It is November and while that means Thanksgiving with Christmas just around the corner, it is also the time when we start to hear about the International CES Innovations 2014 Design and Engineering Awards. For the upcoming show, the Honoree in the Wearable Technologies category includes the Magellan Echo, the first smartwatch dedicated to running by connecting smartphone fitness apps to the wrist. It utilizes Bluetooth Smart to wirelessly connect with a smartphone and provides users control over their favorite fitness app and displays running metrics where it can be easily seen.
Magellan Echo drives integration with the world of sport and fitness apps, and has support from Strava, MapMyFitness, iSmoothRun and Wahoo Fitness. Echo features a ruggedized design, water-resistance to withstand adverse conditions and a replaceable battery that lasts 6-11 months.
Fitness tracker Fitbit will introduce a new model this spring and it is designed for those who aren’t exactly rigid about their routines. As with other trackers the Fitbit Flex, which will arrive this spring, is designed for wearing on the wrist, and it is designed to track steps, distance traveled, calories burned, active minutes and quality of sleep. All of this can be synced to a user’s iPhone or Android drive via Bluetooth 4.0. It can even nudge wearer’s out of deep sleep with a gentle vibration.
Move over action cameras that offer a single point of view; the Geonaute camera can record 360-degree video and still images. Inside this device, which has to be worn on the top of one’s head it seems, are three 8MP cameras fitted with wide-angle lenses to capture everything in a 360-degree horizontal and 150-degree vertical field of view. This wearable camera can record up to two hours of video and can be controlled via a wristwatch-style remote.
If you have an iPhone you don’t need a GoPro or another rugged camera, you just need the right case to turn the handset into an action camera. At last week’s CES we saw such a case: The G-Form G90, which even offers a special lens that turns the handset – or even iPod Touch – into a wearable camera. This lens even allows users to take images at a 90-degree angle, making it easier to mount the handset on a helmet or handlebars! 
We’ve seen a number of waterproof cases for the iPhone but most are in essentially just extra tough baggies, or are so bulky that it makes the handset difficult to operate. The driSuit Guardian could be the best of both worlds as it features a design that is completely waterproof but allows full audio functionality.
What is the best way to stay fit? We think not getting out of shape in the first place. And the best way to lose weight is not to put in on. One way to better manage weight gain can be better managing how much you eat. There are endless diets, scales but now the developers of the HAPIfork have another thought.
Fitbug clearly had a great CES and introduced many new products, but it clearly saved the best for last as it introduced its first button-sized, Bluetooth Smart wireless device that is designed to track activity and sleep. The Fitbug Orb offers users seven wear options and even includes membership to the company’s online health and wellness support.
StickNFind has introduced its new BluTracker, a Bluetooth 4.0 GPS locator that offers a range of 2500 feet. This portable tracking device runs on a rechargeable battery and it is compatible with iOS and Android apps. The device features an integrated and customized RF design and antenna, can broadcast its last known position, and can even alert users when something is moved. In this case it could be good for ensuring that a user’s items aren’t snatched – good to make sure that a bear doesn’t run off with your picnic basket for example. But it could also be used to keep a virtual tether on the young ones while out in the wild while camping. 
Fitbug is making a big splash at this year’s International CES. The company has introduced its new Wow scale, which features Bluetooth Smart ready technology to allow those stepping on to wirelessly sync data in real time to their mobile devices. The data can be further integrated with the Fitbug Air, the tracking device recently launched by Fitbug, or from the fitbug.com website. This will allow users to track and work towards achieving their personal health goals.
We’ve seen a lot of ways to track your workout, but at this week’s 2013 International CES in Las Vegas Xsens will showcasing the world’s first wearable 3D body motion tracking system. It utilizes consumer grade MEMS combo sensors, and has the potential for use in wearable sports, fitness, healthcare and gaming applications. It provides real-time 3D body motion data that can digitize the wearer’s exact movements for immediate feedback and live sharing.