Mobile Phone | Evolving Consumer

Loaded With Buckshot

This Buckshot will blow you away – with big sound from its small package. This rugged, water-resistant speaker is built for cycling and other outdoor adventures. It features an IPX-5 water-resistance rating, and is both shock-resistant and dust-proof.

The Outdoor Tech Buckshot can connect wirelessly to a handset, tablet, laptop or any other Bluetooth-enabled device; and stream clear audio for a range of up to 32 feet for 10 hours. It features a built-in microphone for hands-free phone call functionality as well.

Outdoor Tech Buckshot Official Website

Survival Cover

Griffin Technology has partnered with Mossy Oak to create a new line of covers for the iPad and iPhone. These are the latest editions to the ultra-rugged Survivor line from Griffin and feature Mossy Oak’s camouflage. The cases are built to military standards, protecting devices from drops, wind-blown rain, vibration, and more, and the camo patterns include Mossy Oak Treestand, Pink Break-Up, Shadow Glass, Winter Break-Up and Obsession.

The Survivor cases for iPhone are designed to meet or exceed US Department of Defense Standards and come standard with a belt clip.

Chances are these will help the devices blend in when out in the woods, but might just stand out when buried on your desk.

Griffin Technology Survivor Official Website

Tips and Tricks

Tablets are truly revolutionizing the way people work out, and Shane Schieffer of Gusto Technologies is looking to Kickstarter to develop the FitTrip App that merges games with fitness.

This is hardly the first time we’ve seen some “cross pollination” but the FitTrip app ties together an iPad, a heart rate monitor and can create a virtual experience. When used with an exercise bike, rowing machine or treadmill it will let users get engaged and push themselves by transforming the workout in a game, where effort actually works as the controls.

The idea is to transform each workout into an exciting trip, and the only downside we see is that users are limited to such a small screen to enjoy the journey. Video after the jump

Garmin Gets Going

Garmin has revolutionized the world of cycling computers with its GPS-enabled devices, and now the company could be looking to take on GoPro with two new full HD action cameras.

The VIRB and Wi-Fi-enabled/GPS-enabled VIRB Elite both feature a 1.4-inch display for watching those “dailies” while each unit can capture three hours of HD (1080p) footage on a single charge, and each can be used to capture 16megapixel still images as well.

The VIRB Elite adds the Wi-Fi and GPS functionality, allowing users to embed info on altitude, speed and location into their footage or connect wirelessly to an Android or iOS device. Both cameras will be ready to roll this fall.

Garmin VIRB Official Website

Powered Up Gloves

The Arsenal Gloves are part of Huntworth’s Sensor Series hunting glove line-up and are constructed with a bird’s-eye mesh on the back of the hand and a durable triple-layer palm, the Arsenal is both lightweight and rugged, and yet can still be used with a mobile device.

The back of the glove is water-resistant and the palm is breathable and water-resistant, enabling the glove to easily shed moisture and light snow, while the silicon print on the palm provides a sure grip on a firearm no matter what the weather. The seamless, wrap-around fingertip construction allows an ultra-sensitive feel, while the index finger and thumb feature touch tips, making it possible to use a touchscreen device without the hassle of removing your gloves.

Huntworth Official Website

Kinetic Keeps Rolling

Kinetic Trainers have helped us get through those long cold winters, and for 2014 the company has revamped the line – the first time since 2007. This included greater 29er compatibility, enhanced ergonomics and best of all lighter weight. The new line up even comes fully assembled so you can take these out of the box and get rolling.

The Kinetic Trainer also replaced the cantilever design of its flagship model, the Rock and Roll, with a design that centers the pivot point and rider weight over the elastomer stack, reducing rider-induced bounce and sag and allowing lower bolt tension to give a more active side-to-side motion. Continue reading Kinetic Keeps Rolling

PROTKT and Serve

Taking that iPhone on a ride is cool, especially as it can be used with a variety of apps, but you’ll want to make sure it survives the ride. This is where the Wahoo Fitness PROTKT comes in. This iPhone bike case is sleek and slim, yet weatherproof and shockproof – providing users a simple and secure solution to accessing their iPhone through rain, dirt, snow and of course – sweat.

It even comes bundled with the Wahoo Fitness App for cycling – transforming the handset into a powerful fitness tool – which you can combine with fitness sensors to wirelessly monitor all your crucial information. It can also be used with a neoprene hand band for use while walking, running or hiking.

Wahoo Fitness PROTKT Official Website

A Little Bit Gym

It has been a while since we heard from BitGym, a technology that can transform a typical cardio machine into an interactive experience. Now the company is looking to Kickstarter to offer ways of making workouts a bit more interesting.

The device works by using any monitor device – including tablet or mobile smartphone – that offers a front-facing camera. The software utilizes the built-in accelerometer that can sync with movement, so you can watch the screen but feel you’re a million miles away. Video after the jump

Swing Right With the Swingbyte

Golf has been around for a long time, and while the game has evolved over the years with new equipment the last decade has seen the game on the green really go high-tech. Among the newest advances are apps, and the Swingbyte is one that works with Android and iOS and features a simple device that attaches to any club including driver or putter. It is paired with a mobile device via Bluetooth and automatically records details on swings including club head speed, acceleration and club face angle.

With this users can analyze each swing and see what they were doing right and wrong.

Swingbyte Official Website

Kickstarted: Atom Generator

An atomic generator is typically massive, but the Siva Cycle’s Atom isn’t. It actually is small enough to attach to bike’s rear hub where it can juice up mobile phones, cameras and GPS units via its USB port.

The Atom weighs just 300 grams, and is truly compact at just 7.5 inches tall, 3 inches wide, and 1.2 inches deep, including all component parts. Integrated into the body is a 1300mAh battery pack that the generator charges. The generator puts out 5V at up to 500mA, and has a charge rate that is the same as the USB output from most computers. From the battery it an return an iPhone from flat to a 75 percent charge

This project was born out of a Kickstarter project and now Siva Cycle is looking to start filling orders in November.

Siva Cycle Official Website

Same Old SAEM Old

Taking a smartphone on the go can be a good idea given the apps that can track distance, heart rate and even GPS information. Protecting the smartphone in the right case is an smarter idea, and the Veho SAEM waterproof case seems clever indeed. It offers a patented “pinnagrip” technology to security house the handset, while the water resistant body still allows for full operation through the x-touch screen.

There is even a karabiner for outdoor and marine use while a handlebar mount is available for use with a bicycle. The case will be ready to protect your handset this fall.

Veho Official Website

Weekend Reading List (08.10.2013): Velo Repair, Social Run, Courting Technology, Solar Life Saver

Velo Repair

From Bicycle Retailer: RecoFit donating portion of Armcoolers sales to velodrome
RecoFit Compression Gear is donating $3 from the online sales of its Armcoolers sleeves to help with the completion of the Boulder Valley Velodrome in Erie, Colorado.

The outdoor wooden velodrome was due to open later this month. However it was heavily damaged by a wind storm on Saturday. Its opening has now been pushed back indefinitely. Continue reading Weekend Reading List (08.10.2013): Velo Repair, Social Run, Courting Technology, Solar Life Saver

GoPro Goes With Added App Functionality

GoPro has introduced a new revised app that will boost the functionality of its Hero2 and Hero3 action cameras. These new tweaks will enable users to take full remote control of a camera’s functionality, and make it easier to take stills or start recording. The apps further allow the transfer of content wirelessly from a mobile handset or tablet and even share with social media. the new app is available for Android and iOS.

With this new app there is no reason to miss on the action. Video after the jump