Category: Gadget

Map My Hike With New iPad App

Is the iPad really durable enough to go on long hikes? The folks at Backpacker magazine and Trimble Outdoors apparently think so, as they have announced the release of Backpacker Map Maker, a mapping and trip planning app for the Apple iPad. From the touch-screen tablet computer hikers and backpackers can find wild places, plot GPS points and plan their next adventure over seamless topographical maps.

“Our readers absolutely love maps. As avid backcountry explorers and GPS users, they like to view, create and annotate their topos, and with Map Maker, they can now harness the beauty and power of their tablets to experience maps in an extraordinary and dynamic way,” said Jonathan Dorn, editor-in-chief of Backpacker, and vice president, AIM Outdoor Group. “Map Maker is a portable, practical tool for hikers, a great way to relive their adventures, and the perfect complement to GPS Trails, our smartphone navigation app for in-the-field use.” Continue reading Map My Hike With New iPad App

iPhone to Get ANT+

Want to see a few minutes into the future of mobile technology? Look no further than the FCC. Late last week word broke that an ANT+ adapter for the iPhone from Garmin had surfaced in FCC documents. The ANT+ wireless sensor would of course be used to track fitness data in devices such as heart rate monitors, sports watches and cycling computers.

While Garmin already makes those devices, it would appear that Garmin could be looking to create a fully integrated system that somehow utilizes the iPhone. From the images this adapter could be compatible with the iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4 and maybe even the iPhone 4S.

[Via Engadget: Garmin ANT+ adapter for iPhone hits the FCC]

iPhone Shows Can Do App Spirit with ANT+ from Abvio

Earlier this year Abvio previewed its 5.0 version of its trio of iPhone apps, which included a Runmeter, Cyclemeter and Walkmeter. Now the developer has announced the 6.0 version that includes advanced support of the Wahoo Fitness ANT+ system. These three GPS fitness apps deliver the power of an expensive bike computer or GPS watch to a user’s iPhone by tracking workouts with a host of features designed to help you improve performance and fitness.

Post workout, users can utilize the social sharing features, which include support for Twitter, Facebook and dailymile.com. This functionality can provide extra motivation with a fun twist: where your friends, family and coaches can reply to your posts on these social sites, their replies are then spoken using text-to-speech technology during your workout. Continue reading iPhone Shows Can Do App Spirit with ANT+ from Abvio

The World Could be Feeling Bluetooth

According to a report from Research and Markets titled, Bluetooth 2011: Rapid Growth for Established Interface, the demand for Bluetooth-enabled devices worldwide is expected to exceed 2billion by 2013. The wireless protocol has continued to gain design wins over a wide range of applications, with Bluetooth device shipments increasing by 23 percent between 2009 and 2010.

It was noted that this growth has been due to the continued success of the so-called “Classic Bluetooth,” which includes all Bluetooth 1.x and 2.x standards. Bluetooth has been further bolstered in the past year by the emergence of two new standards, which include Bluetooth 3.0 + High Speed (HS) and Bluetooth 4.0.

Bluetooth 3.0 + High Speed combine classic Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to transmit large data files. It was introduced in mobile phones in 2010, whereas Bluetooth 4.0 offers much lower power consumption than Classic Bluetooth and is targeted at medical and fitness devices, as well as PCs and mobile phones. Bluetooth 4.0 can also accommodate the HS option found in Bluetooth 3.0. The first 4.0 devices will ship in late 2011, and is primarily targets new BT markets: medical, fitness, and security devices.

The world could be a blue place in the near future.

How Are You Fixed for Blades, Light and Whistle?

When off in the wilds there is always one more thing you could use, but each “thing” means additional weight plus the chances that something will be lost, forgotten or misplaced. But Adventure Medical Kits of Oakland, California has a nifty three-in-one survival tool that is blade, light and whistle. The Core Lite features a short steel blade that is just over two-inches in length, and can be used for “notching and grooving branches, plus a small single LED light. It won’t replace any big flashlight, but the bluish light help offer a little illumination on things. Continue reading How Are You Fixed for Blades, Light and Whistle?

FIT CORE Armband Tracks Your Every Move

Losing weight is easy. It’s keeping yourself motivated that’s hard. Fortunately, there are plenty of gadgets that can help with the latter. Among them is BodyMedia’s FIT CORE Armband, a device that straps onto your arm and tracks your every activity from workouts to sleep.

The new model is 33% smaller than its predecessor and yet it packs all the same features. Just strap it around your arm and the band’s four sensors gather data on the amount of calories you’ve burned, the number of steps you’ve taken, your heart rate, and all other physical activity you’ve performed throughout the day.

Stats are then uploaded to an online Activity Manager where you can track your performance and input your meals using the food log. The revamped Activity Manager now features a FITcoach, which provides personalized feedback based on your stats and goals. The device will even analyze your sleep intake and tell you if you’re getting enough shut eye. If you prefer to receive minute-by-minute updates on your stats, there’s an optional $99 Display, which provides you with a tiny monochrome LCD to view your activity level.

