Category: Mobile Phone

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

Bianchi launches the new BlackBerry App

We noted last month that Bianchi launched an Android app, which followed the release of an app for the iPhone and iPad. Now BlackBerry users can get in on the action from the Italian bike manufacturer, which has announced a new version for the Research in Motion handset.

BlackBerry App main features are:

- surfing on the whole Bianchi range with itemized images and technical features
– on-time news and update by Bianchi official web site
– updatings posted directly on Twitter and highlighted on the App’s homepage with a provided push notification box
– dealers area with geolocation research system

As with the Android and iPhone versions, this free to download app offers users the ability to surf the whole Bianchi range of products with itemized images and technical features, news and updates from the official Bianchi website and geolocation search so users can easily find the closest Bianchi dealer. And of course it also features the Celeste green.

Bianchi Official Website
Bianchi App at BlackBerry App World

Toyota Tri’s Fitness Market With New App

Even if you aren’t competing in this weekend’s Toyota U.S. Open Triathlon you can follow the action with a new mobile app. Today Life Time Fitness, Inc. and Best Buy Mobile announced the release of the app that will allow friends, family and spectators to track individual triathletes through this Sunday’s events in Rockwall, Texas.

The app will give competitors and spectators information on key locations like Saturday’s Toyota U.S. Open Triathlon Sports and Fitness Expo, The Harbor swim start, transition information, and the Finish Festival at The Hilton Bella Harbor. Competitors can also review the event updates that have been sent out.

“Thanks to Best Buy Mobile, spectators, friends and family can follow their favorite triathlete’s progress during the race,” said race director Nick Lynch. “After downloading the app, touching the ‘tracking’ icon and entering a bib number, they’ll be able to see the location of their triathlete as he or she crosses certain checkpoints on race day.”

In addition to providing real-time participant splits and transition times powered by the RR:360 results engine, the mobile app also will provide event information related to the best locations to watch the race, course maps, and overall race results. The Toyota U.S. Open Triathlon app can be downloaded free for Android and iPhones smartphones. And those without smartphone access can still follow the action from a computer.

All 2011 Race to the Toyota Cup participant results and current point standings are available at racetothetoyotacup.com, the official website of the Race to the Toyota Cup.

Best Buy Mobile: Android and iPhones Apps
RaceResults360.com Official Website
Racetothetoyotacup.com Official Website

 

And the Beat Goes On With Continuous Heart Rate Monitoring

The convergence of mobile devices and those for fitness and health looks to be a major focus at the upcoming CTIA Enterprise and Applications trade show to take place in San Diego next month. Valencell, a developer of mobile health and fitness technology, announced it will unveil new prototypes with extended capabilities that integrate next generation heart rate monitoring technology directly into music earbuds and headsets that millions of people already wear, helping consumers achieve their fitness goals while exercising or just going about everyday activities.

Valencell will showcase live demos on multiple platforms including Android and a new headset design for the iPhone, as presenters will be wearing units and showing mobile applications to demonstrate how this new licensable technology measures body metrics such as continuous heart rate, calories burned, distance and speed during use on a treadmill, stationary bike, and in other exercise scenarios.

“The mobile health industry is quickly emerging, creating a need to bridge the gap between consumer devices, fitness and health,” said Steven LeBoeuf, CEO and co-founder of Valencell. “We’re excited to showcase ways in which companies can easily integrate our technology into their products to connect consumers with their personalized health and fitness goals.”

The Valencell booth will be located in the Wireless Health Pavilion at CTIA Enterprise and Applications, which will take place at the San Diego Convention Center, October 11-13, 2011 in California.

Valencell Official Website
CTIA Enterprise and Applications Official Website

Sweat-proof Wallet Ready for Ride Along

The days of stuffing your pocket with your ID and emergency cash are over thanks to this low-profile wallet. Designed by Timbuk2 in conjunction with the Mission Cycling Club, the Mission Cycling Wallet is an athlete’s best friend. It’s thin and small enough to slide into a jersey pocket, but packs enough slots and storage for carrying cash, credit cards, ID, and even your smartphone.

The front panel features a clear window that lets you operate your touchscreen phone, whereas the wallet’s back panel houses numerous slots for your cards and ID. As an added bonus, a sealed zipper offers protection from excess sweat or the rogue rain shower while a small slot gives you access to your phone’s headphone jack.

Timbuk2 Official Website
[via The Gear Caster: Way Better Than a Ziploc Bag]

Bianchi Launches Android App

Bianchi Bicycle owners can be a dedicated bunch, and we don’t blame them for loving their finely crafted Italian made machines. Now they can share their joy with a new app for Android mobile smartphones that follows the release of the iPhone and iPad launches – and don’t worry a BlackBerry version is also in the work.

