Category: Gadget

Pedal Power to Power Mobile Phones

Handlebar mounted mobile phone complete with charger - your legs supply the power

Being able to burn some calories while charging a mobile phone might sound like a great combination, especially for those looking to go green. But this technology could be a life changer, especially in areas where reliable power isn’t always available. Nokia has shifted in high gear, basically by utilizing a familiar technology, but with a new twist. The Nokia Bicycle Charger Kit can help power a mobile phone as soon as you reach a walking speed (around 6 km/h), while at 12 km/h it can actually be as efficient as a plug-in charger. It can install on practically any bike, and it works much like those 1960-1970 era lighting systems, where it generated power as a wheel made contact with the actual bike tire. The faster you pedaled the brighter the light. It was so simple; it is a wonder why it hasn’t been used for other applications.

But now Nokia has essentially taken the technology and adapted as a phone charger. It consists of a bottle dynamo, a charger and a phone holder. The bottle attaches to the front of the bike via a mounting bracket, while the charger and phone holder are mounted to the handlebars. To the serious rider this could be a turn off as it will add some weight, but except for race day it shouldn’t matter.

For those in less fashion-centric locations, where a bike is a means of everyday transportation, this could have a big impact. TMCnet is reporting that this technology is already being used in parts of Africa, where reliable power isn’t always readily available to users. This makes for an easy to use alternative, and unlike wind and solar recharging devices is good for those on the go.

Via TMCnet: How Nokia Turns Bicycle Technology Into Charging Device

Nokia Bicycle Charger Kit

Hands On: Garmin 500 Edge – First Impressions

The Edge 500 fittingly on my Felt road bike, the same brand that the Garmin Transitions Team is riding in the Tour de France.

This past week we had the chance to test out the Garmin Edge 500 GPS-based cycling computer. With this on my bike I’m feeling like I’m ready for the Tour de France – that is if women actually were allowed to race in the most famous of cycling classics. But it helped me on my way for my local training rides.

The very first impression was that this one could be difficult to setup and calibrate. The problem with technology is the more it can do, the more complicated it is to use. But I was more than pleasantly surprised with the ease of the set-up and the versatility that this device offered out of the box. While not the most notable, but certainly appreciated is the fact that this device comes with several rubber loops for securing the computer’s mount to the bike. This is such a small thing, but it is so welcome, especially for anyone who can’t decide the best placement for the mounts, and only realized this after tightening the zip ties.

But the more notable point is that this is a wireless device. So there is no wire to run, making for a cleaning line on the frame, and more importantly making for one less thing to worry about. The Edge 500 can be used without a heart rate monitor, without the sensors. But the version I’m testing came with those items, and all this set up very easily and quickly too. Continue reading Hands On: Garmin 500 Edge – First Impressions

Hawk-Eye on the Prize and the Goal

One thing was proven at this year’s World Cup tournament: you need to have eyes like a hawk to keep track of the ball. That’s why Dr. Paul Hawkin, inventor of Hawk-Eye, is pushing for adopting of his tracking system by the International Football Association Board. If adopted this could see the use of goal-line watching technology put in place this year.

Hawkins isn’t new to the world of sports either, and he previously developed the ball-tracking device used in cricket, snooker and tennis, and is pushing for similar technology to be used in football/soccer. The system includes six cameras facing the goal from different angles to track the ball, where a signal is transmitted via a bank of computers to a referee with half a second of the ball crossing the line. Given some of the disputed calls during the World Cup, this could make a huge difference.

However, not all are in embracing the idea. It has been noted that many English Premier League matches are carried by Sky TV, which has eight cameras on the field, so a simple replay should often be enough to determine a call. But the real question is whether you can ever really have enough eyes – Hawk – or otherwise watching the action?

Hawk-Eye Sensors Official Site

More on Gesture-Based Exercise Devices

Similar to the Microsoft Kinect we discussed earlier this week, another gesture-based solution is in development to work on more than just the Xbox 360 console. Three companies – Metrological, Softkinetic and Optrima – are working on an integrated 3D gesture-based solution to work with set-top-boxes and televisions to do everything from change the channel and volume to play games. This may open the doors for workout programs similar to kinect Sports and Your Shape: Fitness Evolved, among other games on the horizon.

This solution combines a 3D gesture-recognition platform, iisu from Softkinetic with a 3D and RGB camera called the OptriCam fromOptrima. It’s been optimized to consume a minimum of CPU resources, and integrates into set-top-boxes or televisions. It uses both gesture and voice recognition to do its job. The system is still in development. It remains to be seen whether this partnership’s offering uses the same technology as the Microsoft Kinect, and whether it will see completion.

