Author: Peter Suciu

Sports Tracker in the Blue(Tooth)

Sports Tracker has announced that it has released its Bluetooth Heart Rate Monitor. The chest strap device pairs with a smartphone app, allowing users to view heart rate and other stats in real time, while also sending the data to the cloud via the company website or through social media. Users can monitor speed, distance, time, number of steps, elevation and of course calories burned. The device can even geo-tag photos you take while working out, and can be linked with a map once synced with Sports Tracker website.

As the name implies it features Bluetooth wireless connectivity to a smartphone, and has a range up to 20 meters or 65.6 feet. The Sports Tracker can be charged via USB and can run for up to 40 hours on a single charge. It is available worldwide, while the free app is available for Android and Symbian handsets, as well as the iPhone. We’ll be watching to see when this arrives stateside. Video after the jump

Super Cooper Bicycle

Britain’s Mini-Cooper (technically now German as it is owned by BMW) has been known for its stylish compact cars, but in recent years the company has also shifted gears and followed the wheels of high-performance auto brands such as BMW and Porsche by rolling out a line of bicycles! The Cooper Bikes aren’t meant to be race machines, but instead are aimed at the urban commuters, with sleek Reynolds steel frames.

In total Cooper Bikes has introduced eight models in three groups, and these feature quality parts including Sturmey Archer cranks, Brooks leather saddles and Tektro rim brakes. Three of the four T100 bikes are designed as single speeds with freewheels but feature flip-flop rear hubs for those who like the fixed gear configuration; while Zandvoort model features a 3-speed Sturmy Archer rear hub transmission. The company also has 5-speed models, but it is the T100 Sebring (pictured) that has caught our eyes. This is a Mini with me in mind.

[Via Gizmag: Cooper bicycles: Retro rides for the urban commuter]

Motorola New Music Plus Fitness Trainer For the MotoACTV Life

Last August we heard about the MotoACTV and now it has arrived. This is the new fitness device from Motorola that promises to help users burn calories while listening to some tunes. In truth this concept has been around pretty much since Sony developed the Walkman – listen to music and be active.

But Motorola is taking this a whole new level with the MotoACTV (hence the name), where the device not only plays the tunes but keeps track of the user’s performance in the process. The device relies on AccuSense technology and GPS to track vital stats by gauging time, distance, speed and heart rate; while providing this data, along with calories burned to the user. This data can further be uploaded to the MotoACTV website for post-workout performance analysis. In other words this device is pretty much like most other heart rate monitors and wearable fitness computers. Continue reading Motorola New Music Plus Fitness Trainer For the MotoACTV Life

Kinect Sports Kicks Off Another Season

With winter just around the corner you can still get in the game, and do so from in front of the Kinect for the Microsoft Xbox 360. Kinect Sports: Season Two will let you play the warm weather sports including Tennis, Football, Baseball and Golf – plus some Darts and even the winter friendly Skiing all from your living room.

New features this year include the ability to call an audible play in football or challenge the ref in tennis with your voice, and even challenge friends over Xbox LIVE. But this year the gameplay ups the ante while getting gamers off the couch as it now includes an in-game calorie counter. You can work up a sweat, score points and lose some calories all at the same time.

Kinect Sports: Season Two will be available this holiday season from Rare and Big Park and is being published by Microsoft Studios. Tis the season to game and get in shape.

Xbox 360 Official Website

Cutting the Cord to Brake

In cycling technology we’ve seen numerous developments that have cut the cords and removed the wires. Cycling computers have gone wireless, and even the gear shifting has been made wireless (although it is still far from standard). The next big change could be wireless brakes, as Germany’s Saarland University has created a prototype wireless braking system, which could stop a bike in just 250 milliseconds. That equates to a rider traveling at about 18.5 miles an hour stopping in about 6.6 feet – not exactly the best, but researchers think they could do better with anti-lock and traction control functionality.

Professor Holger Hermanns, who is leading the research at the Saarbrücken Computer Science department, is already reportedly in contact with bike manufacturers about a commercial version. Currently the system utilizes multiple senders to transmit the same signal, and the whole system has 99.999999999997 percent reliability, which Hermanns notes isn’t perfect, “but acceptable.” We’ll be sure to watch this technology as it could give new meaning to stopping on a dime… or in the German’s case the 10 cent Euro.

[Via BikeRadar.com: World’s first wireless electronic bicycle brake]

Electric Commuter Bike Could be Game Changer Says Designer Gabriel Wartofsky

What is holding back bicycle commuting in the United States? Washington-born designer Gabriel Wartofsky has suggested that it is the lack of options available. To this end he has been working on an electric assist bike that could help users get to the nearest transit hub or final destination sweat-free, grease-free, and without a hassle.

Video after the jump

CTIA Honors Rugged Case With Hot for the Holidays Award

The idea of “life proofing” portable electronics is a good one, especially with mobile smartphones. These things get dropped, get spilled on and get put through conditions that frankly they weren’t designed for. After dropping an iPhone many users probably have a moment of fear and do a quick “proof of life” test to see if it still works. Instead of worrying whether that fall or spill “killed” the handset, LifeProof it instead.

(Video after the jump) Continue reading CTIA Honors Rugged Case With Hot for the Holidays Award

Bottle Lock It

For many urban dwellers there is only one bike lock they trust, which is none, as in they never leave their bike and never lock it up. However, there are times when there is no choice and the bike has to be left unguarded. Few would dare leave a nice bike unlocked for even a few minutes, and in those occasions it means brining a lock and chain along for the ride. The problem is how to carry the lock and chain.

