Peter Suciu | Evolving Consumer

PlayStation Move(d) to Retail

It is time to get moving, as Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC announced that the PlayStation Move is now available in stores.

“The launch of PlayStation Move is the latest in a long line of innovations over the past 15 years that demonstrate how the PlayStation® brand continues to push the videogame industry forward,” said Jack Tretton, Chief Executive Officer, Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC. “We’ve spent a lot of time perfecting the motion control technology of PlayStation Move, and we are confident this is a benchmark in entertainment innovation that will change the way consumers interact with games.”

We’ll be sure to report on the latest games for the new motion control system and let you know whether or not we’re actually moved.

Sony Computer Entertainment America

Power (Platform) to the People

Too many Americans are probably carrying around too much weight, whilst those who are toned up and fit probably have too in the way of weights. That’s the belief of Donnie Gorsuch, the inventor of the Power Platform. Her thinking is that since the average American male can only bench press about 135 pounds without risking injury, and the average American woman can only press about 60 pounds, there is little reason for weigh machines that go up to 500 pounds.

Nor does she believe that there is good reason to fill the average home gym with a lot of gym equipment and lifting machines when the only real weight you need to lift is that of your own body. Gorsuch found a way to get the lifting in by essentially creating a brace for bodyweight training called the Power Platform. Continue reading Power (Platform) to the People

A Skateboard Made for Combat

Serious skateboarders are always looking for new challenges, and the DTV Shredder might just be the next big thing in skating. A similar approach came from Bryson Lovett’s Vertrax Electric Skateboard that we wrote about last month, but the DTV Shredder would likely leave that one in the dust!

Continue reading A Skateboard Made for Combat

Biomechanist Jean Jacques Rivet Joins aboutGolf

If you want to improve your performance in any sport, you go to the expert to help you what you’re doing wrong and how to correct it. For golf this means working on swing optimization, and this week aboutGolf announced that Jean Jacques Rivet has joined their team as a new partner.

Rivet is a renowned sportsman, as well as a professional engineer, who has worked on the advancement of biomechanics and body motion. His company, BiomecaSwing has worked with golfers to attain a new level of game performance by applying a proven scientific approach. Rivet will serve as a consultant to aboutGolf in its ongoing product development, including its performance products such as the aG Balance, aG Flix and future TechCentric suite of products. Continue reading Biomechanist Jean Jacques Rivet Joins aboutGolf

Running on a Moving Treadmill?

When we first heard about the Treadmill Bike we were convinced it was a joke. After all, why the need to combine a treadmill with a bike? Couldn’t you just run outside? Running on a tread to move a device not only seem counter productive but it sort of seems incredibly silly too. But in fact it is a real device, and one that has been getting a fair amount of attention lately.

The truth is that most stories about it ask the same exact questions we’re asking, which is why you couldn’t just go running instead. Apparently the benefits of the device are that it offers (according to the official website) “the benefits of running on a convention treadmill but outside.” The Treadmill Bike thus further protects “your feet from dirt and other contaminants commonly found on the earth’s surface.” Continue reading Running on a Moving Treadmill?

View Your Workout With Sweat Activated Technology

A soaked shirt at the end of a workout is a good sign that you put in the miles, went the distance, played really hard or just otherwise really sweated the small and big stuff. With the ViewSPORT line of t-shirts users not only see a soaked shirt, but also can get motivated by working just hard enough to have the shirt (almost magically) provide an inspiration message.

The technology behind the ViewSPORT shirts is the brainchild of chemist Ben Wood and Joe Yacano, who created a special process for their Sweat Activated Technology. The apparel that offers a variety of slogans, such as one that says, “I Am” and after a bit of time pumping iron or running it reveals, “the Competition.” Think of this as a personal way to manage your workout routine by merely looking in the mirror, and the result is what the makers call a visible measure of a wearer’s “sweat equity.” Continue reading View Your Workout With Sweat Activated Technology

Clothes That Make the (Super) Man

In the comic books super heroes are always wearing tight spandex type clothing, and what is really amazing is that the attire can hold up to all sorts of mayhem. The fabric must be a super duper as the heroes. But that’s the comic books, and in real life about the only thing super about most guy’s gym shorts is the smell after a workout!

The real life super fashion statement might just be the Uniqlo calorie-burning underwear, which was developed with Toray Industries and the University of Tokyo. The idea behind it is that it gets a little snug down there, which in turn applies resistance to the wearer’s muscles, thus forcing him to put a bit more strut into each step. It makes us think that maybe it is Superman’s tight red shorts that helped him stay so buff? Either way, the concept certainly has us intrigued.

Currently the product is only sold in Japan, but could arrive in the United States soon, which should be good news to fitness addicts looking for an extra edge, as well as hipster with their skinny jeans.

