Author: Peter Suciu

Waterproof Spy Camera and Oh So Much More

There is an episode of The Simpsons from way back in the first season where Bart Simpson ordered a spy camera, and hilarity ensued. Actually, the best part was Bart saying to the mail carrier, “where is my spy camera” supposedly for six months. That’s pretty much how we feel about the new spy watch camera that was released this summer.

This wasn’t your run of the mill spy watch camera either. This was a 4GB waterproof, motion detection, spy watch, hidden camera with mini DVR. How’d they get all that stuff in the camera-watch we don’t know, but it is worth noting that this sleek time keeping device didn’t come from Japan either, this is Chinese technology at its finest. As with many Chinese products it is hard to tell exactly who made it, kind of like how it is hard to tell exactly what is in Chinese food. We did find that this watch (Model TL-WSC-010) is sourced by Omejo Technology from Hong Kong. Continue reading Waterproof Spy Camera and Oh So Much More

Nike+ Plus GPS

The trouble with dongles is that these little things are easy to misplace. Maybe it is some sort of technology conspiracy theory that is part of the planned obsolescence. If you lose it, you must replace it and thus buy it again. That’s basic Marketing 101 stuff, but Nike has long been a company that skips the basics and goes the distance to earn customer satisfaction. To that end the company has decided to ditch the needed dongle that was part of its Nike+ system for the iPhone.

Instead, the new app version uses GPS radio in compatible iDevices to track a user instead. That is already good news, but it gets even better. With the app users can also plot a run on a map with the handset. The only downside is that you do need an iPhone for the full-fledged mapping options, as these aren’t available on the iPod Touch – but that still can keep track of distance via an accelerometer that tracks a runner’s steps.

What really makes us question Nike’s marketing approach is that the app is actually cheaper too. The Nike+ version with the shoe dongle actually cost $29, while the app is a mere $2. Of course, this company knows that keeping customers happy in the long run means making running easier in the first place. Nike doesn’t need to remind us to “Just Do It,” as they just did it, by making the Nike+ system for iPhone a whole lot easier (and cheaper to use).

Nike+ Website

[Via Wired: Nike+ App Ditches Dongle, Gains GPS]

Carrera Introduces New Ski Helmets and Eyewear

The Italians take fashion seriously; there is simply no denying that fact. And although it is also a well-established fact that the Italians really like to keep their hair well styled, they also are taking safety on the mountains quite seriously these days. But just because you need to protect your eyes and your noggin on the slopes doesn’t mean you can’t look good at the same time.

This is especially true with Carrera’s new line of ski products that include new helmets with eye-catching colors, fine details and exclusive graphic effects. Among the new products for the 2010/11 ski season are the Bullet Rosso Line of lightweight, but still durable fiberglass ski helmets that ensures users an excellent fit with an aerodynamic design. The helmets feature a special “dry wave” inner lining that will absorb moisture and provide better comfort – unfortunately it can’t promise unkempt looking hair after a day in the powder, but that’s probably why the Italians eat dinner so late. Continue reading Carrera Introduces New Ski Helmets and Eyewear

Water Music

While true “Water Music” is the work of composer George Frideric Handel, whose three suites were first performed on a concert for King George I of England in 1717 on the River Thames, today any type of music can be water music thanks to the new Wavetooth headset from Brando.

This is actually the first waterproof Bluetooth headset, and it can be used near and around water. Users need not worry about being tethered to a headset cord, and this wireless headset can be used with an iPhone, smartphone or any Bluetooth compatible music player. Continue reading Water Music

Ricoh G700 Can Get Wet, Wild and a Whole Lot More

Alas, summer is behind us – but that doesn’t mean the time at the beach, pool or on the trail is completely over for this year. And if you’re heading to where you might get wet for an early autumn vacation, the Ricoh G700 waterproof camera will let you snap photos without fear.

