Wearable technology is expected to become a $6 billion industry by 2016, a minimum revenue projection that could be even larger. That’s according to the latest findings by market research firm IMS Research. Wearable technology currently centers on healthcare, medical, fitness and wellness, where products such as glucose monitors and heart-rate monitors are used to transmit vital information about the user or patient. Continue reading Bank on Wearable Tech: Industry is Projected to Grow to $6 Billion by 2016
Category: Outdoors
Eurobike Preview: Tern Looks to Swoop In
Urban transport bike maker Tern certainly took the folding bike market by storm in recent years, and now the company looks to swoop in again, fittingly with its Swoop series of bicycles that will feature an ultra low-step frame design. The Swoop offers a top tube that is only 11-inches (28cm) off the ground, which makes it one of the lowest step bikes on the market.
The design offers the promise of a low center of gravity that enhances stability, especially for less experienced cyclists. It also offers an upright riding geometry because who really needs to “race” to the office or store, and this puts less stress on the arms and neck, while also aiding in the ability to see the road ahead. Continue reading Eurobike Preview: Tern Looks to Swoop In
Light & Motion the Way
This week Light & Motion introduced the new update to its popular Solite, which is a light that could have so many uses. Introduced in 2011 the light can mount to handlebars, helmet, directly to the head or even just carried as a traditional flashlight.
The company will reportedly add some new features, notably extra run time, which a “read” mode that can stretch the battery to 100 hours. This mode can provide six lumens, which is enough to cook, see around the tent and obviously read. But Light & Motion knows that there are times light is needed when in motion, and has several options including the Solite 100 ($99) and Solite 250 ($149) to provide plenty of light for nighttime trail riding or running.
Both new models will reportedly charge in about five hours, and provide up to 2.5 hours of total brightness respectively or about 5 hours on medium and 20 hours on low. Both will also feature an LED battery life indicator so users can know how much juice is left. There is also a new lock-out mode as well to prevent accidental activation, which could drain the battery and leave users in the dark.
Commute With Timbuk2
We can only imagine what a commute to Timbuktu would be like, especially given that the city of just 55,000 people is located in a fairly remote section of the Sahara Desert in the West African nation of Mali. But commuting with Timbuk 2 – the durable bag and accessory maker – well that’s another story.
In fact the company just introduced its new Commute Messenger bag that can hold a laptop, tablet computer and other electronic devices in special compartments. The bags are TSA complaint so the laptop compartment lies flat for security screening, while high density foam protects your stuff. There are internal mesh pockets to hold cables and power supplies. Continue reading Commute With Timbuk2
SkiMotion Scooter Gets Whole Body in the Action
The traditional scooter requires one leg to push the device, which in our minds doesn’t provide a lot of exercise. But the SkiMotion actually requires a “butterfly leg motion” that includes the hips and upper body. This isn’t exactly a new concept and this is far from ideal for commuting – and probably will have you walking it up hill – but it is another one of those workout devices for those with a bit of money to spend. Video after the jump
What are the Olympics Missing?
Several news stories are making the rounds this week following the successful 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London. The question this week is “what events are missing?”
Golf will make a return to the Olympics in Rio in 2012, and will be joined by rugby. Some online sites have noted a short list of events that would be welcome and include: Cricket, a game popular not only the U.K., but also in much of the former British Empire and Commonwealth; Baseball, which is of course as American as Cricket is English; Softball, which was a sport that was only recently removed from the games; Mixed Martial Arts, which seems like a stretch but is a growing sport worldwide; and the surreal Roller Derby, which could be another popular sport for women athletes. Continue reading What are the Olympics Missing?
Trek CEO to Offer Keynote at Interbike
We know where we’ll be on the morning of September 19. We’ll be in Las Vegas at the Interbike Trade Show, and more specifically we’ll be at the Industry Breakfast, presented by Bikes Belong and NBDA. For this year’s inaugural industry breakfast John Burke, CEO of Trek Bicycle Corporation will be on hand to deliver the keynote address.
Burke’s keynote presentation is expected to address a clear plan to get the U.S. bicycle business from $6B to $10B a year by 2020, and what the industry needs to do to make it happen. He plans to describe the crucial role that the industry—retailers and suppliers–must play to create an effective movement that links bike businesses and consumers to shape a cycling-friendly future. This call-to-action presents the pathway to doubling the size of the U.S. bike industry and dramatically increasing IBD sales. Continue reading Trek CEO to Offer Keynote at Interbike
Sci’Con Pack Brings Water and Power
Consider the Sci’Con back to be your personal department of power and water while you’re on a ride. We’ve seen bags that haul water in a hydration pack and those that have a solar charger. Well, the Italian-made HydraCharge offers both.
It features a solar panel for recharging mobile devices and can juice them up while you ride. It can take about four hours to get that iPhone or MP3 powered up, and while you’re doing the riding you can enjoy your own sort of juice to stay hydrated. The HydraCharge holds 1.5liters as well.
BikeGlow KickStarts New Project
We first heard about BikeGlow almost two years ago, and the company – which produces a flexible light tube that can be wrapped around the frame to provide some extra illumination at night – has launched a Kickstarter project to produce a removable four LED tail light to the light show. The new light kit will consist of a 10 foot long tube that includes a tail light and will be available in several colors including , Green, Yellow, Red, Pink, Purple, Aqua and White.
It will reportedly run for up to eight hours on two AA batteries that are stored in the tail light, and the whole kit should make a bike visible from up to 500 feet.
The package will retail for $35 but Kickstarter pledges are going now for $20.
Take the XShot
The various action cameras are great for providing a first-person perspective to a long ride or other activity, but what if you want to be the star of your own movie? XShot has you covered and ready for your close up with the XShot Pro Camera Extender.
Of course to do this you need to be your own cameraman but it can also allow for shots from angles that are simply impossible with a helmet-mounted or handle-bar mounted camera. While the original extender was released in 2010, at this year’s Outdoor Retailer Show the company offered a peek at its next XShot Pro Camera Extender, which can stand up just about anything you’d care to try it with. Just be sure to keep your eyes on the path. Video after the jump
BikeCharge into Action
While pedal power can be used to get to work it can also be used to power up your devices. And the BikeCharge Dynamo from Hong Kong-based iBikeConsole uses the same pedal power that moves to the bike to juice the phone. It can be installed on a bike and it acts as a DC generator that is can power up devices via a USB port.
While it could take two to three hours of pedaling to get a full charge, it could be used during a regular commute to “top off” a phone or at least get enough power for a call or two. It features a waterproof design that can stand up to the elements but since most phones aren’t we’d suggest the appropriate case just in case the weather ruins the ride home.
Outdoor Retail Show Future in Jeopardy
The Outdoor Retailer Show, which drew 27,000 people and more than 150 exhibitors this year, came and went too fast – much like many of the summertime products that were on display. And while summer will return year the show may not. Organizers have yet to announce next’s dates and while Salt Lake City has a contract to host next year’s event it is still very much up in the air. Continue reading Outdoor Retail Show Future in Jeopardy
Kinetic Recap: 2012 Olympics
All good things come to an end, including the Olympics. Throughout the 17 days of the games and before we cast the spotlight on some of the latest technology and innovations that were used to help the athletes train and perform. Here is our Kinetic Recap of some of the top stories of the 2012 Olympics: Continue reading Kinetic Recap: 2012 Olympics