Many consumer products were born out of the military. Satellite-positioning systems, clothing fabrics, furniture, computers, and even the Internet that you are using now to read this page are some of the things that can trace their roots back to military use. So, would you ever expect to see a pair of sandals making that list?
That’s the story from NBC News, which profiled a group of former servicemen who started a business creating flip-flops. Now, unlike the products we just mentioned, the Combat Flip Flops are not created for the U.S. military (and they’re definitely not recommended for use in battle); they are, however, military inspired in design, based on the men’s service and experience in Afghanistan (flip-flops have names like AK-47 and Bombshell). What makes this footwear company unique is the humanitarian aspect: although the company is headquartered in Washington state, the flip-flops are manufactured by Afghans in a shoe factory in Afghanistan, helping to boost and stabilize the local economy.
Combat Flip Flops Official Website
[Via: NBC News: Bond of brothers: Ex-soldiers enlist Afghans to craft military themed flip-flops]
Wearable technology is expected to become a $6 billion industry by 2016, a minimum revenue projection that could be even larger. That’s according to the latest findings by market research firm IMS Research. Wearable technology currently centers on healthcare, medical, fitness and wellness, where products such as glucose monitors and heart-rate monitors are used to transmit vital information about the user or patient. 
With the 2012 Olympics heading into its final days in London, it might be hard to bid cheerio to one of the more exciting and memorable games in recent memory. (Don’t forget, the Paralympics are up next, but coverage will be scant, unfortunately.) For those who need a little memento to remember the games by, Samsung has released London Olympics-themed Galaxy S3 smart phones featuring designs with the Union Jack. 
Cell phone usage is frowned upon by many gym goers, and it’s even banned in certain gyms. Besides the annoyance of constant chatter, there’s also a privacy concern when it involves cell phones with cameras and areas like a locker room. However, a recent blog post by a fitness industry expert shows that the use of smart phones is on the rise, and creating a bit of a dilemma for gym owners. 
When a well-recognized publication gives a company accolades, that company would want to publicize it to the world, of course. That’s what Saucony did when Runner’s World named the $140 Hurricane 14 as “Best Update” in the magazine’s 2012 Summer Shoe Guide. Both shoes are part of Saucony’s Geometry of Strong collection, in which another pair, the Guide 5, recently earned an “Editor’s Choice” in Runner’s World 2012 Spring Shoe Guide. 
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.