In this of smartphones, tablets and other connected devices the old “flip flop” seems positively passé, but there are times when the clamshell design can come in handy – such as well off trekking in the wilds. That’s when a smartphone can become broken and thus useless all too easily.
Kyocera thus saw this and has introduced a flip phone exclusively for Sprint, but the Kyocera DuraXT is more than just a Star-Tec in a new body. This is also a smartphone! And it has some smart features, beginning with the rubber, non-slip Dura-Grip outer casing to ensure that it isn’t dropped while off hiking. It is also water resistant up to a meter for around 30 minutes. It is Military Standard 801G Spec compliant for dust, shock, vibration, temperature extremes, humidity, solar radiation, salt fog, rain and water immersion.
Other features include a 3.2megapixel camera/camcorder; Sprint Direct Connect for instant, one-to-one push-to-talk calling on Sprint; Group Connect with up to 20 users; Bluetooth 2.0 and offers browser-based email for access to POP3 and IMAP accounts, as well as SMS and MMS messaging.
Durable and clever!
As we’ve seen competition – friendly competition – can help be a major motivating way to keep up with fitness goals. And Fitbug will help users stay motivated with the new Games Framework and iPhone app that allows taems or individuals to compete against each other in a variety of virtual challenges.
Many sports watches can do it all – except provide a bit of women friendly style. Now Bia has introduced a sprots watch designed for women, and is designed by women. It provides a sleek form factor that can monitor heart rate (from a third party strap), calories burned, intervals and even provide a stop watch. With the external GPS-GSM based Go Stick, users can track distance, speed and pace as well.
There seems to be no shortage of iPhone cycle computer apps. Most of these utilize GPS to track speed, distance and even elevation. What they can’t generally track is the cadence of the pedal stroke.
Yurbuds designs headphones worthy of someone training for a marathon or triathlon. The Inspire Talk headphones are compatible with most smartphones, and have a one-button “dry-mic” sweat and water resistant microphone and control.
Motivation seems to be the key to keeping elderly people active, and pedometers are apparently a good motivator. These are the findings of a study conducted by researchers at the University of Western Sydney, which was published in the journal Annals of Family Medicine.