Consumer Electronics Show | Evolving Consumer

CES 2012: Liquid Goggle Cams

At last week’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas we saw a lot of waterproof devices, and accessories to protect from a few spills – liquid or otherwise. But then there was Liquid Image that introduced products that were anything but all wet. And while not designed for the water, these sports tech products did make us take notice.

Liquid Image revealed two additions to its Xtreme Sports Cams line of goggles with built-in video cameras. These feature the camera along with Wi-Fi and GPS, and can of course be controlled via a smartphone. The Apex HD snow goggles will feature a 136-degree wide angle lens with Line of Sight video capture at 30FPS in full HD 1080p mode, or 60FPS in 720 action mode. This one can even take 12megapixel stills – which is very impressive from a wearable camera. Continue reading CES 2012: Liquid Goggle Cams

CES 2012: Audio-Technica Brings Fitness Out Headphones

High end headphone maker Audio-Technica was in Las Vegas this week to celebrate its 50^th anniversary, and also entered the high-end fitness headphone market with the Apple-friendly ATH-CP500i and ATH-CP500 Sport Fit In-ear Headphones. Both have an exclusive ear-hanger design and loop support system to provide a stable, comfortable fit even during intense workouts. Congrats on making it to the big 5-0 to Audio-Technia. We look forward to putting these headphones to the test later this year.

Audio-Technica Official Website

Thursday Reading List (1/12/2012)

While we were are the Consumer Electronics Show this week, across the pond – that would be the Atlantic Ocean – another trade show was happening, this would be the London Bike Show. Fortunately our friends at BikeRadar.com were there:

London Bike Show 2012: Mountain Bike Round-up

Continue reading Thursday Reading List (1/12/2012)

CES 2012: Magellan Shows the Way for RVers

Getting there is said to be half the fun, but whoever said that probably never got lost – or didn’t go very far. For the rest of us the RoadMate RV9145 from Magellan, which was introduced at this week’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, will make sure we find our way.

The GPS unit, which is designed specifically for RVers, features an extra-large high-resolution seven-inch display with customized routing based on vehicle profile and driver preference. It includes Magellan’s exclusive Good Sam Trailer Life RV Park & Campground Directory, and is pre-loaded with maps of the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico, and over six million points of interest. Safety features include customized routes, Highway Lane Assist, and turn-by-turn spoken directions. Additionally, the RV9145 includes Magellan’s exclusive OneTouch user interface and a convenient A/V input for a backk-up camera, DVD player or iPod. Press Release after the jump

CES 2012: Hit the Showers

After a workout it is time to hit the showers, and now you can enjoy some music while you get clean. At CES this week iDevices introduced its iShow, a water resistant, Bluetooth-enabled speaker that can stream music from portable devices. And while it is the “i” in the name, an Apple device isn’t required. It will stream directly from any device that offers Bluetooth, including a PC or Android device, making it ideal for use in the shower, or just at the beach or by the pool. It features a 200-foote range, and runs for 15 hours on three AA batteries. Press Release after the jump

CES 2012: Train to the Rhythm of Iqua Beat

Music can make fitness routines a little more enjoyable and a lot less routine, while encouragement can help get someone through a workout. At the Consumer Electronics Show Iqua Ltd. got into the rhythm with its new Iqua Beat training solution for iPhone. The company, which is a designer of hands free headsets has launched the new Bluetooth stereo headset and iPhone app for the North American market.

Iqua Beat can be used to tracks heart rate, pace, calorie consumption, and distance traveled, while providing audio feedback, encouragement, and guidance during the workout work out. The headset monitors the user’s heart rate from their earlobe, and the patented earpieces provide a secure in-ear fit ideal for a wide range of sports. Continue reading CES 2012: Train to the Rhythm of Iqua Beat

CES 2012: Optrix Unveils VideoPro App to Shoot Detailed Action HD Videos

Optrix, the maker of the HD Sport rugged mount and case for iPhone and iPod Touch devices, is showing off its new VideoPro app at CES 2012 this week. Designed for use with an iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, and video-capable iPod Touch to shoot high-definition action videos, the app displays and records info such as lap time, GPS tracking, speed, and g-force, all without using add-on accessories. The app, which was developed with the team behind Harry’s Lap Timer, can be downloaded now from the iTunes App Store for $9.99 Continue reading CES 2012: Optrix Unveils VideoPro App to Shoot Detailed Action HD Videos

CES 2012:: Indestructible Dive Lights and Waterproof Cameras

Products that can go deep are what Fitness Technologies Inc. is showing this week in Las Vegas at the Consumer Electronics Show. These include the newly announced full-day hour Uwater Action Cameras, which include the UD3X, HD55 and the HD77. All three cameras feature mounting accessories so they can be used with helmets, on a bike or mounted on the body or board. Continue reading CES 2012:: Indestructible Dive Lights and Waterproof Cameras

CES 2012: Valencell Exhibits Ear Bud Sensor Technology for Biometric Measurements

Valencell V-LINC — A runner demonstrates Valencell's V-LINC ear-bud sensor technology. The medallion with connected ear buds wirelessly streams biometric data to a mobile device, such as an iPhone.

