Category: Personal Electronics

Biosensor in a Tattoo

biosensorMany athletes sport tattoos these days, and other than looking good (or stupid depending on your point of view) that “art” only goes skin deep and truly doesn’t do much. However, a new study conducted by a team led by the University of California, San Diego’s Prof. Joseph Wang has created a flexible electrochemical biosensor that looks much like a “tat.”

Unlike other tattoos that merely are ink, this one is actually a flexible electrochemical biosensor, and when applied to the skin the sensor can be used to continuously measure lactate levels in the athlete’s sweat. It can thus tell when an athlete is about to “hit the wall.”

That’s a lot more than most tattoos can do, and best of all it can be removed post-workout or game.

[Via American Chemical Society: First human tests of new biosensor that warns when athletes are about to ‘hit the wall’]

See Spot, See Spot Gen3

Spot-Gen3Globastar Inc. is on the spot with its new SPOT Gen3 Satellite GPS Messenger device. This latest update offers a new form factor, extended battery life, new power options, and new upgraded tracking options with unlimited and extreme tracking- which allows users to choose the rate at which the tracking messages are sent.

It can send out a GPS waypoint every 2.5 minutes in the Extreme Tracking, while users can check with friends and family with a pre-programmed message. There is even the SOS option that can send out a GPS location to GEOS for search and rescue teams.

The Gen3 is very much on the SPOT.

SPOT Gen3 Official Website

Tunz In

TYLTTYLT has launched its TUNZ stereo headphones, which were designed to the actual contours of the human ear, while the Tunz Stereo Active Gels provide a secure yet comfortable fit for those working out or just working with some music. These gels simply snap on and fit most ear shapes and sizes.

The silicone cable is also unique in that it is flat, helping to ensure that it can remain flexible and durable, while the headphones also feature an in-line microphone with one-button controller for seamless multi-functionality during phone calls. The TUNZ are even available in five colors.

TYLT TUNZ Official Website

Universal Mount Up

Tate-Labs-Universal MountTate Labs have followed up on their Bar Fly series of handlebar mounts for cycling computers with the new Universal Mount that can be used with a smartphone, GPS device, light or GoPro style rugged camera. The mount doesn’t actually include specific mounting hardware but instead offers a space on which to clamp the necessary accessory. It is a simple concept that could be truly universal.

[Via BikeRadar: Tate Labs Bar Fly Universal Mount – first look]

Outdoor Retailer Show: Lamp It Up

PetzlAt this week’s Outdoor Retailer Show in Salt Lake City Petzl offered another bright idea with its auto-adjusting headlamp. An optical sensor can automatically measure the distance to an object and adjust the light accordingly. This headlamp can shine up to 140 lumens so you won’t be left in the dark.

Petzl Official Website

Heck Yeah, a Bicycle Turn Signal

httpv://youtu.be/Uy0-qE3q_T8

Modding king Ben Heck can do anything with a solder gun and some electrical circuits. What he did recently via his Ben Heck Show webcast was to create a wearable turn signal. The video above shows how he did it!

The Ben Heck Show Official Website

Speaker Up

SC-NT10There are a lot of rugged speakers on the market and some look ready for a warzone. That’s not a bad thing, but for those who like a more subtle look that doesn’t evoke the front lines the Panasonic SC-NT10 might just be the thing. It looks ready for the backyard, but is still splash proof, dust proof, shock proof and even freeze and heat proof.

The compact design is just right for camping and day trips to the woods. But inside it is wired for sound and much more. It is equipped with NFC (Near Field Communication) that makes Bluetooth pairing a snap, and music can be streamed from a phone or tablet. It features two full range speakers and a passive radiator to present clear audio, while the BoostMode maximizes the midrange so the music can be heard despite background noise.

Panasonic SC-NT10D Official Website

Taking the Edge for TT

K-EdgeTime trial and triathlon bikes are set up quite differently from road bikes, and this can make mounting a cycling computer a bit of an issue. Fortunately where there is a problem someone sets up with a solution. In this case it is K-Edge, which just announced the release of the TT Mount, which can accommodate Garmin’s ¼ turn interface and places the popular GPS cycling computer between the bar extensions, so riders can glance down and see the information and yet focus on the ride.

K-Edge Official Website

Echo Base

EchoMagellan has long been there to help you find your way, and now the company has announced its first smart running watch. The Echo utilizes smartphone fitness apps and takes these to their full potential by wirelessly connecting it to your wrist. You can view and control the fitness app but keep the phone tucked away.

With the watch you can get data including distance, pace and heart rate sent straight to the wrist and not have to worry about dropping the phone. Video after the jump

Gadgets Get a Showers Pass

Showers-PassIt can rain on your parade but with the Showers Pass new line of waterproof cases for the tablets and smartphones it won’t matter. These cases are designed for year-round all-weather use for cyclists and other outdoor activities, as each case offers a slim profile with welded edges to keep out rain, snow, dirt and water but retain touchscreen, phone call and camera functionality in all conditions. These cases offer a dual zip-lock feature keeps every device safe from an accidental splash in the water.

The Cloudcover include a pull-tab for easy opening on-the-go, a side tab to attach to a keychain or mini-carabiner as well as a dual zip-lock for ultra waterproof protection, plus reflective elements for easy location in the dark and welded edges that also help to cushion any falls or blows on the trail. The Cloudcover line includes cases for iPads for $49.99; iPad Minis for $37.50; Kindles for $37.50; smartphones (Samsung Glaxy, etc.) for $24.99; iPhone 4 and iPhone 5 for $24.99; as well as a dry wallet for $19.99.

Showers Pass Official Website

Water Power

Kayak-Power-MeterPower meters are the new thing in cycling – well, maybe not the new thing but certainly the hot thing in tracking effort and energy spent. Now One Giant Leap is looking to do for kayakers what various companies have done for cyclists.

The company is introducing the world’s first Kayak Power Meter. This carbon fiber, adjustable, split-shaft can track power output, power balance (including left stroke vs. right stroke) and even stroke-rate. This unique paddle can sync – but hopefully not sink – via ANT+ and can used to record power, power balance, stroke-rate and even boat speed and heart rate. The Kayak Power Meter can be used with various software including Garmin Connect and TrainingPeaks.

Kayak Power Meter Official Website

Home of the Braven

BRAVENWhen adventure takes you to off the beaten path you can take the BRAVEN 855 rugged speaker to ensure that you’ll have a soundtrack for your journey. This IPX3 rated water-resistant speaker can pump out 20 hours of continuous music.

It is made from aircraft-grade aluminum, has a brute looking grill and is able to charge mobile devices including cameras, smartphones and even tablets. It utilizes a combination of class-leading extended-range aluminum cone drivers, dual passive radiators and a digitally enhanced audio based on DTS Audio’s SRS WOW technology. It even utilizes Bluetooth 3.0 for effortless pairing with wireless devices.

Braven Official Website