The free to download app offers users the ability to surf the whole Bianchi range of products with itemized images and technical features, news and updates from the official Bianchi website and geolocation search so users can easily find the closest Bianchi dealer. And what would a Bianchi app be were it not highlighted in Celeste green?

Bianchi App on the Android Market

iPhone app maximizes cardio workouts

httpv://youtu.be/ZsCYc1bXi7Y

Love it or hate it, cardio workouts are a must if you’re trying to tone up or lose weight. But if you’re like most people, the thought of spending 30 minutes on a treadmill is a motivation zapper. Fortunately for iPhone users, there’s an app that can help.

Created by Beau Taillefer, Forumla 55 ($4.99) is an iOS-based app designed to keep your cardio sessions fresh by pushing you out of your comfort zone. Formula 55 workouts incorporate squats, sprints, hills, and more to ensure you never get stuck in a cardio rut. Just plug in your measurements, select your goals, and the app automatically does the rest.

The app also lets you import playlists so you always workout to your favorite tunes, and once you’re done you can blast your workouts through cyber space thanks to the app’s built-in Facebook integration.

Formula 55
[via ABC Action News: Group of amateur athletes get ripped using unique app]

Interbike 2011: Wahoo Packs a Lot in Bike Pack

“And that’s not all,” is sort of the feeling we had when Wahoo announced its new Bike Pack that features the Wahoo Bike Case along with the Wahoo Fitness Speed and Cadence sensor. These items are now offered together as a combo pack that might make iPhone users ditch their cycling computers.

Wahoo Fitness instead allows users to wirelessly connect the iPhone to an ANT+ fitness measuring device and includes the bike case to ensure the mobile smartphone can survive a spill on the road, while mounting the handset on the handle bars!  The case fits iPhone 3G, 3GS and 4 in both Verizon and AT&T versions.

Videos after the jump Continue reading Interbike 2011: Wahoo Packs a Lot in Bike Pack

Interbike 2011: Wahoo Fitness On the Run

The company that brought you a cycle computer on your iPhone via ANT+ now has a run and gym solution. The Wahoo Run Pack from Wahoo Fitness is ideal for cyclists looking to cross-train in the colder winter months. Of course it also works quite well for those who simply run or go to the gym, even if they don’t ride a bike as part of training. Continue reading Interbike 2011: Wahoo Fitness On the Run

Interbike 2011: Competition Heads Up With Mobile Challenge

Interbike is less than two weeks away, and attendees will have a bit of extra incentive to bring their A game. Last week Interbike announced it has a new mobile app that will help attendees interact and stay connected with the industry during next month’s trade show.

Now, in partnership with Stravea, Interbike will add a little friendly competition to the mix during the OutDoor Demo event. Any rider attending the trade show’s OutDoor Demo will be able to visit Strava.com and create a free account to take part in the Strava OutDoor Demo Challenge, where riders can track performances of one another. The app is free for download to iPhone and Android devices. Continue reading Interbike 2011: Competition Heads Up With Mobile Challenge

Walk a Mile to Juice Your Cell Phone

What does it take to get you to walk more? Would it get you on your feet to know each step you take will power your cell phone? That may soon be a possibility. InStepNanoPower is developing a shoe with a device in the sole that captures the energy created with each step. This energy is typically lost as heat in our tracks as we keep walking and creating more energy. Continue reading Walk a Mile to Juice Your Cell Phone

The FDA to Regulate Apps

If you have a pulse and are familiar with Apple’s iPhone, you’ve heard the slogan “there’s an app for that.” With the number of apps exceeding 350,000 for just the iPhone and iPod Touch iOS platform, and ten of thousands of apps for the Android, BlackBerry and other smartphones, there are countless medical apps available. And just like Apple’s well known modern slogan, there is also another phase which is much older, scientia potentia est or “knowledge is power” – this is the phase that worries the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA is now proposing guidelines to regulate a small number of medical apps and oversee those that they deem could be dangerous to the general public if the information presented is wrong. All of these apps are medical related and will only be regulated if the information presented could put an individual at risk if the apps does not work as intended.

The policy advisor to the FDA, Bakul Patel, states that some of the apps have a simple goal of helping consumers manage their own health and wellness, for example the National Institutes of Health’s LactMed app, which gives nursing mothers information about the effects of medicines on breast milk and nursing infants. While there are other apps help health care providers improve and facilitate patient care – the Radiation Emergency Medical Management (REMM) app gives health care providers guidance on diagnosing and treating radiation injuries. Continue reading The FDA to Regulate Apps