Skateboard Controller Improved for New Game Says Hawk

There is the timeless question about building a better mousetrap, as most of the time simple is usually the best way. The same can be said when it comes to building a better game controller. The team behind the upcoming Tony Hawk: Shred video game realized this as well, and addressed the numerous flaws with the game’s skateboard shaped controller. The device had been developed for the previous title in the series, Tony Hawk: Ride.

Many of the reviews suggested it was more like Tony Hawk: Crash and Burn, as the skateboard peripheral failed to deliver. But the flaw it seems was the result of the game’s code, not the device itself says the Hawkman. Continue reading Skateboard Controller Improved for New Game Says Hawk

Granite Gear Sheds Weight

Whether you’re hiking or camping there is always a lot of gear to carry, and keeping it dry is always an issue. The best method is to use drysacks, but every bag you bring along adds to the weight. And we always would think of granite as being quite heavy, yet Granite Gear instead has managed to actually help shed some weight with its new line of overnight Überlight CTF³ Drysacks.

These manage to tip the scales at just 15-21 grams (or in terms you might easier understand 0.53-0.74 ounces). The packs are constructed of the same wafer-thin composites that are used in the construction of World Cup yacht sails. And if the material goes out to sea you can expect that it will be waterproof. The Überlight CTF³ Drysacks range in size from seven to 18 liters (425-1100 cu. in.), which should be ideal to help you get organized without taking up too much space in your packs. The biggest downside to these drysacks is that they shed weight without shedding much in the way of price, in fact the Überlight CTF³ Drysacks come in at $38.95, but can you put a price on reducing weight in the pack? Continue reading Granite Gear Sheds Weight

PlayStation to Move on QVC

Want to be among the first to get a PlayStation Move? Tune into QVC on Sunday, September 12 at midnight, again at 10am and at 7pm (all times ET), to take advantage of the QVC “Today’s Special Value” item – which just happens to be the PlayStation Move Launch Bundle.

This special bundle, created just for QVC will include the PS3 Sports Champions Move Bundle including a PS3 and the PlayStation Move (320GB PS3 system with PlayStation Move motion controller, PlayStation Eye Camera, Sports Champions game, PlayStation Move game demo disc); PlayStation Move Power Pack and PlayStation3 Starter Game Bundle. This includes the accessories to enhanced the gameplay, as well as the Blu-ray remote, PS3 system Slim Stand, HDMI cable, 2 silicon skins for the Dualshock 3 controller and even a system bag. Bonus software includes the game Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction and the Surf’s Up Blu-ray movie.

The PlayStation Move Bundle will be available for approximately $599.00 as part of QVC’s Today’s Special Value. The PlayStation Move will make its debuts in stores on September 17.

Sony PlayStation Official Site

Miura Looks to Make Grind Permanent and Iron Things Out

In ancient to medieval times Japan was famous for the craftsmanship that went into making its famous “samurai swords” and this level of skill and craftsmanship is alive and well today, but for those hitting the greens not to do battle but to play a round of golf.

After receiving rave reviews for its Yoshitaka Grind wedges and C-Grind wedges and positive response during a soft launch of the products last year, Japanese golf-club maker Miura Golf will make these part of its Series 1957 special edition product line. The two new wedges models will join four iron models. The Yoshitaka is the result of its namesake, master craftsman Yoshitaka Miura. He trained under this father, and company founder Katsuhiro Miura at the family’s forging facility in Himeji, Japan.

The new mild-steel wedges are crafted through the company’s famous Precision Forging Finish process that ensures the clubs are consistent in terms of impact and feel. The Yoshitaka (also known as the Y-Grind) wedge will be available in lofts of 49, 51 and 53, while a 60-degree model will eventually be offered. The wedges, which only be available for right-handed, will feature W nickel (satin) chrome/black finish and will come with a stiff-flex steel shaft and Velvet Full Cord grip. The “Y” on the wedge’s sole not only represents Yoshitaka’s mark – much the way the sword makers of old would sign a blade – but it also signifies the special and limited production of the wedge. Continue reading Miura Looks to Make Grind Permanent and Iron Things Out

Mel B Puts on the Weight

Former Spice Girl Me B is packing on the pounds. But not as you would think. While many aging rock/pop stars let themselves go, the once Scary one has become a healthy lifestyle advocate. As we previously reported Mel B is also working with video game accessory manufacturer BLAZE on a line of Fitness First licensed products.

The newest announced product is the Wii Fitness First Wrist and Ankle Weights that will let users get a little more impact on their console-based workout, while still leaving hands free to take control with the Wii-mote. The BLAZE wrist and ankle weights are designed for use with a variety of fitness games. The are made of soft, cushioned fabric, and weight approximately 520 grams, which is considered an ideal weight to add resistance without being too heavy.

The BLAZE Fitness First Mel B Wrist and Ankle Weights will be available in October.

BLAZE Fitness Official Site

Author: Peter Suciu