Personal Electronics | Evolving Consumer

CES: Isometric View

At CES this week TAO-Wellness introduced the TAO, the world’s first mobile, isometric exercise system, which can be used by just about anyone, just about anywhere. This handheld unit, the TAO WellShell, works with an app for Android and iOS devices, and is based on the concept of isometrics – the science of applying pressure as a way to improve muscle strength, tone and circulation.

“Our vision is to provides every individual with a simple, effective, motivating and time saving way to enhance fitness and wellness – anywhere, anytime,” says Dr. Kosta Yanev, CEO and co-founder of TAO-Wellness.

The TAO WellShell is designed to fit into the user’s hand where it can provide pressure during measured isometric exercises. The unit offers TTP (Tilt, Tap, Press) navigation that means there are no buttons to press just pressure!

TAO Wellness Official Website

CES: The Aqua Man’s Speaker

Electronics and water don’t often mix, but at this week’s International CES in Las Vegas we’re seeing more devices that can stand up to nature. NYNE introduced the Aqua, the first IPX7 waterproof, floating, Bluetooth 4.0 portable speaker. While ideal for a pool, it could also be a great go anywhere speaker as it can be fully submersed in one meter of water for 30 minutes. It also features a built-in waterproof microphone to answer incoming calls, listen to voicemails and hear text notifications. It has a 2200mAh Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery and a 3.5mm auxiliary input for an optional wired connection or non-Bluetooth devices.

“Aqua answers the need for a portable, high-quality audio speaker that can play music outdoors and withstand the elements,” said Arman Arami, president of NYNE. “With up to 10 hours of playtime, the party can last all day at the beach, pool, lake, campsite, or backyard, even when an unexpected rainstorm hits. Aqua plays music from any Bluetooth-enabled device within a 33-foot range, without a wired or dock connection, so your phone or tablet can stay easily accessible and dry.”

It offers 10 watts of power and is equipped with an EQ button that delivers four preset equalizer settings.

NYNE Official Website

CES: Nothing but Air

This week at CES iON America is showing off its iON Air Pro 3 Wi-Fi wearable action HD Point of View (POV) camera. This third generation device is full waterproof to 49 feet without extra housing and can record Full HD 1080p video at up to 60 frames per second.

The Air Pro 3 Wi-Fi can run for 2.5 hours on a single battery charge and offers a 160-degree angle lens that can be tightened to 140 or 150-degrees via an iOS or Android app.

“We designed the Air Pro 3 Wi-Fi to be best in class. It builds upon the great features of the earlier Air Pro models, with better image quality in a wider variety of conditions, plus a new, ultra-tough body that will withstand the most demanding environments,” said Giovanni Tomaselli, CEO, iON America. “I’m proud of the strides we’ve made, in just a little over a year, in a competitive market. The Air Pro 3 will take us one step further in inspiring the Shoot/Share revolution.” Video and features after the jump

Wahoo Gets in Cadence

Wahoo Fitness has introduced its RPM Cadence Sensor, which is just seven grams and attaches to the bicycle crank with a 3M adhesive or a sleeve. It can connect wirelessly to an IOS device via Bluetooth 4.0. Cadence can be displayed on any compatible cycling app, including Strava, Wahoo Fitness and MapMyRide. LED lights flash when sensor is connected to the iOS app.

The sensor does not need to be charged and will run on one coin cell battery for up to two years.

Wahoo Fitness Official Website

http://www.wahoofitness.com/

CES: 360 Degree View

Last year the GEONAUTE 360 action camera made its debut at CES, and it was the first to provide a 360 degree view of the action. Since that time we didn’t hear much about it, but it has gone from proof of concept to actual product.

It features three wide-angle lenses that are each equipped with an 8megapixel sensor and together can capture a unique 360 degree spherical image. This can create 2K videos or even 4K photos, and truly immerse the viewer into the action.

GEONAUTE 360 Official Website

CES: Magellan Gets Colorful

At this week’s CES Magellan will show its true colors and then some. It will introduce its sporting applications to its current Echo smartwatch and is looking to add golf, skiing, hiking and other outdoor activities to its capabilities, as well as adding Dark Blue and Gray to complete the line-up of 5 colors.

“After Echo initially launched, we quickly saw its potential for sports beyond running,” commented Clark Weber, senior director of fitness and wearable products at Magellan. “As an open platform, Echo is designed to work with any app that can leverage a ruggedized, sporty smartwatch. We are proud to announce that leading apps such as Golf Pad, FreeCaddie and AllTrails will be supporting Echo in the near future. Retailers, also, have recognized the advantages of a product focused on sport, rather than general-use smart watches, that don’t meet the needs of athletes.”