It is generally agreed that riders shouldn’t wear the chain as a sash or even as a belt. Messengers and commuters may do it, but this can be a problem should there be an accident as it can limit access, or even cause a rider to be pinned under a vehicle. On the flip side, many riders simple wouldn’t dream of putting a chain around the bike frame. In other words there has to be a better way, and thanks to the Küat Racks Bottle Lock there is one! Continue reading Bottle Lock It

Map My Hike With New iPad App

Is the iPad really durable enough to go on long hikes? The folks at Backpacker magazine and Trimble Outdoors apparently think so, as they have announced the release of Backpacker Map Maker, a mapping and trip planning app for the Apple iPad. From the touch-screen tablet computer hikers and backpackers can find wild places, plot GPS points and plan their next adventure over seamless topographical maps.

“Our readers absolutely love maps. As avid backcountry explorers and GPS users, they like to view, create and annotate their topos, and with Map Maker, they can now harness the beauty and power of their tablets to experience maps in an extraordinary and dynamic way,” said Jonathan Dorn, editor-in-chief of Backpacker, and vice president, AIM Outdoor Group. “Map Maker is a portable, practical tool for hikers, a great way to relive their adventures, and the perfect complement to GPS Trails, our smartphone navigation app for in-the-field use.” Continue reading Map My Hike With New iPad App

iPhone to Get ANT+

Want to see a few minutes into the future of mobile technology? Look no further than the FCC. Late last week word broke that an ANT+ adapter for the iPhone from Garmin had surfaced in FCC documents. The ANT+ wireless sensor would of course be used to track fitness data in devices such as heart rate monitors, sports watches and cycling computers.

While Garmin already makes those devices, it would appear that Garmin could be looking to create a fully integrated system that somehow utilizes the iPhone. From the images this adapter could be compatible with the iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4 and maybe even the iPhone 4S.

[Via Engadget: Garmin ANT+ adapter for iPhone hits the FCC]

Hands On: Rock and Roll Trainer First Impressions

At last month’s Interbike we saw a number of products that were designed to help riders train through the winter season. These trainers came in a many varieties including stationary bikes, rollers and the basic rear-wheel trainer. The latter category has plenty of basic devices, a few even seem quite similar, but one in particular caught our eye at the show – the Kinetic Rock and Roll by Kurt. At first glance this trainer resembles the basic rear-wheel configuration where the back end of the bike is attached by clamps while the rear wheel is allowed to spin freely, rolling against metal drum that is attached to a resistance device, but the Kinetic Rock and Roll has more to offer.

It is a simple device, and has the benefit of being easy to transport, easy to store and easy to set up. Unlike a stationary bike it is compact, and lets users actually ride their own bike. Rear-wheel trainers tend not to offer the road-like feel that rollers provide, but unlike rollers there is virtually no chance of riding off of a rear-wheel trainer. This style of trainer is good in that it allows riders to mount their own bike easily and has the resistance device that rollers often lack, but a rear-wheel trainer does not have the road-like feel of rollers (especially while out of the saddle) or allow the rider to have the opportunity to ‘train’ their bike handling skills while getting a workout. Continue reading Hands On: Rock and Roll Trainer First Impressions

Interactive Trainer Makes Workout an Art Form

A kick ass workout could involve actually “kicking ass,” or you could take part in some high intensity Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Interval Training. At last week’s UFC Fan Expo in Houston, Nexersys Corporation announced the launch of the Nexersys iPower Trainer in both consumer and commercial versions. These systems combine the intensity of combat sports training with a sophisticated electronic interface. The result is much like a fast-paced game with the motivation of a personal trainer.

The Nexersys iPower Trainer is designed to deliver a heart pounding workout through 4 minute technique, strike, core and cardio video training and Avatar sparring rounds. The system utilizes seven strike pads located in three strikes zones that represent the head, body and legs. Built-in accelerometers in each strike pad capture extensive data on each strike and send that data to the Nexersys computer where it is processed delivering individualized performance feedback to the user. And don’t worry this system will let you pack a punch and will still be there for more. (Video after the jump) Continue reading Interactive Trainer Makes Workout an Art Form

Wearable Sleeping Bag

With heating costs rising people who spend their cold evenings in front on the couch watching TV can curl up in such things as a “Snuggie,” “Snuggler, “Doojo” or “Toasty Wrap.” All the various names equate to the same thing, it is a sleeved blanket.

Maybe this was on Chilean graphic designer Rodrigo Alonso Schramm’s mind or possibly on his body when he came up with the idea of the Selk’Bag or Musuc’Bag, which is essentially a wearable sleeping bag. Whereas the “Snuggie” is basically a blanket with sleeves, the Selk’Bag – named after the nomadic Chilean Selk’nam people – is actually a sleeping bag with arms, legs and hood, as well as nylon soles with anti-slip pads. No doubt it makes answering nature’s call in the middle of the night a little easier too. With this Chilean-designed sleeping bag you’ll never have to be chilly again while camping.

There is even a kid’s model with front kangaroo pocket, a light weight version and one coming soon with detachable feet for those who want to wear boots, or possibly let their feet breathe. It is certainly an interesting concept, but we wonder – if you don’t have to get out of bed while camping how is this going to help. We almost expect to see people hiking in Selk’Bags in the future.

Selk’Bag Official Website
[Via Gizmag: Selk’Bag is a sleeping bag that you wear]