Gadget | Evolving Consumer

Samsung: To Russia With Love With Fitness MP3 Player

In the 1982 film Firefox (which had nothing to do with the Internet browser) Clint Eastwood played a top-notch pilot who took part in a secret mission to steal a Soviet prototype jet fighter. We wonder if such an exploit might be needed today to bring the YP-U6 from Russia? While not a state-of-the-art combat aircraft that can be controlled by a neuralink, the Samsung portable music player is almost worthy of a spy capper.

Much like the newly announced Philips device this one has a special fitness program, which can calculate the calories spent while the listener was using the device for various activities. It is also equipped with a built-in full-size USB connector, making it easy to transfer music to the device, as it as a built-in voice recorder, to transfer those recordings to a PC. The YP-U6 also features a four-line color CSTN display, and is equipped with SoundAlive technology to simulate a 5.1-channel format. It supports MP3, WMA, OGG and FLAC, and even has a built-in FM tuner. Two versions will be available when the YP-U6 arrives in stores in Russia later this month including 2GB and 4GB models.

Alas, no death ray, spy camera or other SMERSH type goodies included.

[Via IT Chuiko: Samsung offers a player with a fitness trainer]

Glasses Find Golf Balls Under Black Light-Like Filter

Hammacher Schlemmer is known for its nifty sports equipment such as the Seven Person Tricycle that’s always a blast; Mountain Scooter that can glide over some rugged and steep terrain; and Articulating Inline Casterboard that has kids squiggling around the block. One of its newer products is the Golf Ball Locating Glasses.

These glasses look like a pair of Oakleys with an alternate style that looks like you just walked out of the optometrist’s office (that fit over most prescription glasses) and cost about $40. The lenses contain a pigment that helps filter out light as it passes through. The affect is almost as through you’re looking at the world with a black light. All colors are overtaken by a predominately blue tone except for those balls and anything else in white that gets in your line of sight.

Continue reading Glasses Find Golf Balls Under Black Light-Like Filter

What the Garmin Acquisition of MetriGear Means for Cycling, Fitness Computers

Garmin, maker of GPS devices, acquired MetriGear last month. The newly-acquired company based in Silicon Valley creates solutions for improving athletic performance in cycling and other sports. One of MetriGear’s products is Vector, a power meter built into a bike pedal’s spindles. This meter calculates a cyclist’s power by measuring force applied to the pedals.

“Power is becoming the must-have information for cyclists who want to improve their performance,” said Cliff Pemble, Garmin president and COO.

Continue reading What the Garmin Acquisition of MetriGear Means for Cycling, Fitness Computers

SkateCycle – More Than a Hubless Skateboard

We’ve seen many attempts to converge technology together. Some, like the bicycle treadmill are just confusing, but the SkateCycle seems like real evolution and innovation. While it could be called a “hubless skateboard” that’s not quite the most accurate description for this deck – or rather deckles device. The FreeRider SkateCycle, which was conceived by Alon Karpman from Brooklyn Workshop with the help of Antonio Mezo, takes the basic skateboard concept, but ditches the hubs and trucks, and even the classic deck. Continue reading SkateCycle – More Than a Hubless Skateboard

Oregon Scientific and Gaiam Bring Trio of Watches, Pedometers

Even women’s heart rate monitors can be bulky and masculine. That’s changing, and a trio new styles introduced through a partnership between Oregon Scientific and Gaiam are a mong those with a lighter, more feminine design. Two wristwatch trainers and one pedometer come in attractive colors and are packed with new features.

The Gaiam Zone Trainer ($109) is a heart rate monitor with a tap-on display that you can easily toggle through settings by just hitting the watch face. Settings include heart rate, calories and fat burned. The watchband and buttons are constructed from a silicone material designed for comfort and breathability. Continue reading Oregon Scientific and Gaiam Bring Trio of Watches, Pedometers

Trident Case Summons the Kraken to Protect Your Gadgets

At the gym, on nature trails, and on the beach, we constantly see people spending more time with their iPhones than on the activities they were supposed to be there for. If you’re someone who can’t part with an iPad wherever you are, may we suggest that you at least cover it in something that’s durable to prevent it from damage? (Because ma’am, you’re sitting awfully close to that body of ocean water that’s splashing all around you.)

The folks at Trident Case recently announced its new Kraken series of cases that are like protective body suits for your gizmos. Designed for the iPad and iPhone 4 (coming soon for HTC’s Droid Incredible and Samsung’s Galaxy S and Vibrant devices), the Kraken cases offer shock protection with its impact resistant polycarbonate exterior and silicone sleeve and extra padded corners; an ergonomic design allowing you a better a grip when holding it; a screen protector that’s anti-glare, anti-dust, anti-scratch, and UV protectant (plus a dust filter covers up the speakers, too, without blocking out sound); and nine colors.

The Kraken iPad case sells for $45 while the iPhone version sells for $35. Cases for iPads and iPhones aren’t cheap, but at least the Kraken cases offer extra protection at competitive prices. Unfortunately you won’t get to show off your iPad or iPhone’s sleek design, cause these things will bulk up your device.

And yes, in case you were wondering, the Kraken is named after the mythological Norse sea monster because they “are built to be a powerful force that provides protection against elements and catastrophes that could potentially destroy mobile devices,” according to Trident Case. Wait, wasn’t the Kraken the one doing the destroying? And why in “Clash of the Titans” did the Greek gods summon something from a different mythology?

Check out Trident Case’s YouTube videos that demonstrate the Kraken’s durability.

