Mobile Phone | Evolving Consumer

Track it to You

We’ve seen some smart looking socks, but the Sensoria Fitness Smart Socks are downright brilliant. These were developed by Washington-based Heapsylon and feature electronic magnetic anklet that tracks activity and communicates data to external devices such as a smart phone. The app meanwhile works as a virtual coach, whilst the activity tracker analyzes where runners land on their feet, how they stride, and can even help them reach their goals while lessening injuries.

The makers of the socks are looking to get off and running through and Indiegogo crowd-funding campaign – which as of this week they’ve already met. Apparently a lot of people think Smart Socks are a “smart” idea. Video after the jump

Trace Your Activity

The ActiveReplay Trace is not your run-of-the-mill fitness tracker. This new device is designed to help make action sports measurable, sharable and comparable. It is the first piece of technology that can correctly and automatically identify data and tricks as they are being performed by skaters, skiiers, snowboarders and surfers; while ActiveReplay’s Kickstarter campaign is aimed at helping to boost awareness of Trace and raise funds to continue its development.

With 9-axis sensors, advanced multi-Hz GPS, Bluetooth 4.0, and its own processor, Trace is a small device that measures a huge amount of events and tricks athletes perform in skiing, snowboarding, surfing and skating, and it allows athletes from all these disciplines to compare and share those metrics with leaderboards and networks via social media.

The pocket sized device offers more than seven hours of battery life and is durable, shockproof and waterproof. It consists of two parts: the data collection pod and the mount. Attaching and activating Trace is easy: The mount is attached to any hard surface like a board or helmet. Trace slides in the mount. The athlete pushes a button and begins their sport.

It can pair with a smartphone, and comes with three mobile apps including AlpineReplay (for ski and snowboard), SkateReplay (for skate) and SurfReplay (for surf). The apps are compatible with Android and iOS. Video after the jump

Finding Zen(sorium) Through Tinké

The iPhone can help users reach their inner peace thanks to the Tinké with Lightning connector. This uses optical sensing technologies to capture blood volume changes and quantifies the user’s fitness and relaxation levels into indexes for easy comparison.

The Vita Index can help users keep track of fitness levels, even during times when not engaged in physical activity. At rest the Tinké can be used to measure, monitor and trend heart rate, respiration rate and even blood oxygen level; while the Zen mode can be helpful for practicing mindful breathing to energize and calm oneself during stressful situations.

Built for today’s fast paced lifestyle, Tinké’s Zen measurement enables users to breathe better and measure your level of relaxation at the end of a 60-second practice.

Plug in, tune in and peace out.

Zensorium Tinké Official Website

Tunz In

TYLT has launched its TUNZ stereo headphones, which were designed to the actual contours of the human ear, while the Tunz Stereo Active Gels provide a secure yet comfortable fit for those working out or just working with some music. These gels simply snap on and fit most ear shapes and sizes.

The silicone cable is also unique in that it is flat, helping to ensure that it can remain flexible and durable, while the headphones also feature an in-line microphone with one-button controller for seamless multi-functionality during phone calls. The TUNZ are even available in five colors.

TYLT TUNZ Official Website

Universal Mount Up

Tate Labs have followed up on their Bar Fly series of handlebar mounts for cycling computers with the new Universal Mount that can be used with a smartphone, GPS device, light or GoPro style rugged camera. The mount doesn’t actually include specific mounting hardware but instead offers a space on which to clamp the necessary accessory. It is a simple concept that could be truly universal.

[Via BikeRadar: Tate Labs Bar Fly Universal Mount – first look]

Speaker Up

There are a lot of rugged speakers on the market and some look ready for a warzone. That’s not a bad thing, but for those who like a more subtle look that doesn’t evoke the front lines the Panasonic SC-NT10 might just be the thing. It looks ready for the backyard, but is still splash proof, dust proof, shock proof and even freeze and heat proof.

The compact design is just right for camping and day trips to the woods. But inside it is wired for sound and much more. It is equipped with NFC (Near Field Communication) that makes Bluetooth pairing a snap, and music can be streamed from a phone or tablet. It features two full range speakers and a passive radiator to present clear audio, while the BoostMode maximizes the midrange so the music can be heard despite background noise.