The Echo is compatible with iPhone 4S, 5, 5C and 5S, while Android support is coming soon.

Magellan Official Website

January: The Month of Trade Shows

The holidays are over and it is time to get back to work! Whether you like it or not now ‘tis the season of trade shows and for KineticShift that means CES, SHOT Show, North American International Auto Show and SIA Snow Show, where we’ll be seeing all the products that will help you keep those resolutions this year.

Check back all month for our reports from these shows!

CES Official Website
NSSF SHOT Show Official Website
North American International Auto Show Official Website
SIA Snow Show Official Website

No Menace to This Phantom

There are plenty of methods for putting lights on bikes to help younger riders be seen at night, but instead of trying to add lights to the frame, the designers of Phantom Frames are looking to light up the bike. The concept, which is being developed via a Kickstarter project that ends today, looks to have a frame that is normal looking during the day – but at night it can’t be missed.

The concept came to light when Ken Spaulding in Santa Ana, California needed to replace his son’s rear bike light. When his son suggested why couldn’t the whole bike light up instead Ken decided to build one. The result was a series of designs including a polycarbonate frame filled with LEDs that resulted in the first prototype. Now Ken and his boy Jack are looking to bring their bright idea to the masses. Video after the jump

The Right Fit

The Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS announced that it is developing a wearable sports monitoring system. The FitnessSHIRT contains new technology that pairs it with a pedelec bike powertrain and smartphone app that can seamlessly manage motor output based on the user’s physiological data.

What this means is that as the rider tires the motor can kick in and give a boost of power. The FitnessSHIRT utilizes conductive textile electrodes as well as an elastic band that is worn around the upper body, and together these can track metrics including pulse, breathing and even changes in heart rate.

Researchers from IIS recently demonstrated how the FitnessSHIRT will work in conjunction with the MENTORbike, a new type of training device considering of a pedelec, smartphone and an online user service site, live at the Medica 2013 Trade Fair in Düsseldorf last November.

Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS Official Website

SHOT Show Preview: Intelligent Shooting

Inteliscope can help anyone become a better shot and at the SHOT Show the company will announce the launch of its latest products that extend its line of weapon-mounted digital multi-tool adapters and smartphone sighting apps.

With a smartphone mounted to a firearm, designer Jason Giddings will live video stream from the weapon point of view to a large screen TV to demonstrate the digital multi-tool capability the following new Inteliscope products including the InteliscopePRO – Universal mounting system of durable metal construction, overlaid in rubberized coating to mount smartphones and protective cases; the new Android version Inteliscope Multi-Function App; a new video record function and Reticle Packs.

This will be one we won’t want to miss, and don’t expect Giddings to miss the mark either!

WHEN: January 14, 2014, 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
WHERE: SHOT Show 2014 Press Conference Room (Venetian Room Murano 3201).

SHOT Show Preview: SAG Bag

If you’re headed to DisneyWorld you can pick up a camera bag at Target or WalMart, but if you’re the kind of person who goes to spots that are a little off the beaten path than the SAG Tactical Photo Gear Bags might be more your speed.

This Polish company specializes in making tactical bags for the military and law enforcement, and it just launched a new line of photo gear bags that is built to withstand extreme conditions and abuse. This includes a line of camera bags that are designed to fit full-size DSLR’s with an attached lens or full frame sensor up to 11cm long. These are versatile and customizable, and can also be used with their lens, flash, and other accessory pouches.

International Supplies will be importing and distributing the bags in the U.S. market in 2014. We’ll be sure to check out what they have to show us at the upcoming SHOT Show.

International Supplies Official Website
SAG Tactical Official Website

Pyle Scale for Those Who Piled on the Pounds

Did you pile on the pounds this holiday season? While the Pyle Audio Bluetooth Fitness Scale won’t actually help you shed the pounds, it could help you monitor the progress. Along with an integrated app it is designed to provide the most critical data points for any workout regimen including body fat, hydration levels, muscle level and bone level percentages.

It can wirelessly send data to a mobile device, and work with the free Pyle Health Fitness Tracker app to create user profiles and chart progress. Workout data can be shared online via Facebook and Twitter or kept password-protected for private tracking.

Pyle Audio Official Website

SIGGI Lights It Up

Sigma USA looks to cast some light with the SIGGI, a half watt USB rechargeable bike light that features an integrated silicone strap for quick mounting to the handlebars. It offers three modes of operation and has a claimed burn time of up to 10 hours on standard mode. Unlike other lights it provides side visibility panels that emit enough light for increased safety for the rider, but without blinding other riders or drivers. Yet another bright idea.

Sigma USA Official Website