Test Drive the Origami, World’s First Auto-Folding Stroller

Today’s babies and toddlers are damn lucky. They get to ride in state-of-the-art strollers with high-quality metal and plastic construction, shock suspension, comfortable padding, and a bunch of features that are better than some cars we have driven. For those who don’t own such a luxury stroller, you’d think we are exaggerating, but strollers today are far more complex and expensive than those of the past, with features one would associate more with an automobile. The proliferation of these suped-up baby vehicles makes us question their necessity, but the technology in the Origami stroller ($849) from 4moms may be worth the cost for those who desire the convenience of an auto-folding stroller (and then some). Check out the video of the Origami in action after the jump.

Phiaton PS 20 Headset Gives You Great Sound Wirelessly

While everything around us seems to be going wireless, when it comes to headphones most are us are still tethered. Anyone who uses headphones during a workout or activity knows how cumbersome they can be when they’re flailing around. New wireless technologies like Bluetooth, however, have allowed headphone manufacturers to cut the cord. One such product is the Phiaton PS 20 BT Stereo Headset ($149), a pair on in-ear headphones that are Bluetooth 3.0 compatible, which provides amazing sound quality, according to Phiaton.

When paired with your phone you can answer calls without removing them; you can pair up to eight devices at once, while using two of them simultaneously. Other features include the “Echo-Off” noise reduction; 14.3mm drivers that Phiaton says produces pure and accurate sound; a “half in-ear” design that’s ergonomic, and offers “excellent bass response of in-ear style buds with the crystal clear high frequency response of open-ear style earphones”; “MaxBass” technology with a dual-chamber structure to reduce or eliminate vibration and echo; and calling time of 6 hours, music-playing time of 6 hours, and 250 hours of standby time.

Phiaton Official Website

Airhead Helps You Retain Stylish Hair, Can’t Do a Thing For Your Biking Skills

Helmet hair is the price one pays for the enjoyment of riding a bike. You know, that weird hairstyle created from hair being flattened, compressed, and shaped under a helmet, similar to hat hair. To help you avoid a bad hair day from wearing a helmet, Two Wheel Cool has created the AirHead, a removable, reusable in-helmet accessory ($25) that increases ventilation to reduce perspiration by creating space around your hair. It’s designed to fit any helmet, whether for motorcycling, biking, or snowboarding.

“Helmet hair is a condition caused by high humidity ironing of the hair under a compressive helmet,” according to Twowheelcool. “The Airhead increases air ventilation to reduce perspiration while creating air space for the hair. The Airhead is easy to fit, anti-static, anti-bacterial and non-allergenic. The new Airhead comes in many different colours and styles to suit your lifestyle.”

Now, if they can only do something about bedheads in the morning.

Two Wheel Cool Official Website
[Via Ubergizmo: AirHead helps prevent “helmet hair”]

Light Up Your Workouts with LED Shoelaces

(Source: Ubergizmo)

Although these LED shoelaces might make you look like an extra out of Tron, they can be incredibly helpful from a safety standpoint. If you’re working out in situations where visibility is poor, such as nighttime, these shoelaces make you stand out, similar to reflective clothing.

Known as the Hikaru LED Kutsuhimo, they light up in three patterns and are powered by a small battery attached to the tongue of the shoe. They’re also perfect for raves. (Do people still go to raves, or are we dating ourselves?)

[Via Ubergizmo: LED shoelaces perfect for night time jogging]

New Study Finds Fitness Video Games May Not Be So Fit, After All

We have written a few stories about the fitness video game trend (in fact, we just posted one the other day), but one new study has found that such games don’t offer kids any benefits, according to a HealthDay report, and questions whether using video games as a way to get kids active is appropriate or not

The study, published in the journal Pediatrics, examined the physical gaming activity of two groups of kids (78 children between the ages 9 and 12) over a three-month period. Each child was given a Nintendo Wii system (none of the kids had ever owned one) plus accompanying accessories. One group of kids could choose from a selection of five fitness-based titles such as Wii Fit Plus, while the second group played “non-active” video games like Mario Kart Wii. Continue reading New Study Finds Fitness Video Games May Not Be So Fit, After All

FINIS Hydro Tracker GPS Helps Open-Water Swimmers Track Location, Progress

When you’re in a pool, swimming from point A to B is a no-brainer. Out in open water, however, tracking your performance and location is a bit more difficult. The new Hydro Tracker GPS from FINIS is a fitness device designed for open water swimmers that tracks, maps, and records performance.

