We’ve seen a number of systems that allow a bicycle to charge up devices on the go. These typically feature a dynamo but not Ideso has introduced the PowerPac, which works much like larger stationary bike power systems. This device, which recently found the Red Dot “Best of the Best 2012” Design Award, could be the world’s first product to offer removable power storage.
Previously the systems required a cyclist to ride a stationary bike and act much like a generator. This provided power but it wasn’t very portable. The other solution is to mount the dynamo to the bike and juice up a device while going somewhere. The PowerPac seems to be a little of each, and after riding for about 80 minutes or so the battery is what can travel, offering enough power to be used to fully charge or power a smartphone, computer, tablet, camera or other devices. Continue reading Portable PowerPac
There is a certain irony in that many bicycle lights are located far higher than those on an automobile, which means that it isn’t able to illuminate the road as well. But Kent Frankovich and Adam Pettler had a revolutionary idea: mount the bike light on the wheel, which in turn put it closer to the ground.
One thing we were certainly reminded of as a result of last week’s tragic aftermath from Hurricane Sandy was that power is fleeting. We depend on so many devices but getting them juiced up can be quite a challenge when the grid goes down.
Those sticky screen protectors often get in the way. But if you take your phone along on strenuous workouts, you know that screen is subject to a few scratches. Liquid-Armor from Dynaflo is a spray on liquid that coats the screen so any scratches that happen scratch the coating, not the screen.
There are a seeming endless variety of wearable cameras, but when playing golf you want to keep your eyes on the ball and would rather have some way of recording your movement to know how to improve your swing. The Hammacher Schlemmer Golf Swing Recording Video Camera is such as device.
It looks like we’ll see fewer personal navigation devices (PND), but more devices with built-in navigation. A report from ABI Research finds that while PND sales will go down over the next few years, the market will continue to grow as navigation in phones, watches and eyewear take hold. 
This week Nike announced that the Nike+ FuelBand is now available at Apple Stores nationwide, as well as in Canada and the U.K. Two new colors, including Black Ice and Black Steel, have been added as well. The Nike+ FuelBand was launched earlier this year and allows users the ability to track various fitness and activity metrics throughout the day including steps taken and calories burned. Activity is tracked and the NikeFuel score assigned based on efforts, while users can even share and compare progress with friends.
While winter means hitting the training bike, spinning is something that can be done year round, and Madd Dogg Athletics have announced the updated Spinning app, v6.35 for iOS and 1.51 for Android. This app, powered by Digifit, provides a complete workout tracking system for those who want to get into the spin.
The old school flashlight needed a massive battery – or batteries – and it was about as heavy as a brick. But fortunately LED technology has changed all that, and today flashlights such as the new Fenix LD41 can light the way through the darkest of nights.
At the SIA Snowsports Show in January we got to see an early model of the 
Recon Instruments has had various data transmitted directly to the lens of its ski goggles for a while now, but beginning soon Oakley is looking to get in the game with its Airwave goggles. These will feature a heads-up display that was developed by Recon Instruments – so we know what to expect – and users can expect integrated GPS< Bluetooth and a variety of onboard sensors.
There are plenty of waterproof headphones and even waterproof MP3 players available for swimmers, but what about those who just have to use their iPod device? The answer could be the Waterfi, a waterproofed iPod Shuffle. The latest version of the Watefi features dual layer waterproofing technology, which is basically covering an iPod Shuffle with a rubber insulator. This reportedly provides some shockproof along with making the device waterproof. This can keep the player watertight up to 100 feet.