Panasonic SC-NT10D Official Website

Apps Take Aim

While Apple doesn’t do those “there’s an app for that” commercials these days, here is one we wouldn’t expect them to air. The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) has released its new Where To Shoot mobile app — available for iPhone, iPad and Android devices — that locates shooting ranges near you.

Available for free in the Apple App Store and Google Play, Where To Shoot puts North America’s most comprehensive directory of shooting ranges in the palm of your hand. It also includes video tips for shooters, news and firearm safety information.

Users can reportedly search by current location or zip code and find specifics about each range, including shooting activities offered, accessibility and contact information. The app also makes it easy to get directions to the range.

The app is modeled after NSSF’s popular WhereToShoot.org website and is updated frequently with range information in every U.S. state and Canadian province. New tips for hunters and shooters are also added regularly.

Where To Shoot Official Website

Echo Base

Magellan has long been there to help you find your way, and now the company has announced its first smart running watch. The Echo utilizes smartphone fitness apps and takes these to their full potential by wirelessly connecting it to your wrist. You can view and control the fitness app but keep the phone tucked away.

With the watch you can get data including distance, pace and heart rate sent straight to the wrist and not have to worry about dropping the phone. Video after the jump

Gadgets Get a Showers Pass

It can rain on your parade but with the Showers Pass new line of waterproof cases for the tablets and smartphones it won’t matter. These cases are designed for year-round all-weather use for cyclists and other outdoor activities, as each case offers a slim profile with welded edges to keep out rain, snow, dirt and water but retain touchscreen, phone call and camera functionality in all conditions. These cases offer a dual zip-lock feature keeps every device safe from an accidental splash in the water.

The Cloudcover include a pull-tab for easy opening on-the-go, a side tab to attach to a keychain or mini-carabiner as well as a dual zip-lock for ultra waterproof protection, plus reflective elements for easy location in the dark and welded edges that also help to cushion any falls or blows on the trail. The Cloudcover line includes cases for iPads for $49.99; iPad Minis for $37.50; Kindles for $37.50; smartphones (Samsung Glaxy, etc.) for $24.99; iPhone 4 and iPhone 5 for $24.99; as well as a dry wallet for $19.99.

Showers Pass Official Website

California Riding

Scosche has added some new colors to its line of boomBOTTLE wireless speakers. Why leave the music at home when riding a bike, camping or just on the go when music can be streamed via via Bluetooth from a mobile or other device to this durable non-slip, shock absorbing speaker. Dual 40mm drivers deliver music while the omnidirectional diffuser channels music in all directions creating a 360 degree soundscape. Continue reading California Riding

Phone Fitness

Is your mobile phone making you fat? According to researchers at Kent State’s College of Education, Health and Human Services, excessive mobile phone use – including talking, web surfing, game playing, and of course texting can disrupt physical activity and could reduce cardio-respiratory fitness.

What is most worrisome is that it is the youth that could be at greater risk. The researchers reported surveyed more than 300 Midwest college students on their mobile handset use and activity levels, and found that those who spend large times using the devices were less fit than those who averaged little more than 90 minutes of cell phone use each day.

This could suggest putting down the phone and going for a walk, or if you have to talk on it, do so while out on the go.

[Via International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity: The relationship between cell phone use, physical and sedentary activity, and cardiorespiratory fitness in a sample of U.S. college students]
[Via RedOrbit: High Use Of Mobile Phones Linked With Poor Fitness]

Back in the Shell

Mobile devices can keep you connected, but for those with an “active” lifestyle that can also mean a broken or damaged phone or tablet. Armor-X has created a line of waterproof and rugged cases for cycling, running, rowing and even jet skiing.

The company’s new ActionShell series will have your device covered. The European brand has helped athletes take their handsets and tablets on the go, and is now coming out of its shell in America. It might be the next best thing to leaving the phone at home to ensure it is protected.

Armor-X Official Website

Toyota to Sell Road Bike with Car Tech

Toyota is making a limited edition bike under its Lexus brand that will use materials that the auto manufacturer uses for its Lexus LFA sports car model. Toyota will limit the road bike to 100 units, and reportedly sell it for 1 million yen, or about $10,000 USD. Shimano, a Japanese manufacturer of bike components and parts, will manufacture the Lexus bike line. Continue reading Toyota to Sell Road Bike with Car Tech