Microsoft Kinects with Exercisers

The Xbox 360 and Kinect get you moving without picking up a controller.

Don’t call it a controller. At E3 (Electronic Entertainment Expo) last week Microsoft widely showcased its controllerless motion interface previously called Project Natal. This means games will continue to get active. Even more than with the Nintendo Wii remote, games using Microsoft’s Kinect won’t be played sitting down. The Kinect is a hands-free controller that captures your moves and sond through a camera placed in front of the TV. Its mount follows your movements so if you’re playing a really active game, it will still keep up with you. There’s plenty of games in development for the device due out by holiday season.

One category expected to excel is fitness games. EA Sports Active, Your Shape: Fitness Evolved, Kinect Sports and Zumba Fitness are just a few. In addition, you have Kinect Adventures where you’ll do activities like block oncoming balls, and steer rafts on water rides, which involve full-body movements. Dance Central from MTV and Harmonix is another one that will have you moving to the beat. We’re on the lookout for heart pounding cardio and strength training fitness games using the Kinect on the horizon and will report here.

Let a Waterproof Case Grace Your Workouts

Sweat, rain and sea water can’t leak through the Grace Digital Audio Eco Extreme waterproof case for your MP3 player. Whatever your outdoor activities are this summer, if it requires music, the Eco Extreme will come out to play. The case is designed with enough space to fit just about any MP3 player and plug into the 3.5mm audio jack to provide sound to its 3″ full range forward firing speaker. The speaker runs off 3 AAA batteries. Secure the Eco Extreme to your bag or belt loop with the included 2″ carabineer.

Eco Extreme turns your MP3 player into an audible sound system, not so much a personal music player. You don’t necessarily want to grab it to go on a run when it looks like rain. But it works courtside for a game of beach volleyball, or camping after a brisk hike. The case also holds a few personal items such as keys, ID, a credit card and a few dollars.

Grace Audio Eco Extreme ($49.99)

E3 2010: Shape Yourself with Microsoft’s Kinect

 

Smile you're on the Kinect camera for the Xbbox 360

Exercise games on the market still require you to grab or stand on a controller to get your workout in. Yourshape Fitness Evolved, just announced from Ubisoft for the Microsoft Xbox promises a much more casual yet engaging workout. Using the video and sound controls of the game console’s Kinect, you just have to make sure  you have space to move. The camera picks up your image and presents it as a polarized image or heat map-like image of you and captures all of your movements. Select cardio, toning or other activities and get to work. Yourshape Fitness turns some workouts into a game where you can kick and punch boxes that come into range. End your workout with a calming cooldown by doing Tai Chi and other relaxing exercises.

Check back all week for the latest fitness related news from the Electronic Entertainment Expo

Polar and Nike Partner Up for New Heart Rate Monitor

 

These are two companies that just go together so well, Polar and Nike. What’s not to like? So we’re quite pleased to note that Polar and Nike have introduced the Polar WearLink+ heart rate monitor, which will work with Nike+ SportBand and the Nike+ iPod Sport Kit.

The kit will improve the training experience of the Nike+, devices, such as Sportband or iPod. After training, runners can have their heart rate data transferred to the Nikeplus.com website, where it can be tracked to see how long they ran in their target range, and see how their heart rate progress over time. The WearLink+ is also compatible with most Polar training computers (those using 5kHz transmission technology), and this allows for monitoring from both Nike+ and Polar computers to be used at the same time.

The Polar WearLink+ will be available later this month in the United States, and in Canada and Europe in July through Polar retailers, Nike stores and even the Apple Store.

 Polar website

Nike website

Gear Up on National Running Day

Today is National Running Day, and I woke up to pouring rain. In hopes it will soon clear, I’m pointing to some gear to help you hit the trails.

An iPod nano is small enough to clutch in your hand while running, but that’s unnecessary. Secure your music with the iSkin DuoBand. It straps on your arm with an adjustable, breathable porous band. The nano slides into a protective case and then into the cradle.

Check out some of our previous picks. It really helps to have a heart rate monitor to tell you how hard you should push, or ease off, during a run. Timex just released a new Ironman with a tap screen so you don’ t have to fumble for little buttons on the move.

RoadID keeps you safe in the case of an accident. Strap on this bracelet and hope you never need it.

