Google announced last week that it is ending its free Google Health program by the end of the year (although data will be available for download until January 1, 2013). Partnering with a variety of health-related companies and providers, such as CVS, Quest Diagnostics, Walgreens, Withings, and the Cleveland Clinic, the personal health record service allows users to manage their personal health and wellness info by volunteering their health records. We have written about the Withings WiFi body scale that works in conjunction with Google Health on Kinetic Shift. Unfortunately, Google Health failed to achieve the type of impact and widespread adoption that the company had hoped, the company said. The service has also had to deal with issues concerning privacy, as it is not a covered entity under Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act laws. Continue reading Google Shutters Its Health Record Service
Author: Les Shu
Bracketron’s New Accessory Mounts GPS Unit or Portable Device to Golf Bag
When you’re out on the links the last thing you want is a cumbersome item in your pockets, say your cell phone. The folks at Bracketron, a company that makes mounting accessories for gizmos like smartphones, portable media players, GPS, and laptops, recently introduced its Golf Bag GPS Mount. The accessory easily attaches securely to the top of a golf bag with a clip, and the arms extend up to 4.5-inches wide to hold a golf-specific GPS device to help you navigate the course clearly without worrying where to place the unit. Contrary to its name, it’ll hold a smartphone (for browsing a golf app, perhaps) or MP3 player; an optional adapter can be attached directly to your portable device for mounting in lieu of spreading the arms. The accessory is available at Bracketron’s website for $39.
For bikers, Bracketron also makes a Universal Bike Mount. Does the same thing as the Golf Bag GPS Mount except it attaches to your bike’s handlebars, but you already figured that out. The Bike Mount sells for $39.95.
Recon Heads-Up Display Tech to be Adapted for Space Exploration
Typically NASA’s research and technologies lead to the creation of consumer and commercial products. But it looks like NASA will be utilizing a commercial product as part of its next-generation spacesuits and helmets, according to a report from Wired.
NASA announced that Recon Instruments will be creating a customized integrated heads-up display for helmets that’s based on Recon’s GPS-enabled, heads-up-display-equipped goggles for snowboarders. The technology will be integrated into NASA’s Desert RATS initiative for future missions to Mars and other galactic destinations.
Artist Turns 72 Beer Cans into Functioning Surfboard
Here’s one way to recycle those empty aluminum beverage cans from your next party. Surfer and artist Richard Quinn Morrison, who started the Enviro Surf Art Series, has created a surfboard using 72 empty beer cans from six brands salvaged from a local bar. Morrison created the board with the help of surfboard maker Gary Seagraves. The 6’2” board uses a rocket fish design with twin fins and a swallow tail, and it was designed to be functional. Watch this video of how he put the board together. The board will be put to use soon to test out its sea legs.
ENVIRO SURF ART SERIES (FACEBOOK)
FROM 72 RECYCLED BEER CANS COMES A SWEET SURFBOARD (TREEHUGGER)
RageGage Smash Pad is the New Electronic Koosh Ball
Few of us can achieve total Zen at all times. A fight with a loved one, bumper-to-bumper traffic, waiting in a non-moving line, a surly waiter, and a million other similar agonizing things can send the blood pressure through the roof. But if you find yourself constantly in a state of rage over the smallest things, you might want to cool it. Studies have shown that anger can lead to heart-related diseases such as a stroke or heart attack (and if you’ve felt rage, you’ve probably experienced the physical pain in your chest and head). When the blood starts to boil, consider channeling that anger into a nice workout at the gym or a run in the park.
When exercise or physical activity (and we don’t mean punching someone) isn’t an option, add this gizmo to your life: the RageGage Smash Pad. As its name suggests, the gel pad lets you smash on it to your heart’s content or until the anger subsides. It also spews insult-hurling phrases to help you focus all that negative energy out of your system as quickly as possible. You can also download custom voices (for example, ‘Lush Rimbaugh’ [right wing shock jock] and ‘Valley Girl’ [a brain-dead, Chihuahua-clutching hotel heiress]), and use it as a controller for RageGage games on Facebook.
We don’t know how likely the RageGage Smash Pad will cure anger management issues, but at $20 it makes a good last-minute Father’s Day gift.
Woolrich Adds Agion Odor-Fighting Tech
Like Levi’s, Woolrich is a bit of Americana fashion that’s well recognized around the world. The familiar red-and-black flannel shirt is quintessentially Woolrich even to those who don’t own a piece of outdoors clothing. The 180-year-old-plus brand is experiencing a bit of resurgence as of late, in particular in the high-end fashion market. Woolrich might be old, but it’s ably keeping up with modern times by incorporating fresh designs and technology.
