GPS On the SPOT

There are places where phones won’t work, and if you need help you might find yourself reduced to smoke signals –unless you have the SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger. This rugged, pocket-sized device works where mobile handsets will not, and offers users the ability to send real-time, on-the-fly messages via text or social media. It features an option to allow your location to be transmitted in real-time. It can help notify emergency responders locate you in a pinch, but can also be used to just “check in” while you’re otherwise off the grid.

SPOT Official Website

Foolish New Action Camera

With a name like Foolish you might wonder what UK-based Nilox are thinking, but apparently this could be a smart move as the company looks to introduce a durable action camera at an affordable price. It will be available for £199.95 ($320). For that price the Nilox Foolish will come with a two waterproof casings, an 8GB micro SD card, and various mounting fixings.

The Foolish will be able to record at full HD 1080p at 30fps, or at 720p at 60fps while also being able to capture still images at 8megapixels. This action camera also features a 4x digital zoom. Control of the camera is done through one button filming, with another for taking still shots. A laser pointer is included to provide the desired line of site as well, because the designers clearly wouldn’t want owners to actually do something foolish. Video after the jump

ROAM2 Wherever You Want

This month GoPro announced a new action camera, and that follows introductions into the category by Sony and JVC. Not to be left behind Contour has announced its ROAM2 camera, which it proclaims to be the simplest camera on the market. It offers instant on-record, and the frame rate has been up to 60fps at 720p. It can record at 1080p at 30fps as well.

The ROAM2 features two lasers on the side of the 170-degree wide angle lens to make what is being recorded. This is a novel alternative to a view finder and for those who are engaged in some activity like downhill snowboarding or mountain biking it might be a good way to know what’s in the shot. The ROAM2 is waterproof to one meter without separate housing, so it can handle a little water for sure. Continue reading ROAM2 Wherever You Want

Scosche Has the RHYTHM

There are fitness monitors that can tell you everything and seeming do everything. The Scosche RHYTHM isn’t one of those devices. It works on the KISS principal – keep it simple stupid. This fitness monitor eliminates the heart rate strap that is commonly found with most monitors, but it also features a lightweight interface that is in a word, simple! Video after the jump

GoPro Threes Times the Hero

This week GoPro announced the release of its new HD HERO3 camera, which will be available in white, silver and black. But most impressively the new edition of cameras has been reduced in size whilst adding new features such as built-in Wi-Fi. The new line of GoPros don’t just deliver high definition video, as these support 4K and 2.7K video resolution so those who dare to film their exploits will soon be able to see it in ultra high resolution! Video after the jump

BKool Trainer is Cool Indeed

One big trend at this year’s Interbike trade show was virtual trainers, and while we didn’t see BKool at the show, the Spanish brand of cycle trainers has been developing its own software system for four years. BKool offers an online component so riders can compete against others either recorded or live, plus power output, personalized training sessions with automatic resistance changes via the laptop. Continue reading BKool Trainer is Cool Indeed

BoomPro Puts Wearer in the Action

As we’ve noted action cameras such as the GoPro are great for providing a way of sharing your experience on video. But what is missing is the ability for you to be in those shots. We’ve seen some devices, such as the XShot Pro Camera Extender as a long handle for users to hold to get into the shot, but this is hardly particle for those on bicycles or motorcycles.

Dirt bike enthusiast and mechanical engineer Daniel Madsen opted to create another way to get in the shot with the BoomPro, a helmet mounted pole extender. The rod is designed to be flexible so that it can adapt to the curvature of the wearer’s helmet. Video after the jump

Made in America: Bag that Phone – Jersey Style

Most cyclists ride with their cell phone, usually stashed in the jersey pocket if it is not being used on the handlebar as a cycling computer. One ride is all it usually takes to realize that sweat builds up on the phone and regardless of the chance of rain, the following ride usually sees the phone placed in a zipper closure plastic bag before being put in a jersey pocket.