This digital still camera can go deep too; up to five meters underwater in depth, and it can handle different types of spills on land as well. With its new shock resistance frame it can survive a drop of up to two meters and it is resistant to chemicals such as ethanol, which allows the camera to be disinfected while you travel. It can handle various weather conditions so this is truly a camera for all seasons. The G700 can keep snapping in cold weather conditions up to -10C, and it offers JIS/ICE dustproof protection to grade 6 to guard against infiltration by dust and sand for that next gaunt to the desert. Continue reading Ricoh G700 Can Get Wet, Wild and a Whole Lot More

Nintendo Summer 2010 Competition Draws to a Close

Photo: Casey Rodgers / AP Images for Nintendo of America

Today marks the end of summer for many people, but Nintendo made sure to have one last summer weekend bash with the Labor Day Wii Games: Summer 2010 Competition championships in the Los Angeles area. The X-Games it was not, but it did show attendees that video game doesn’t have to be a completely sedentary activity, and that gamers can (and we think should) get off the couch from time to time.

Approximately 200 finalists from around the country, who were joined by family, friends and spectators, took to the field in Redondo Beach, California to get in the game. Tournament play included game sessions with Wii Sports Resort, Wii Fit, as well as the new Super Marios Bros. Wii and Mario Kart Wii. Olympic Gold Medalist and Wii Games: Summer 2010 Ambassador Shawn Johnson was on hand to help with a warm-up session with “Hula Hoop Activity” from the Wii Fit Plus.

Wii Games Summer 2010 Official Site

Trek to Sponsor New Pro Cycling Team

This week Waterloo, Wisconsin based Trek Bicycles announced that it would sponsor a new pro cycling team for next year’s Tour de France. This new, to be named team, will be led by two-time Tour runner-up, and white jersey (for best young rider) winner Andy Schlek.

Schlek and his brother Frank, who was unable to finish this year’s Tour de France after crashing out early in the multi-stage race, had previously announced that they would be leaving the Saxo Bank team to start their own team based in their native Luxembourg for the upcoming season. This team has yet to announce its full roster or title sponsor.

Trek will join Specialized Bicycles in being a company that will provide cycles to more than one team, as this year Specialized had provided the bikes for Alberto Contador’s Team Astana. Contador, who won the tour, has made the move to Saxo Bank, which was the other team riding Specialized this year. It was also the first time that a Specialized bike was used by a tour winner. Contador and Team Astana had previously ridden Trek, but the company followed Lance Armstrong to the Radio Shack team for this season.

It was announced that Trek would continue to provide bikes for Radio Shack next season, despite the fact that Armstrong has announced that he will be retiring. It isn’t clear if Astana will be in the Tour next season, or if the company will be using Specialized bikes.

Trek Bicycles

Specialized Bicycles

Motorola Introduced Rugged Smartphone That Will Handle Extreme Travel and More

There are few sad truths about an active lifestyle. The first is that bones don’t heal as fast as you get older. The second is that while the BlackBerry and iPhone maybe great for staying connected while you’re out, on the road or off, the handsets aren’t exactly what we’d label as “rugged.”

Even with protective sleeves the mobile smartphones aren’t exactly designed for those with more active lifestyles. But Motorola is looking to defy what the traditional handset can do, and that’s where the Motorola Defy comes in. This is actually the company’s second rugged Android smartphone, and it promises to be waterproof and dustproof.

The Defy has a 3.7-inch 480×854 Corning Gorilla Glass Display, along with a 5megapixel auto focus camera that offers video recording, LED flash and most notably image stabilization, so you can capture the thrill of victory as well as your personal agony of defeat. The Defy also includes A-GPS, WiFi, stereo Bluetooth, MotoBlur 1.5, a microSD card slot, and it runs on Android 2.1 OS.

That all sounds great, but there is some bad news, you’ll have to head to Europe to get one, when the Defy is released in Q4. No word on pricing or when this handset will arrive in hands in North America.

Garmin Once Again Gives Cyclists a Real Edge

This week cycling in unfamiliar territory may have just gotten a little easily thanks to the newly released Garmin Edge 800, a feature-packed touchscreen GPS device that builds on the industry-leading Edge 500 and Edge 705 models. In additional to tracking statistics for riders, the Edge 800 adds an intuitive touchscreen interface, allowing users to pull up the Garmin BaseCamp route planning, and get access to its BirdsEye Satellite Imagery. The BaseCamp functionality allows users to plan and even preview routes, including elevation changes along the way, and this information can be sent to Edge 800, Edge 705 and Edge 605 devices – meaning you’ll never have to pass out a ride map ever again.