“We created the Hydro Tracker GPS to meet the needs of open water swimmers and fitness enthusiasts,” says John Mix, President of FINIS. “Our Hydro Tracker GPS and free Streamline Log allows swimmers to dig deeper into their key workout stats, providing them with invaluable ongoing feedback. This new GPS system will help maximize anyone’s results.”

The Hydro Tracker GPS can be attached to goggle straps or an included neoprene armband, and doesn’t require GPS calibration. It tracks the swimmer’s course and important, in-depth performance data, which users can review after their swim. Using the free online FINIS Streamline Training Log, “swimmers can set goals and analyze stats including splits, speed, distance, accumulated time, and elevation,” according to FINIS. Data can be shared via CSV or Google Earth files, or through Facebook and Twitter. The device can also be used for other sports, too, such as running, walking, biking, skiing, hiking, etc.

The device sells for $130, available now. Check out FINIS’s website for additional specs.

FINIS Official Website

Pyle Introduces Line of Underwater Snorkeling Watches

Audio equipment manufacturer Pyle announced a new watch designed for snorkeling and water sports in its Pyle Sports outdoor recreational sports line of products. The water-resistant Snorkeling Master Watch can dive up to 330 feet, and it can record and store data (up to 100) in its dive log, which contains information like time and date, dive duration, maximum dive depth, minimum water, temperature, and dive site indication. The watch has six function modes: current time, chronograph, countdown timer, dual time mode, dive mode, and dive recall mode, which Pyle says helps “underwater users keep track of important information during their snorkeling adventures.” A built-in dive alarm activates when the user is emerging faster than 6 meters per minute, and a thermometer measures temperature from 14 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. When it gets dark underwater, the electro-luminescent backlight helps keep the watch readable. The Snorkeling Master Watch will cost $100 and come in black, green, orange, and red.

Pyle Official Website

Airports Look to Fitness As Options for Passengers In Transit

The newly opened Yoga Room inside Terminal 2 at San Francisco International Airport (CBS/AP).

USA Today is reporting on a growing trend at U.S. airports: fitness. As an alternative to the food courts, shops, bars, and lounges for travelers stuck at airports during long layovers or for those who check in early, airports are adding fitness areas such as walking paths and yoga rooms. Airport hotels are opening up their fitness centers to travelers, as well, but for a fee. USAT also highlights the community-based website AirportGyms.com, which lists exercise options that are available around airports. Even if an airport lacks the facilities for a proper workout, there are ways to keep fit before you board your connecting flight. So, the next time you find yourself stuck in a long layover, check out what the airport might have to offer besides bad food and beer.

USA Today: Airports get into the fitness craze for stressed travelers
CBS News: Yoga room opens in San Francisco airport
AirportGyms.com

Snow Lizard Unveils Rugged, Solar-Powered iPhone 4 Case, Wants You to Back It Via Kickstarter

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.

Snow Lizard Official Website
AQUA TEK S Kickstarter Website

BMW Partners with Puma, OGIO On Athletics Collection

(Photos courtesy of BMW)

BMW’s vehicles may be out of reach for most people, but its latest offering is bit more accessible for the rest of us. The German automaker is launching a new line of BMW-branded athletic and lifestyle apparel aimed at what they refer to as “ambitious amateur athletes” (perhaps something was lost in translation from the German). The BMW Athletics Collection comprises of running shoes, performance clothing, and accessories, and joins BMW’s Golfsport, Yachtsport, and Motorsport collections.