Interbike 2010: Contour GPS Video Camera: Look Mom, No Hands

Take this for a ride. The Contour GPS camera shoots high-definition, 180p video while the built-in GPS tracks your trip in real-time. And then there’s the bonus that the camera mounts to a helmet, goggles or other article of clothing so your hands are free to grip handlebars, poles or a steering wheel. What would be the point of built-in GPS if you weren’t on the move while filming?

The Contour GPS films what you see. It also takes data on the map, terrain, and gives you a hybrid view. So when you play back the video on your computer, and especially when you post it for your friends to see, a ticker on the map follows the action on trails, ski slopes, roads, rivers, or wherever you filmed. There’s no limit. The camera is just about to hit the market for $349.99.

Just keep in mind. The video is 1080p high definition. However expect a little jerky camera syndrome. If you have a camera mounted to your helmet, it sees what you see. And if you’re riding your bike on rocky, uneven terrain, the video will likely bounce around a little. It’s still exciting that you can film high-definition to show your friends that daring descent on a black diamond slope.

For some really amazing mountain biking, check out this video and make sure to watch the GPS tracking on the right.

Contour GPS official website

Ubrain on the Brain and On Your Phone

Music can get you motivated, and it seems a few companies have music on the brain. Earlier this week we noted that Philips had introduced new technology into its line of Activa MP3 players that would respond to your level activity, and now there is an app that will send binaural beats to help enhance your focus, as well as your energy level. Digital Reality seems to have it on the brain too with Ubrain, the first digital tonic experience, which provides these binaural beats along with your favorite music tracks. The company has released an app for the iPhone and iPad, and will soon have versions for the Android, Samsung Bada, PC and iPod Touch.

The technology essentially allows users to select how they feel, and then determines the appropriate mood you’d like to have. This is accomplished through integrating preset music tone with your own music library. So whether you need to chill out or pick up the pace the Ubrain can do the thinking for you. Continue reading Ubrain on the Brain and On Your Phone

Mio Discovers the Stick of Youth

There is no fountain of youth. At least not one we’ve found. But with exercise and nutrition you can turn back the hands of time — a few years. But how do you know when you’ve reached that magical and everlasting age of 29? Some tools can help you work towards and achieve your quest. The Mio FitStick is one such tool. This gizmo helps you measure your Heart Rate Variability (HRV), which is one way to gauge what’s going on inside your body. Continue reading Mio Discovers the Stick of Youth

Skateboard Controller Improved for New Game Says Hawk

There is the timeless question about building a better mousetrap, as most of the time simple is usually the best way. The same can be said when it comes to building a better game controller. The team behind the upcoming Tony Hawk: Shred video game realized this as well, and addressed the numerous flaws with the game’s skateboard shaped controller. The device had been developed for the previous title in the series, Tony Hawk: Ride.

Many of the reviews suggested it was more like Tony Hawk: Crash and Burn, as the skateboard peripheral failed to deliver. But the flaw it seems was the result of the game’s code, not the device itself says the Hawkman. Continue reading Skateboard Controller Improved for New Game Says Hawk

Belkin Runs with Fitness-Friendly iPod Touch Cases

BelkinProFit — Belkin FastFit iPod Touch case.

If the iPod Touch is essential to your workout — for music or apps that track your movement — it’s necessary to protect it. Belkin introduced a series of cases for the iPod Touch with a few ready to run the trails with you. The ProFit, DualFit and FastFit each offer protection, additional storage for keys, and ear-bud management. Continue reading Belkin Runs with Fitness-Friendly iPod Touch Cases

PlayStation to Move on QVC

Want to be among the first to get a PlayStation Move? Tune into QVC on Sunday, September 12 at midnight, again at 10am and at 7pm (all times ET), to take advantage of the QVC “Today’s Special Value” item – which just happens to be the PlayStation Move Launch Bundle.

This special bundle, created just for QVC will include the PS3 Sports Champions Move Bundle including a PS3 and the PlayStation Move (320GB PS3 system with PlayStation Move motion controller, PlayStation Eye Camera, Sports Champions game, PlayStation Move game demo disc); PlayStation Move Power Pack and PlayStation3 Starter Game Bundle. This includes the accessories to enhanced the gameplay, as well as the Blu-ray remote, PS3 system Slim Stand, HDMI cable, 2 silicon skins for the Dualshock 3 controller and even a system bag. Bonus software includes the game Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction and the Surf’s Up Blu-ray movie.

The PlayStation Move Bundle will be available for approximately $599.00 as part of QVC’s Today’s Special Value. The PlayStation Move will make its debuts in stores on September 17.

Sony PlayStation Official Site

Waterproof Spy Camera and Oh So Much More

There is an episode of The Simpsons from way back in the first season where Bart Simpson ordered a spy camera, and hilarity ensued. Actually, the best part was Bart saying to the mail carrier, “where is my spy camera” supposedly for six months. That’s pretty much how we feel about the new spy watch camera that was released this summer.

This wasn’t your run of the mill spy watch camera either. This was a 4GB waterproof, motion detection, spy watch, hidden camera with mini DVR. How’d they get all that stuff in the camera-watch we don’t know, but it is worth noting that this sleek time keeping device didn’t come from Japan either, this is Chinese technology at its finest. As with many Chinese products it is hard to tell exactly who made it, kind of like how it is hard to tell exactly what is in Chinese food. We did find that this watch (Model TL-WSC-010) is sourced by Omejo Technology from Hong Kong. Continue reading Waterproof Spy Camera and Oh So Much More