At Outdoor Retailer earlier this year, Woolrich announced they have paired up with Wakefield, Mass.-based Agion to include Agion’s Active odor eliminating technology in Fall 2011 lineup of Merino wool and polyester blend base layers, the first company to do so in the outdoors industry.
Agion’s odor-busting tech is based on silver, and has been incorporated in a variety of products that include electronics and apparel. According to Woolrich, “Agion Active features a dual action technology that not only provides antimicrobial product protection and industrial-strength odor elimination, but also eliminates odors both on and around the fabric. Silver ion antimicrobial technology stops propagation of odor causing bacteria on the fabric, while a natural, proprietary odor-trapping solution captures molecules from ambient odors. Unlike previous odor control solutions, Agion Active eliminates odor from over 14 sources, achieving performance well beyond what has been offered to the consumer. Agion Active regenerates with each the wash and continues to perform for the life of the garment.”
The Agion Active gear is 50/50 polyester and Merino blend, available in crew and half-zip shirts for men and half-zip and V-neck shirts for women. Fibers are very fine so they should feel comfortable under the heavier stuff you’re packing on to your body. In addition to the smell-fighting tech, the apparel helps regulate body temperature and offers moisture wicking, quick drying, and UPF 40+ protection.
The Woolrich with Agion Active garments will be available this fall and sell for $59 to $69.
ANT+: Wireless Protocol For Fitness That Promises More With Less
With wireless technologies as prevalent as they are today, the thought of connecting two gadgets using a wire is almost unthinkable. File transferring between computers can be done over-the-air through Wi-Fi, while many headsets and headphones can connect to portable devices like cell phones via Bluetooth. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are just two of the technologies available, all in the name of helping you cut the cord.In the health and sports/fitness sectors, you may start hearing more and more about products adhering to the ANT+ protocol. This proprietary wireless protocol allows devices like heart rate monitors, speed sensors, blood pressure monitors, and blood glucose meters to talk to another device like a computer, smartphone, sports watch, GPS-enabled trainer, or exercise equipment (e.g. treadmill, stationary bike, elliptical, etc.), provided they are also ANT+ enabled. For example, while you’re exercising on a ANT+ fitness equipment, the data is wirelessly transmitted to the ANT+ sports watch you’re wearing, without the need to physically attach the watch to the fitness equipment. All this info can be transmitted and stored on your computer or in the cloud (such as Microsoft’s HealthVault or Garmin Connect), allowing you to analyze and track your progress. (At a gym we use, the Life Fitness elliptical can only download our workout info to a USB thumbdrive or a connected iPhone or iPod with Nike+, but would be much more useful if it could wirelessly transmit that info.)
ANT+ was built upon the ANT wireless sensor network technology, which is owned by a subsidiary of Garmin. A group of companies that include Garmin, Stairmaster, Timex, Microsoft, Adidas, Star Trac, Trek, Suunto, Nautilus, Sony Ericsson, and Specialized comprise the ANT+ Alliance, which oversees the standard and its branding, and ensures interoperability. The low-power technology is similar in functionality to Bluetooth, in which it allows two devices to pair and exchange data. Also, like Bluetooth, an ANT+ product connects to only one other product at a time, even though there may be several ANT+ devices in the area; this mean you won’t accidentally receive data from another product, say a treadmill that’s next to but isn’t being used by you. Although both Bluetooth and ANT operate on the 2.4GHz spectrum, the two technologies are not the same. Interestingly, a new feature of Bluetooth 4.0 called Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) will most likely compete with ANT+ in the future if it receives adoption as widespread as ANT+.
So why go with ANT+ at all, especially if Bluetooth can do the same thing? Well, the problem so far has been that Bluetooth has made many promises but in essence failed to deliver, and while it is possible to upgrade existing Bluetooth networks to the BLE, most experts say this isn’t so cut and dry. In the end it is all going to come down with support from product makers – and given that ANT+ has lined up many partners in the fitness space it is a safe bet that the ant will more can than can’t.
When Every Second Counts, An Aerodynamic Helmet Aims to Increase Performance
If you’re looking to increase your efficiency when cycling, consider an aero helmet. These helmets are designed to maximize your performance. While it isn’t new, Rudy Project’s Wingspan Aero Helmet is still highly touted by many. Its radical design will turn some heads, but that is if you can catch a glimpse of it as it wooshes by you. Besides protecting your noggin, the Italian-made helmet is designed to help you fly (not literally, but you get our point). This time trial (TT) helmet has been extensively wind tunnel-tested to be faster than many leading helmets in the category, according to Rudy Project.