The running shoes were created with Puma. According to BMW, “the running shoes are designed for any kind of wear. They provide optimal comfort and support whether you’re working out in the gym or running. Their features include breathable sandwich mesh, shock absorption, and comfort-last technology for a perfect fit. The collection also includes retro lifestyle sneakers, which convey a love of sport away from the training ground too.”

The shirts, hoodies, jackets, pants, and other clothing items were also made with Puma. Every item has silver reflectors as added safety when used after dark. “The softshell jackets are windproof, breathable and feature clever details like sleeve pockets for MP3 players. The hoodies are designed to offer maximum comfort during training and are ideal for couples who like to train together in style, with a royal blue hoodie for men and a light blue version for women.”

For the sports bags, BMW teamed up with OGIO. The collection includes a duffle bag, a backpack, and a triathlon bag that has ventilated compartments for shoes and damp clothing, insulated pockets for drinks bottles, and a cushioned compartment for safely storing items such as mobile phones (the triathlon bag can be converted into a backpack).

BMW says the new gear will be available at selected BMW dealerships and at www.bmw-shop.com, although there’s no word if they’ll be available stateside or at Puma stores. While you may not be able to buy that new redesigned 3-series, you can at least live the BMW lifestyle and pretend you own one while you’re out jogging or at the gym.

 

Additional photos after the jump

Ballistic Tough Jacket Lets You Take iPad 2 Into the Wild Without Worry

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.

Ballistic Official Website

Advance Look at Salomon S-Lab Sense Long-Distance Running Shoes

Salomon S-Lab Sense from iRunFar.com

Few of us get to try out the latest running shoes until they hit store shelves, and by then the manufacturers are already prepping to release the next big thing. If you’re a professional athlete, however, the manufacturers may use you as a “test bed” and design a special pair just for you. And, sometimes, the press gets an early look at such shoes.

That’s the case with the folks at iRunFar.com, who received an advanced preview of Salomon’s S-Lab Sense running shoes, designed for Spanish runner Kilian Jornet. Jornet won the North Face 100 and subsequent victories last year wearing these shoes. The shoes are lightweight and made to race 100 miles or more with a 4mm heel-to-toe drop (9mm in the forefoot and 13mm in the heel), with unique protection built in. Hit the link to read more of iRunFar.com’s review.

iRunFar.com: Salomon S-Lab Sense Preview
[Via Ultra168: Should the Other Shoe Companies Give Up Now?]

Fitness Journal: Purdue University Offers Easy Tips to Help Reach Fitness Goals

Hey, where did everybody go? (Photo courtesy of Vagabond Shutterbug)

It’s February, we’re well into the year, and there’s no turning back. Which begs the question, how are your fitness goals coming along? Have you been going to the gym regularly since you signed up during the New Year?  Have you stayed true to your resolutions? If you said no, you’re not alone. Most of us make unrealistic goals for ourselves, according to Purdue University.

It’s not rocket science: people give up on fitness because they have no goals to begin with, they make unrealistic goals, or they lack the knowledge, motivation, discipline or tools to achieve their goals without injury, according to Lane Yahiro, clinical professor and director of the A.H. Ismail Center for Health, Exercise and Nutrition at Purdue University.

Yahiro offers some very easy tips to stay focus if people wish to get fit. One, be accountable, and exercise with someone with a similar schedule to help you with accountability. “I am a firm believer in having accountability,” Yahiro said. “Having an accountability partner does wonders, especially if the partner is just as excited about exercising.”

Second, establish exercise goals that can be reachable. Yahiro says working with a personal trainer can help you create realistic goals. “Personal trainers should set up daily training session objectives that will help the client work toward reaching both short- and long-term goals. An accountability partner can also work with you in this way.” (In our experience, many personal trainers are expensive and lack the proper training. Before you work with a trainer, make sure they are certified and understand your needs.)

Third, keep track of your progress.

These aren’t bulletproof tips that will guarantee a fit body, but exercise requires motivation, so don’t set the bar too high for yourself.