This is exactly the scenario that played out when I first purchased my iPhone. Since the replacement cost of that phone can exceed $600, every following ride saw the iPhone being protected by a Ziplock bag. Over time the zipper usually stops properly sealing and the bag breaks apart. While at Interbike this year, the crew from the 2013 Amgen Tour of California was giving away JerseyBins, the vinyl zipper pouch used to protect cell phones, cash, or anything else that may need to be protected while out for a ride. This little pouch seemed like the perfect solution.

The JerseyBin is a heavyweight zipper closure pouch that is available in four different sizes. The 10-gauge vinyl is cold crack tolerant to below -10 degrees Fahrenheit, yet it allows the use of a touch screen without removing your phone from the pouch – that can be difficult to do through a normal Ziplock bag. Continue reading Made in America: Bag that Phone – Jersey Style

PEARSports Takes A Bite Out of Apple iPhone

We first saw PEARSports when it came out with a device that worked with the iPod Shuffle. The small Apple music player plugged into a port that helped runners maintain a pace and get feedback during a workout. Now PEAR has introduced the PEAR Mobile Training Intelligence App, which pairs with the PEAR Mobile Training Intelligence Kit. Continue reading PEARSports Takes A Bite Out of Apple iPhone

BRIGHT Idea Lamp and Phone Charger

Even when off the grid it is nice to have some portable power to provide some light and even to charge a mobile phone – because you may not want to make a call, but in an emergency it could come in handy. BRIGHT Products has come up with a bright idea with its new solar-powered lamp that could make the kerosene lamp a thing of the past.

While it is easy to see plenty of applications for this solar-charging system that involve not-quite-roughing it such as camping, this could be a very useful product in the developing world, where a connection to the grid is sketchy at best. The BRIGHT solar charger features a light, which can run for up to 50 hours on low, or eight hours on medium, and even up to four hours on high, after just eight to ten hours of sunlight charging. Video after the jump

Seriously Rugged Serious Tablet

Most of us will probably never need a tablet that can endure the punishment that the Algiz 10X can withstand, but it is good to know that there is this option. It is designed to withstand the elements, harsh handling and still provide those in the field with a serious machine.

It is IP65-rated and meets stringent MIL-STD-810G military standards so it can tackle dust, water, vibrations, drops, extreme temperatures and even varying altitudes. But it is still just 32mm (1.2-inches) thick and weights just 2.9pounds. Continue reading Seriously Rugged Serious Tablet

Get a (Lark)Life

Everyone can use a little motivation to stay on the path and reach the goals. Sometimes that motivation can come from a life coach but now it can just as easily come from Larklife, a wearable fitness device that tracks users activities including exercise, diet and even sleep patterns. It features a vibrating alarm clock, sleep quality tracker, calorie counter, hydration tracker and of course offers fitness coaching tips.

Where this one differs from similar devices is that it syncs with an iOS app – Android app is a possibility down the road – and this can provide real-time feedback on your efforts. Continue reading Get a (Lark)Life

Sir Hoy Says Gadgets Can Impact Health

Olympic and World Champion cyclist Sir Christopher Hoy certainly knows a thing or two about staying fit. The Scottish cyclists also noted recently that fitness gadgets are not gimmicks and could in fact have a positive impact on health – simply because they encourage people to take up sports.

“Are fitness gadgets gimmicky,” he asked when speaking to U.K.-based gadget magazine T3? “I don’t think so. Everything we do is measurable and it’s that information you get that is useful. Whether they do or do not work isn’t really an issue.”

“If they encourage people to go out an exercise then they have achieved their goal,” he added. “It’s the same as buying a new pair of jeans – you’d want to put them on and go out. If you’ve just bought a new pair of running trainers, you’d naturally want to try them out.”

Good words of wisdom from someone who has certainly gone the distance.

[Via T3: Sir Chris Hoy: ‘Fitness gadgets aren’t gimmicks’]