Designed with assistance from cycling’s aerodynamics expert John Cobb, the Wingspan exceeds Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC) requirements and, at 12.3 ounces, is lighter than the company’s previous Syton model. The Wingspan uses Rudy Project’s R.S.R. 7 Disc retention system for one-handed on-the-fly adjustments and includes ear covers for maximum aerodynamics.
The tail design is the result of the wind tunnel-testing. Cobb and the company found that it works best for all TT positions and back profiles, including the “flat” and “U” shapes. There’s a removable mesh front vent cover for triathlon use and a closed ven cover for time-trial. There are exhaust vents for cooling, too. A removable tail cover helps to reduce turbulence. Plus, it comes in six colors (like this cool fluorescent yellow).
But, at $300, you must be asking, does it work? The helmet has been in-use by the pros (the helmet made its debut with Germany’s Team Milram during the 2009 Tour de France and made waves in the cycling press), and continues to deliver impressive results for many cyclists. You can watch Italian rider Ivan Basso testing the helmet at Gazzetta’s website.
CES 2011: Check Blood Pressure with Withings iPhone Monitor
When we need to get our blood pressure check, we either head to our doctor or to the supermarket, where there’s usually a free blood pressure monitor machine by the pharmacy. But with Withings’ new blood pressure monitor for the iPhone, we can now play doctor and check our measurements at home through our smartphone.
Of course, this won’t replace a visit to a real medical professional, but it’d allow users to keep track of their health in between doctor visits.
The device works with iPhones, iPads, and iPod touches, and will sell for $129. The device is being demonstrated now at CES. See full release below.
Withings Launches World’s First iPhone Connected Blood Pressure Monitor with Online Monitoring and Measurement Storage
This revolutionary new product created by Withings, dramatically improves access to BP measurements for users worldwide
Las Vegas, Nevada – January 4, 2011- CES/ North Hall/ Booth #3619- With hypertension affecting almost 25% of the world population , blood pressure measurement can help to save lives. However, until now, taking your blood pressure required the use of complex devices with multiple manipulations, mathematical operations and data recording procedures. Self-measurement has been recommended by the medical profession for many years , but no one had yet found concrete solutions to expand its use.
This is why Withings chose to rethink the blood pressure monitor and turn it into an attractive, user-friendly connected device.
With the Withings Blood Pressure monitor, measuring and understanding your blood pressure couldn’t be easier. All data is recorded and saved to the user’s secure online space for easy measurement access and retrieval through their iPhone, iPad or other screen connected to a user-friendly interface.
Self-measurement is made simple by the Withings Blood Pressure monitor. It improves the reliability of readings and offers the option to share them with relatives, healthcare providers or medical professionals.
Through the Withings API, specialist partners can interface with the platform to offer additional services, as Withings has already proven with its WiFi Body Scale and partners such as Google Health, Microsoft HealthVault and numerous health & sports coaching websites such as DailyBurn.com, RunKeeper.com, FitOrbit.com, gymtechnik.com, aujourdhui.com, Strands.com, Danholt4mac.com, Jogmap.de…and many more.
Says Withings co-founder Cédric Hutchings: “Apple revolutionized the world of smartphones by making them more user-friendly than ever before. By adding connectivity to high-tech devices, we simplify their usage and enrich them with extra services. Our goal is to take the drama out of using devices that can promote healthier lifestyles for all. We have achieved this with our Withings body scale, and are now repeating our success with the Withings Blood Pressure monitor”.
The Withings Blood Pressure monitor works together with an iPhone / iPad / iPod touch. The Withings Blood Pressure monitor, priced 129 euros or $129 US, will be available in January, 2011 on www.withings.com
CES 2011: ContourGPS Camera Adds Bluetooth Support for Wireless Viewing
So you’re looking to capture some footage during your snowboard runs down the slope or bike ride through the city, but performing these activities while holding a camera is difficult, if not impossible. The folks at Contour have developed hands-free camcorders to help you achieve just that, in high definition. Their ContourGPS Camera adds location tracking as well as speed and altitude info. And just announced today at CES, they’re adding Bluetooth support that lets you turn your iPhone or Android-based smartphone into a wireless viewfinder (current owners also benefit, as all ContourGPS models has always had Bluetooth support; it’s now being activated through a firmware upgrade). It also lets you control the camera settings and view recorded footage on the smartphone, and Contour is working on other applications that can take advantage of the Bluetooth feature. The ContourGPS sells for $350, and the apps for iPhone and Android are coming soon. See below for the full release.
