path

Falling on a bicycle is something everyone does unfortunately. We try to avoid it, but whether as kids or adults it hurts. Now researchers at the Swedish Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) are looking to create a new form of asphalt that could help reduce bicycle slide-outs while also provide some added cushion should a rider fall.

While regular asphalt is mostly crushed stones and bitumen, a petroleum byproduct that acts as a binding agent, the researchers are reportedly looking to blend in a bit more recycled tire rubber to soften the mix. This might still be a painful landing, but it could soften the blow.

[Via DN.se: Cyklister får mjuk asphalt]

Can’t Tip This Canoe – Make that Kayak

Some watercraft are far more stable than others, but no one would suggest ever standing on a kayak even in stable waters. The folks at California-based TrueRec have come up with such a boat that can remain stable for those who wish to stand to fish or just stretch their legs.

The DFP (Dive-Fish-Paddle), which is being developed by TrueRec through a Kickstarter project, is a sit-on-top kayak, but it is notable that it features spring-loaded pontoons that fold out to the sides and provide added stability when stopped. It offers a multi-function cavity that can be used as storage, making this a boat that can haul you and your gear where you need to go. Video after the jump

Ride in the Peloton From Home

Being able to go the distance in the peloton is what sets apart a rider, but now the Peloton Bike will allow riders of all levels to put in the miles and do so from the living room. This indoor cycling trainer delivers both live and on-demand indoor cycling classes, along with competition and even video chats.

The training bike is now being developed through a Kickstarter project, and the best part of about putting in the miles on this bike is that it means you’ll never be dropped by the group and have to ride home alone. Video after the jump

Made in America: Camo Folder

The Ontario Knife Company’s XM-1 has features the company’s heavy-duty construction blended with the most advanced engineering, making it a popular knife. Now for this summer it is available in a new Desert Camo pattern. The knife is available with either a plain or partially serrated blade edge and features cryo-quenched dual titanium liner locks for maximum safety.

Designed to be as tough as the soldiers who use it, with tougher-than-nails N690Co stainless steel construction, it is also engineered to be a lightweight, precision balanced alternative to spring-loaded blades and locks. It will open smoothly and lock in place with each use, and now offers a lower profile with its camo finish.

Ontario Knife Company Official Website

Made in America: Pedal Pushers’ Jersey Speaks the Truth

With the words “Know Your Enemy NYC” this cycling jersey from Pedal Pushers is one we’d say has a hardcore look to it. Anyone who has ridden the mean streets of Sixth Avenue pre-bike lanes can understand this one. While New York City may be far more bike friendly, it still isn’t for the faint of heart. And while this one was made in California we still see it has that Big Apple attitude.

This jersey is for those who can handle a bit of traffic.

Pedal Pushers: Know Your Enemy NYC Jersey

Nike Looks to Make Impact

The days of the heavy white golf shoe are clearly in the past. Nike golf has introduced its Free-Inspired TW’13 that provides freedom of movement with maximum ground feel. Available in August in both men’s and women’s versions these utilize the Nike Dynamic Fit system to help harness the foot to provide the support athletes demand, while also ensuring that athletes keep contact with the ground longer – which in turn helps harness the energy of the foot to the shoe and, therefore, the shoe to the ground

The TW’13 also offers a Nike Free-Inspired platform and waterproof mesh upper providing increased flexibility with breathability to keep feet cool, dry and comfortable. These are shoes that won’t just arrive this summer, they’ll make a serious impact on the game of golf.

Nike Golf Official Website

Going Pro(Bar) Without the Bar

What is in a name? In the case of ProBar there is no “bar” in its new Bolt, a USDA-certified organic energy chew that is high in Vitamin B and caffeinated with organic yerba mate. Each pack contains 10 easy-to-digest organic gummies for quick energy, flavored with organic acai, pomegranate and blueberry powders. Four flavors available, but we have to ask… does this raise the bar or not?

ProBar Official Website

Weekend Reading List (07.13.2013): Tour Tech, Run the Tour, Kinetic Chain, TT at the Tour

Tour Tech

From Gizmodo: 100 Years of Tour de France Bikes Map the Evolution of Cycling
There are few professional sports as closely bound to technology as cycling. A bike isn’t just equipment, as skiis or a tennis racket might be—it’s a partner in a symbiotic relationship between the machine and athlete. And it’s remarkable to see how drastically certain parts of that machine have changed in the last century, while others have stayed largely the same. Continue reading Weekend Reading List (07.13.2013): Tour Tech, Run the Tour, Kinetic Chain, TT at the Tour

Sea Drone Camera

We’ve seen a number of attempts to put GoPro and other action cameras in the air to capture a bird’s eye view, but the creators of the Ziphius had another idea. They are looking to Kickstarter to see if their “Aquatic Drone” would hold water – or more accurately not sink.

The Ziphius can take pictures and videos of a user’s aquatic experiences, and as it can be controlled via an app on a mobile device is also part remote controlled watercraft as well. As a camera platform it features a 160-degree titling angle HD camera that can capture images above and below the water level, while an LED flash light can enhance the image.

Pictures and videos can uploaded directly to social media sites including YouTube, Twitter and Facebook. So for those who want to chronicle their underwater adventures – and have some fun with a controllable water craft – this might just be the thing. Video after the jump

Levi Continues to Roll

Earlier this year we noted that Levi had introduced jeans – the Levi 511 Commuter versions – that were made for cycling. The apparel maker continues to roll out new products for cycling in its “Commuter” line, which feature performance fabric and functional details. These include the 511 jeans, t-shirts (including the two above), as well as jackets, shorts, and pants.

Levi Commuter Official Website

Portable Pump

A “word smith” is someone who is often just full of hot air, but the Air Smith ALX pump from Planet Bike is actually something that put a lot of air in a bike tire, yet fit securely in a pocket. It features a rotating valve head and adapter that converts it to presta mode.

As with most portable mini-pumps you’ll still probably be pumping for a while to get the tire filled, but it does beat walking home. However this one offers a rubber hose that extends from the front making that endless pumping a little easier.

Planet Bike Air Smith ALX Official Website