National Running Day might just be the day to replace your running shoes. You should consider replacing them every six months or so. And if you start feeling the ground as you walk or run, run don’t walk to the nearest runner’s shop. The Reebok ZigTech is one to check out. The innovative design reduces the load on your leg muscles.

Polar Introduces Two New Heart Rate Monitors

Polar FT1 Heart Rate Monitor

One problem for many people when they first use a heart rate monitor is that there is just too much to understand. Many heart rate monitors can track so much of a workout that the learning curve for new users is difficult – and this can result in some just not bothering. That’s why the Polar FT1 and FT2 are such sound alternatives. These are designed for those who want to get fit and need a bit of motivation and exercise guidance along the way.

The FT1 is also designed for recreational exercisers, and works as a basic training computer. This means it has a large easy to see digital display. Users receive a training summary that includes information on the duration of their workout along with average and maximum heart rate. With the FT1 users can learn how to exercise at the right level, and since it is better to work out with others, it comes with a T31 coded transmitter to ensure that you don’t track your training buddy’s heart rate by mistake! The FT1 will be available in June for $69.95. The step-up FT2 adds automatic heart rate zone functionality, with visual and audible alarms to let people know when they need to slow it down or even pick up the pace. It will also provide workout summary. The FT2 will also be available in June for $89.95.

Light Up Your Ride

Last weekend I went to the bike shop with a friend to get a new road bike. While at the register I told him to go and get a blinkie for his bike, he thought I was kidding. OK, maybe I should have used a less toy-like name. But lights are a crucial accessory for every bike, especially when you plan to remove the reflectors. Enter Knog Frogs from Australian company Knog. They come in 12 colors, and light up in white or red, your choice. A stretch waterproof rubber housing wraps around your seat tube, handlebars, helmet, or other objects to light your afterhours workout. Two straps wrap around, no fitting, no adjustments, and no slipping. The battery supports 80 hours of burn time with the light on steady, and 160 hours if you choose the flashing setting.

With 12 colors it’s easy to match your bike and stay fashionable. I got a bright yellow that goes well with my Felt road bike. When the sun goes down and I’m still on a ride I push once for a solid red light to alert cars on my tail, I push a second time for a blinking light — hence the “blinkie” reference. These lights are available at most bike shops. My friend didn’t buy a blinkie on Saturday, but does plan to pick one up soon.

Knog Frog

Available at many bike shops, including Trophy Bikes in PA for $15.

Shake and Tone

Dumbbells are just not intelligent. You have to lift them, lower them, and know how to use them in order to get results. The Shake Weight is one part gimmick, one part intelligence for your workout. It’s shaped like your typical dumbbell, but has an accordion gasket on each of the weighted ends to give you Dynamic Inertia, which claims to increase muscle activity by as much as 300 percent compared to traditional weights. A Shake Weight workout is also completed in six minutes compared to half an hour of toning and sculpting.

Pick up the weight, give it a little jolt and hold it while you jiggle the Shake Weight in one of a number of positions. Hold the weight with both hands in front of you and tone your triceps, biceps, and chest. Weights come with a DVD that shows you several moves to tone your targeted areas such as your upper arms. Other workouts such as the firm — with controlled, slow movements, promised to do more for your fitness in the past. This one may also overpromise. But it’s a but welcome to see an update to the classic dumbbell.

Shake Weight

Let Their Be Handheld Light

RL-85 HID Magnalight

If you don’t live in the land of the midnight sun, chances are there are times you just still feel like you’re left in the dark. This can be troublesome at times, namely those late night hours when you need to do some work, or are out where you can’t just flip a switch to add a little illumination. In those case, the handheld RL-85-HID Magnalight spotlight will do more than just brighten your pre-dawn day.

This lightweight, ultra rugged and ergonomic device offers 2.5 consecutive hours of light that can be used after just four hours of charging time. It can work as a spot or flood light via a long life 35-watt High Intensity Discharge (HID) bulb that should operate for 4500 hours of life. The reflector and lens configuration in this bad boy produces a 2800-foot beam in spotlight mode, which equates to a 15 million retail candlepower rating. This one, which is designed for work, security, hunting and spotting, also is lightweight, coming in at just 3 pounds, 6 ounces. It is also durable, with the handle and lamp housing made from high impact nylon, while the polycarbonate lamp housing offers extra support. The impact resistant lens is also lightweight, shatter resistant and thermal resistant as well, so it can take a few spills without leaving you in the dark.

RL-85-HID Magnalight