Contour Turns Your Mobile Phone into a Live Viewfinder for its ContourGPS Camera
January 5, 2011 (Seattle, Wash.) – Contour, a market leader in hands-free video cameras, is announcing a new feature for its award winning ContourGPS model: Bluetooth. Already the first hands-free video camera to capture speed and location in real-time, Contour is unveiling a built-in Bluetooth chip in the ContourGPS along with a mobile app that together enable your phone to become a live viewfinder. Now you can see what your camera sees while configuring your settings, all from the most remote locations. Applications are currently being developed for the Android and iOS platforms. Contour will be demonstrating this new functionality at the Consumer Electronics Show.
“We’re excited about turning a phone into a live screen for the ContourGPS and delivering the single feature nearly all of our customers have been asking for,” says Marc Barros, Contour’s CEO. “ContourGPS was already the first hands-free camera to introduce real-time GPS, bringing a whole new level of video storytelling to our customers around the world. But with the enabling of Bluetooth, ContourGPS becomes the only hands-free video camera with a wireless viewfinder.”
Hands-free is one of the fastest growing video camera categories, but it’s often limited in its application by the lack of a screen. By unlocking Bluetooth, ContourGPS opens itself to connectivity with audio, remote control, and mobile accessories. Most importantly, it enables a mobile app to turn your phone into a live viewfinder.
The ContourGPS camera brings together three of the hottest trends: location, mobile, and video. It goes beyond being just a camera – it’s an all-in-one platform that offers innovative software in conjunction with a vibrant online community. Customers can record, post, and share their video adventures while tracking their path, speed, and elevation on a map – all at the same time. A rugged video camera made specifically for the estimated 100 million outdoor enthusiasts around the world; ContourGPS makes it easy to capture video from within the action and share it online in seconds.
Turn the iPod Nano Into an Awesome Fitness Watch
Apple’s new iPod Nano is the ideal fitness gadget. It plays your digital tunes, of course, and now with the FM tuner you have access to the radio when you’ve grown tired of the music you own. It’s also smaller than before, making it light and unobtrusive in your pocket when you’re working out. Plus, a built-in clip means you can easily attach it to your shirt while running. As if those features aren’t enough, there’s a pedometer you can use to track your steps and the Nano works with the Nike+ feature to track your fitness progress. Unlike the even smaller iPod Shuffle, the Nano has a touchscreen that lets you see and control it.
But you know what? It’s hard to justify spending $149 to $179 for another music player, especially since many of us already own an MP3 player and/or iPhone or similar device. That is until we saw the Griffin Slap, a flexible wristband case for the Nano that turns it into a watch. You won’t have to worry about accidentally losing your Nano by forgetting it on the treadmill or getting it detached from your shirt during exercise, since it’s on your wrist the whole time. And, at only $25, it turns the Nano into an awesome watch.
FDA Removes Implant After Admitting It Hastily Approved It
For anyone who has received treatment for their injuries from exercising or sports, you know the importance of getting proper medical care and you expect that whatever the doctors need to put inside you is safe. But what if a procedure done to you or device put inside you wasn’t properly approved by the medical community?
It looks like that is the case with an implant device called the Menaflex Collagen Scaffold from ReGen Biologics Inc. According to the Los Angeles Times, the device—used to repair and reinforce tissue that cushions and helps lubricate bones in the joint of the knee—had received fast-track approval in 2008 despite the objections of Food and Drug Administration scientists, who wanted more testing done on it. Continue reading FDA Removes Implant After Admitting It Hastily Approved It
Losing Weight with Optical Illusion Dinnerware
As you know, there are various methods of weight loss, including exercising, diets, pills, and hypnosis. Now you can add optical illusion to the mix, with a product called Slimware. Slimware are plates with unique designs that help you maintain portion control with food placement. See those flowers on the plate? In addition to adding aesthetics to your dinnerware, the size of the floral pattern is the size of the amount of a particular food you should have on the plate (the larger flower should contain more vegetables, while smaller flowers contain proteins and carbs). According to Slimware, “We are psychologically and culturally programmed to ‘stay in the lines,’ whether on the highway or at the post office. Slimware applies that mental predisposition to help you become portion conscious.”
Of course, the theory goes that if you eat less, you gain less. But you still have to be concerned with what types of foods you are putting on the plate. It also doesn’t stop you from building mounds of food on the plate as long as you stay within those lines. So, we’re not sure if we buy into the idea, but Slimware does point out the important fact that portion control plays a huge role in weight control.
Slimware lists celebrities like Elisabeth Röhm, Tori Spelling, Judith Light, Kendra Wilkinson, Emily Procter, Kathy Griffin, Rene Russo, Ashlee Simpson, Jennie Garth, Faith Hill, and Kristin Chenoweth as fans. If a celebrity uses it, then it must be good! Right?
The product is available in various designs, all for $36.50 for four plates.