The Edge 800 is truly a biking computer that will appeal to cyclists of all levels, from the casual riders looking for a new route on their weekly group ride, to those who like to go cycle touring and explore distant roads and trails far from home to those looking to wear yellow on the podium. Continue reading Garmin Once Again Gives Cyclists a Real Edge

Share Your Epic Ski Experiences with New Smartphone App

Having a fantastic run on the ski slopes is something you’ll want to talk about with your friends, but Vail Resorts now has a new mobile smartphone app that will let you share your experience on the slopes before you even get back to the lodge. EpicMix is a new online and mobile application that allows skiers and riders a seamless way to digitally capture and share their mountain experiences. From either a computer or via free mobile app for the iPhone, Android or other smartphones, the EpicMix takes advantage of newly installed state-of-the-art radio frequency (RF) scanners that are in place at 89 lifts across five mountain resorts. Continue reading Share Your Epic Ski Experiences with New Smartphone App

College Football Kicks off in 3D on ESPN This Fall

Fall means football, and as the season kicks off this year will see a whole new dimension to the games. ESPN 3D has just announced that the first 3D college games will be broadcast on the new network, and this should certainly have fans getting into the school spirit like never before.

“The technology is now cleaner, crisper and more interactive than ever before,” says David Berman of Home Technology Specialists of America, adding, “it’s more affordable and there is strong demand for these products. Consumers are investing in a variety of options on the market right now that will create an exciting experience.”

Beyond the 3D experience, Berman notes that another way fans are enjoying the game is by watching them outdoors but closer to home; tailgating in their own back yards with new weather-proof outdoor TVs from makers such as Pantel and SunBrite. These sets are ruggedized and meant to stand up to extreme temperatures – from the record highs at the season openers to the more nasty November weather.

So while we still like to focus on technology that gets users moving, we have to admit that the large HDTV sets offer plenty of ways to enjoy the big games, whether it is outside in the elements, or in the full glory of HDTV in 3D. It’s time for some college football.

Home Theater Specialists of America

ESPN 3D

Book Review: Bicycle Technology by Rob van der Plas & Stuart Baird

There have been dozens of books on bicycle maintenance, riding techniques and even the history of the sport, but little has been written that actually describes the technology around a bike – at least not in a way for the average rider. Authors Rob van der Plas and Stuart Baird, who both share a lifelong passion for bicycles, have finally addressed this and have written a concise book that examines everything you’d ever need to know about the two wheel contraptions.

This effort, Bicycle Technology: Understanding the Modern Bicycle & Its Components will appeal to the hardcore gear head as well as the causal rider. It offers 28 chapters, beginning (fittingly enough) with a short yet thorough history and development of bicycle, its accompanying technology and finally to what the future may bring for riders. Additionally, this book offers detailed information on practically every single component and materials used in bike construction, and while this isn’t meant to be a study on maintenance, it will help anyone who tinkers with their cycles have a better understanding of how the specific parts work. Other key topics such as different types of bicycles, as well as information on design are all presented over the course of the 320 pages. Continue reading Book Review: Bicycle Technology by Rob van der Plas & Stuart Baird

Staying Warm While Skiing With New Heated Ski Lift

Skiers heading to Park City, Utah this coming season will be in for a treat. It has been announced that the first of its kind bubble enclosed, quad lift will be introduced just outside the Grand Summit Hotel. The weather protecting orange bubble will give visitors a new perspective on the slopes. It promises to offer unmatched visibility, safety and for those who don’t like the mountain chill – new comforts that include heated seats.

The orange bubble will further make skiers feel like they’re inside a pair of ski goggles, and this lift should increase the uphill capacity from base to mountain by around 47 percent. And it will allow skiers to get to the top of the mountain in a mere nine minutes. But again, we think the fact that skiers will stay warm is the best part.