Spectacam: Two Way Camera

Olympic cyclist Josiah Ng has started a Kickstarter project to raise money for what is being called a “two-way helmet cam.” From the sound of it we wonder if Ng was looking at introducing a camera that would allow communication between two people – sort of a Skype camera for the bike.

That’s not what he meant, but rather a “two-directional” camera that could be mounted to a helmet. The idea behind this concept is to provide cycle commuters with a “post-incident” security system. This way the camera can record not only what is coming from behind but shows where the rider’s eyes were towards the front. And technically this one isn’t limited just to cycling and could be used for any sort of post-accident study. Video after the jump

Find the Spot

Need to find the best place to skate or snowboard? The Spot Digger app will help you out. This location based social mobile app and Internet service lets users search, find, share and rate the best places to skateboard or snowboard. Favorites can be added to the map, and users can even create content for the site and app by adding their own spots.

The concept for this app came about when the founders became frustrated when trying to find places to hit the decks in distant lands. The solution was to create a social network that could be accessed through an app. Video after the jump

Hand Powered USB Port

One thing we were certainly reminded of as a result of last week’s tragic aftermath from Hurricane Sandy was that power is fleeting. We depend on so many devices but getting them juiced up can be quite a challenge when the grid goes down.

Eton, the maker of numerous hand cranked survival radio, has a hand powered charger for smartphones. The Eton Boost Turbine features a 2000 mAH lithium-ion battery pack, durable aluminum body and a built-in hand turbine power generator. The crank can be used to juice up the battery, which can then power devices via a Micro-USB DC input.

Eton Official Website

Endomondo App Tracks Hydration

Apps can track calories burned, distance, speed, and really help users stay motivated. But what most apps can do is to keep the user hydrated as well. The harder someone pushes the more they’ll sweat and the more they may need to hydrate.

Now Endomondo, the app-based social fitness developer, and Powerade have partnered to add a hydration function within the app. The collaboration was announced last week, and will include hydration meter aids to remind users to drink up as well! Press release after the jump

Liquid-Armor Put to the Test on Concrete

Those sticky screen protectors often get in the way. But if you take your phone along on strenuous workouts, you know that screen is subject to a few scratches. Liquid-Armor from Dynaflo is a spray on liquid that coats the screen so any scratches that happen scratch the coating, not the screen.

There are a few videos on YouTube that test Liquid Armor’s abilities. One review from LinusTechTips drags a control and a coated BlackBerry from a motorcycle to compare scratches. This is when the reviewer discovered that Liquid Armor coats the screen.

To apply Liquid Armor you need to clean your screen with an included cloth, then rub the spray into the screen with the same cloth. We hope it’s more foolproof than bubbly screen protecting stickers.

Video after the jump

Madd Dogg Gets Spinning

While winter means hitting the training bike, spinning is something that can be done year round, and Madd Dogg Athletics have announced the updated Spinning app, v6.35 for iOS and 1.51 for Android. This app, powered by Digifit, provides a complete workout tracking system for those who want to get into the spin.

It can track heart rate, distance, duration, caloric burn, weight loss and it isn’t just limited to spining. The app can work with cycling, running, walking and hiking as well. Workouts can be tracked in real time, where users are provided feedback and motivation as they work out, and data is transferred to a personalized Spinning.com account. From here users can view, share, graph and trend their progress. Continue reading Madd Dogg Gets Spinning

Sanpei Optics Produces Its Audio Adaptable Glasses

At the SIA Snowsports Show in January we got to see an early model of the Sanpei Optics audio-adaptable glasses. It’s a combo pair of sunglasses and earbud headphones that work together to discretely fit into the ears. Sanpei Optics is currently running a crowdfunding program on Indiegogo.com, and will begin shipping its product soon. Continue reading Sanpei Optics Produces Its Audio Adaptable Glasses

Oakley Gets Some Air(wave)

Recon Instruments has had various data transmitted directly to the lens of its ski goggles for a while now, but beginning soon Oakley is looking to get in the game with its Airwave goggles. These will feature a heads-up display that was developed by Recon Instruments – so we know what to expect – and users can expect integrated GPS< Bluetooth and a variety of onboard sensors.

Snowboarders and skiers will be able to view jump analytics, pinpoint their location on a map, and even see information such as distance traveled, altitude, speed and vertical descent. The Airwaves can be paired with a smartphone to take incoming calls and see text messages, and stream music from Bluetooth-enabled devices. Video after the jump

Weekend Reading List (10.27.2012): Human-Powered Flight, Phoning it in, Jones’in to Sled

Human Powered Flight

httpv://youtu.be/emK-qIbuJ-k

From NPR: A Human-Powered Helicopter: Straight Up Difficult
“I grew up wanting to fly,” says Graham Bowen-Davies. “I guess I just settled for being an engineer.” Continue reading Weekend Reading List (10.27.2012): Human-Powered Flight, Phoning it in, Jones’in to Sled

Polar Releases Exercise Intelligence App

There’s activity monitors, and then there’s apps that track your activity. But then what happens with all that data? Polar created Polar Beat, a next generation exercise training app. While other devices will sync up to the app, Polar recommends the new Polar H7 heart rate sensor, which is the first device from the company to use low energy Bluetooth Smart technology. Continue reading Polar Releases Exercise Intelligence App

GPS On the SPOT

There are places where phones won’t work, and if you need help you might find yourself reduced to smoke signals –unless you have the SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger. This rugged, pocket-sized device works where mobile handsets will not, and offers users the ability to send real-time, on-the-fly messages via text or social media. It features an option to allow your location to be transmitted in real-time. It can help notify emergency responders locate you in a pinch, but can also be used to just “check in” while you’re otherwise off the grid.

SPOT Official Website

iPhone 5 gets iBike Dash and Phone Booth Case

Early adopters to the iPhone 5 don’t have to go without a cycling computer. iBike will have the iBike Dash CC 5 Cycling Computer and iBike Phone Booth 5 Case & Mount available next month and the end of the year. Continue reading iPhone 5 gets iBike Dash and Phone Booth Case

Scosche Has the RHYTHM

There are fitness monitors that can tell you everything and seeming do everything. The Scosche RHYTHM isn’t one of those devices. It works on the KISS principal – keep it simple stupid. This fitness monitor eliminates the heart rate strap that is commonly found with most monitors, but it also features a lightweight interface that is in a word, simple! Video after the jump