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

UwaterHD3X
The UwaterHD3X

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

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: Fujifilm Get Rugged

FujiFilm XP50
FujiFilm XP50

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

CES 2012: Garmin Approaches Golf

This week at the Consumer Electronics Show Garmin has wanting to get outside and take in 18 holes instead of walking the show floor. The company is showing off its new Approach G6 GPS unit, designed for those heading out to the golf course. The device is slim and sleek, and perfect for hitting the links.

It features a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, so users can play an entire weekend on a single charge. It will come preloaded with 25,000+  worldwide courses – with no subscriptions required.

Other features:
·Free course updates available, no subscriptions required
·Innovative software with layup arcs and larger on-screen numbering
·Scoring capabilities include Stapleford, Match Play, Skins and Handicap
·Tracks fairways hit, GIR, putts per round, how far you hit each club

With the Approach 6G the competition won’t see you coming!

Garmin Official Website

Blackbox Case Gives Your Mac a Bamboo Shield

Let’s face it – Apple notebooks aren’t cheap, so when it comes to protection, you want more than just a plastic sleeve with a funky design. Enter the Blackbox Bamboo Case for the MacBook Pro and iPad. These cases will have your MacBook running with the very best rugged laptops.

Handcrafted from solid bamboo, the cases were made to protect your Apple kit at all costs giving it hardshell protection from falls, scratches, and dents. Each case is also treated with a water-resistant finish to guard your laptop from rain or the accidental splash of coffee. Design-wise, the cases fit snugly around your MacBook/iPad and each case features a laser-cut leather strap and wool-felt liner. The cases do add a little bulk to your device, and a small portion of your device remains exposed (the portion surrounding the leather carry strap), but with prices starting at $99, it’s a small grievance for what could be a life-saving shield for your MacBook or iPad.

Blackbox Case Official Website
[via Gigaom: Blackbox bamboo MacBook Air case is beautiful and takes a beating]

US Army to Deploy Smartphones

While the troops are coming home, or mostly have come home from Iraq, a large presence of U.S. soldiers still remains in the field around the world. The time in Iraq and Afghanistan no doubt made it clear to military planners as to what technology worked and more importantly what likely needed improvement.

Last week The Army Times reported “Army expects to field smartphones next year,” and this will include Army-issued handsets. According to the story these will include a secure version of the Android operating system, which will get certification from the National Security Agency. Additionally, the iPhone and iPad iOS is being considered as another option. Continue reading US Army to Deploy Smartphones

CES 2012 Preview: Gobandit is Coming

What do we know about the gobandit digital camcorder? Not much, but the CES teaser said to “Get ready for something new,” and promised readers: “Now you can shoot, show and share much more than a video clip. gobandit captures experience more detailed than ever. Full HD, GPS, acceleration sensor, gyroscope and 150° wide angel show you more than words could ever tell.”

We’ll be sure to check out this at next week’s Consumer Electronics Show.

Gobandit Official Website

CES 2012 Preview: emWave2 to Help Reduce Stress

If the holidays weren’t stressful enough for us we have the Consumer Electronics Show to look forward to – just one of several trade shows that is happening over the next few weeks. Since we can’t get away, we might want to consider HeartMath’s emWave2, a self-tracking mobile device that offers the promise to help change the way we respond to stress.

Too bad we have to actually to CES to see the emWave2 to reduce our stress! Press Release after the jump