The Consumer Electronics Show is a hotbed of new and upcoming tech products, but there are also plenty of companies showcasing new technologies that may one day end up in a product at a future CES. One such company is Valencell, which is demonstrating its V-LINC health and fitness ear-bud sensor tech. Due to the nature of the ear, V-LINC’s technology “continuously measures more real-time biometric data, with higher accuracy, in virtually any environment, than any other health and fitness sensor technology on the market,” Valencell said.

“Studies show that 70 percent of regular exercisers wear audio headsets while exercising, and Valencell aspires to connect with that audience to make health and fitness more accessible through our earbud sensor technology,” said Valencell CEO and co-founder Steven LeBoeuf. “Companies will discover how they can turn audio headsets into health and fitness devices on multiple mobile platforms by integrating V-LINC.”

At CES, Valencell is demoing how the technology would work with various mobile platforms, including iOS and Android. Demonstrators wear an ear bud prototype that measures biometric data such as continuous heart rate; calories burned; cardiovascular fitness; metabolic rate; and distance and speed while using a treadmill, stationary bike, and in other activities. The data is then streamed to one of the platforms.

Valencell says V-LINC is compatible with regular headset manufacturing processes, so a headphone maker can easily license and implement the technology into its product.

Valencell Official Website

CES 2012: Benzitech Introduces New Waterproof Cases for Smart Devices

There must be a demand for waterproof cases. Not long after we mentioned to you about the DryCASE, the folks at Benzitech sent us info on their new iDry waterproof cases for smart phones and tablets. The cases seal a device to keep out water, yet allow the devices’ touch screens to be used through the case without removal. They can submerge down to 30 feet underwater, and they float, too. The iDry products come with waterproof ear bud headphones, armbands, and neck straps.

Benzitech Official Website

CES 2012: Magellan Switches it Up

This week at the Consumer Electronics Show Magellan announced it was switching things up, and is entering the fitness market with the launch of its first two products, the Switch and Switch Up. These new series promises to be powerful, adaptable, and customizable for those looking for GPS watches that can meet the needs of runners, cyclists, and multisport athletes. And with a Magellan fitness website and third-party integration, users can easily analyze and share their activities.

For runners there is the Switch, which is packed with innovative features including nine customizable sport profiles, easy to read high-resolution display, eight hours of battery life, a high sensitivity GPS receiver, 50-meter water resistance, and compatibility with ANT+ sensors. The Switch Up offers the same features as the Switch plus additional features designed for true multisport athletes, including a barometric altimeter for precise elevation data, a thermometer to capture outside temperature, vibration alerts, and an innovative quick release mounting system to easily transition between sports. The Switch series will launch this spring. Press Release after the jump

CES 2012: DryBUDS SPORT Waterproof Headphones and Mic Let You Gab in Water

Cell phones and H2O should normally never mix, but for those who cannot live without their phones even when in or near water, the DryBUDS SPORT headphones with built-in waterproof microphone is the accessory for you.

Shown this week at the 2012 Consumer Electronics Show, the DryBUDS SPORT is completely waterproof, according to its manufacturer, Dry Corp. That means you can bring it into the pool or shower to listen to your tunes. Paired with your phone using Dry Corp’s DryCASE vacuum-sealed waterproof case, you can utilize the microphone to make/receive calls while you soap up your bod or perform your backstrokes. The ability to access your phone through the headphones is also great for times when you can’t physically reach for the phone, like when you’re busy canoeing down a river, for example.

DryCASE Official Website

CES 2012: Fujifilm Get Rugged

This week at the Consumer Electronics Show Fujifilm is showing off 19 new digital cameras, and these include the ruggedized FinePix line, with the XP150, XP100 and XP50. The former two are waterproof down to 33 feet, shockproof to a 6.5 foot drop, freezeproof to 14 degrees Fahrenheit, and of course dustproof, so these are pretty much ready for just about any excursion. The XP50 will be for the budget minded offering a little less protection but still rugged enough for most adventures. It is waterproof to 16.5 feet, shockproof from 5 feet, with the same freeze- and dustproofing.

All three cameras will be driven by 14 megapixel CMOS sensors, with continuous shooting up to 10 frames per second, and will feature 5x wide angle lenses. The cameras will be able to record 1080p video with sound, even underwater, captured at 30 frames per second. The XP-series will also feature dual image stabilization to mechanically stabilize the sensor while also adjusting shooting variables to compensate for camera shake or movement.

The FinePix XP150 and XP100 will be available in March for $279.95 and $249.95 respectively. The XP150 will be available in black or orange, and the XP100 will be available in black, blue, orange, silver, or green. The XP50 will also be available in March, for $199.95, and will also be available in black, blue, orange, silver, and green. Additional images and Press Release after the jump