Personal Electronics | Evolving Consumer

Golf Sense Swings With New Features

Zepp Labs has announced a major update to its mobile swing analyzer system, the GolfSense system, which features a wearable motion sensor along with a free mobile app. This helps golfers analyze and improve their golf swing.

The GolfSense 3.0 version features a SwingScore, which evaluates the quality of each swing based on personal goals; provides a Dashboard that identifies what golfers are doing well and what needs some work; and provides a Lab Reports that analyzes and tracks the trends throughout a session. Those reports can even be shared via social media including Facebook and Twitter. The GolfSense system also lets users isolated a single aspect of the wing via Focus Screens, while the app can track club head and head speed, plus backswing position and even help golfers achieve their ideal swing plane.

GolfSense 3 is available for download from the App Store for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch or from Google Play for Android mobile devices for free. While this might not get you on the pro tour it might be enough to help you knock a few strokes off on the way to the green.

Zeep GolfSense Official Website

Interbike Preview: Proof of Life

At next week’s Interbike trade show LifeProof will demonstrate its latest iPhone 5 and Samsung Galaxy SIII and iPad Mini waterproof and shockproof cases. These allow users to have full control of the smartphone/tablet touchscreens while further providing a built-in scratch protector.

In addition the LifeProof Bike Mount allows those devices to go on the ride with you, while further ensuring quick removal with one hand via a quick release. We’ll be sure to check out LifeProof’s latest offerings at Interbike in Las Vegas.

LifeProof Official Website

Console Power

The Apple iPhone and Samsung Galaxy line of smartphones make good cycling computers, and now Bike2Power has introduced the new BikeConsole Power Plus Rechargeable Mount to protect the handsets. These provide a weatherproof and shock-protected all-in-one solution that also recharges a user’s smartphone while riding. It is sealed against rain, snow, dust, and dirt and can help provide protection from crashes as well.

It provides full phone functionality, and offers a 360 degree swivel design plus a battery backup so you’ll have the juice to go the distance.

Bike2Power Official Website

Weekend Reading List (09.07.2013): Treasure Chest, Toilet Time, Football to Football

Treasure Chest

From BikeRadar: $50,000 Fairwheel Bikes travel case
Say you’re a wealthy Swiss cycling enthusiast who just bought an incredible custom Crumpton road bike – you would, of course, want to take it with you on business trips. When just such a customer approached Arizona retailer Fairwheel Bikes for a custom travel case, they developed one in carbon fibre. For $50,000. Continue reading Weekend Reading List (09.07.2013): Treasure Chest, Toilet Time, Football to Football

Toshiba Gets in Rugged Camera Game

Next week at the Interbike trade show we won’t just be seeing bicycles – in recent years more and more consumer electronics makers have been on the show floor with products such as action cameras. Last year Sony and JVC were both there, and we won’t be surprised if Toshiba makes an appearance.

The Japanese CE manufacturer unveiled its new Camileo X-Sports actioncam, which is unique in that it comes with a helmet. The Camileo X-Sports was debuted in Europe this week, not at Eurobike but rather at the IFA 2013 trade show. This means that Toshiba is still aiming at the electronics crowd first.

The device, which does look like a GoPro, offers something GoPro doesn’t – namely a built-in two-inch screen. This camera can shoot at 1080p Full HD at 60fps, and offers an ultra-wide lens. It can also shoot 12megapixel still images. Continue reading Toshiba Gets in Rugged Camera Game

Light Apparel

There have been various attempts to help add some lights to cyclists and runners who might head out at night, and now EroGear is introducing its Fos line of wearable LEDs. These can be programmed to shimmer, offer words and generally make riders a lot more visible.

The system consists of a Velcro-lined fabric patch that contains a super-bright LED grid that can be programmed wirelessly via Bluetooth from a mobile phone or other device.The device reportedly weighs less than a golf ball, but is bright enough that it can be seen even at distance, and can run for several hours on a charge.

The developers are currently looking to Kickstarter to get the light show on the road. Continue reading Light Apparel

Hoop Dreams

Wearable sports technology firm Wireless Sports has announced that the Hoop Tracker is on the court. This is the world’s first basketball watch – and it can deliver in-depth analysis of shooting percentages as data that is obtained from each shooting session can be uploaded to Hoop Tracker’s software to analyze and improve shooting performance.

This system features a lightweight watch worn on your non-shooting wrist, while the shot detector is attached to the rim using the mounting pole, and together this can identify the make or miss of every shot taken.

Data recorded includes where the shot was taken and if the basketball hit the backboard, rim, or activates the internal lever. The only shot not automatically detected is an air ball – but In this case, the player can push the air ball button located on the side of the watch, and record the attempt as a missed shot. All statistics are later uploaded to the Hoop Tracker software for further analysis. Continue reading Hoop Dreams

Over Yonder

If you’re looking to head over yonder and see the world, then load up the iPhone with the free mobile Yonder App, which makes it easy to find great outdoor destinations. Users can further track their adventures with geo-tagged video and images, follow other users, and share experiences with the Yonder community and other social networks.

Yonder automatically identifies a user’s current location and displays a feed of nearby places to explore. Users can filter the feed by one of 18 different activities including hiking, biking, rock climbing, kayaking and more.

Yonder Official Website

Interbike Preview: Day Trader

A used bike doesn’t have to mean used and abused, but determining the value of a “previously owned bicycle” can be more challenging than buying a used car. However, the Bicycle Blue Book might make things a whole lot easier – for both buyers and sellers.

This service can take a lot of guess work out the pricing for used bikes, and it can even reduce some of the risk out buying via sites such as Craigslist – by involving a third party. As the company noted, “Bicycle Blue Book is a service that takes the wild west out of the used bike market.”

The Bicycle Blue Book will be at this month’s Interbike trade show in Las Vegas.

Bicycle Blue Book Official Website

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

Orbis Terrarum

The Orbis Terrarum was considered the first modern atlas and it no doubt helped people find their way. The Cyclops Orbis from GSM Outdoors will also allow people to find their way – but in this case in the dark. This heavy duty flashlight uses a 3-watt LED bulb that can cast a bright 140-lumen light.

It is made of durable ABS plastic housing, while the unit is equipped with a swivel handle for a comfortable grip. The Orbis is powered by a 4V rechargeable battery, and the kit also includes a home AC charger and 12V DC charger that can be used in an automobile, so you never have to worry about running out of power.

GSM Outdoors Official Website