(Video after the jump) Continue reading FIT CORE Armband Tracks Your Every Move

Polar Adds New Colors; FT4 Named Top Monitor

Just in time for last month’s New York Fashion Week Polar has introduced new and vibrant color palette for its RCX5, FT4, FT2 and FT1 training computers. While all of these Polar products provide trusted and accurate heart rate based training data, offering clear guidance, feedback and easy-to-use features, the RCX5 includes a slew of new features to meet the demand of today’s triathletes who require the best in training intelligence and tracking capabilities.

Polar also recently announced that the Heart Rate Watch Company, a leading national online fitness electronics retailer, has crowned the Polar FT4 as its top heart rate monitor under $100 for 2011. Citing unique features and fit as the primary reasons for the award the company cited Polar’s four decade commitment to working with personal trainers, gyms and athletes as primary factors for the award.

(Video after the jump) Continue reading Polar Adds New Colors; FT4 Named Top Monitor

Hands on: ACROS AG-E Hydraulic Shifting

German engineering. For most people, those two words conjure an image of precision and utmost craftsmanship especially in the automotive world. The Germans are known for their attention to detail and quality products, but at a price. This tradition is carried on by A-GE hydraulic shifting system manufactured by ACROS of Germany.

With so much focus on the new electric shifting options from Shimano which are being adapted to mountain bikes, it is easy to overlook this hydraulic option which has actually been available since 2006. We had a chance to take a Storck carbon fiber bike equipped with the AG-E system out on the trails of Bootleg Canyon at the Interbike Outdoor Demo this year.

Continue reading Hands on: ACROS AG-E Hydraulic Shifting

New Garmin Forerunner Goes for a Swim; Ready for Kona

Sports and GPS go hand-in-hand. That is unless you’re swimming or going off to remote areas where tracking often poses a challenge. Innovations in GPS technology now make it possible to track your workouts, and races, when swimming. Garmin is among the sport watch manufacturers to leverage this new technology.

The company’s new Forerunner 910XT is a multisport watch, an all-in-one GPS-enabled device that provides detailed swim metrics and tracks distance, speed/pace, elevation and heart rate for running and cycling. The 910XT has an on-board barometric altimeter for improved elevation data.

A smooth, low profile allows for athletes to slide tight-fitting wetsuits over the watch. This makes it possible for use with water sports. It also facilitates quick outfit changes necessary for triathletes competing in races where a wetsuit or other protective and warmth gear is necessary.

(Video after the jump)

Continue reading New Garmin Forerunner Goes for a Swim; Ready for Kona

Kodak Ready to Play With Waterproof Camcorder

While summer fun maybe behind us for this year, Kodak is still ready to play with a new camera line fit for the surf and sun. The Kodak Playful Waterproof Camera is the latest addition its pocket camcorder lineup. This waterproof, dustproof and shock-resistant camcorder can go deep, up to 10 feet (3 meters) under the water for up to two hours, and is IPX8 certified, meaning it can withstand being continuously submerged to at least one meter. It can record video in 720p (1280×720) resolution, and it features a special white balance mode to ensure proper colors when doing its underwater thing. On dry land it is IP6X dustproof compliant and can withstand a drop from up to five feet. Continue reading Kodak Ready to Play With Waterproof Camcorder

iPod Nano Get Fitness Facelift

While much of the news spreading across the blogosphere is about the newly announced iPhone 4S, there is much to buzz about with the iPod Nano, which gets a facelift of sorts with 16 new clock faces and more importantly to us, new fitness features. The iPod Nano will reportedly feature a more accurate pedometer that won’t require a dongle to connect to Nike+ hardware.

“Right out of the box, you can go on a walk or a run as well, without adding sensors or devices,” said Phil Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of worldwide product marketing.

There will also be watchband cases so these can be worn on the wrist. Otherwise the devices are essentially the same, with prices ranging from $129 for the 8GB version to $149 for the 16GB version.

Getting Fit a Little Bit at a Time

One obstacle that keeps many people from even trying to be more fit is that there is no real motivation. Many of us think we’re active, as we walk to the store or work, or are on our feet all day. By the end we’re ready to say, “mission accomplished, I’m tired so I must have been active.” The sad truth is that if we kept track of all that movement it would likely be less than expected.

This is where Fitbit comes in, as the wearable device can keep track – to paraphrase the song by The Police – “every step you take.” The new Fitbit Ultra is like a monitor, but not the type that actually sends that information to the real police, but instead lets you know how you’re doing and more importantly what you’ve done. Continue reading Getting Fit a Little Bit at a Time

Galaxy on the Go

File this under strange tablet accessory – a holder for the Samsung Galaxy Tab, which allows the tablet computer to be tucked under the top tube. But look again, that isn’t a holder that attaches to the bike, because it is actually the bike itself.

Samsung is rolling out a branded bike that puts the tablet between your legs so you can take it on the go, making it the perfect accessory for the urban hipster. Continue reading Galaxy on the Go