Torch clearly likes to put lights on things. Early this year we noted that the company had designed a helmet with a built in light, and now comes the Torch FLUX backpack, which also features an integrated LED light. This light can run for two to five hours, depending on whether it is used for steady or flash modes, and it features a USB connect for easy recharging.
The LED unit is also removable and can be mounted directly to a bike seat post for those times when a bag isn’t needed. The bag should be able to endure the daily commute with ease, as it is made of 1,000 denier Cordura nylon, and features a waterproof vinyl-coated polyester lining.
When skydiving a whole new view of the world is opened up, so why would someone want to look at a computer screen? That’s actually not such a bad question, especially as some data could be considered crucial such as altitude for one. Now Recon Instruments, which has introduced a number of GPS-based ski goggles that provide real-time information such as speed, have re-purposed its technology for those who like the thrill of skydiving, BASE jumping and wingsuit flying.
While the Motorola Solutions HC1 Headset Computer is now aimed at industrial and military users, we could see that it might not be long before this could find its way to athletes. This places an 800×600 micro-display for the user, with handset operation that is controlled by voice recognition and gesture.
There are places where phones won’t work, and if you need help you might find yourself reduced to smoke signals –unless you have the SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger. This rugged, pocket-sized device works where mobile handsets will not, and offers users the ability to send real-time, on-the-fly messages via text or social media. It features an option to allow your location to be transmitted in real-time. It can help notify emergency responders locate you in a pinch, but can also be used to just “check in” while you’re otherwise off the grid.
With a name like Foolish you might wonder what UK-based Nilox are thinking, but apparently this could be a smart move as the company looks to introduce a durable action camera at an affordable price. It will be available for £199.95 ($320). For that price the Nilox Foolish will come with a two waterproof casings, an 8GB micro SD card, and various mounting fixings.
This month GoPro announced a new action camera, and that follows introductions into the category by Sony and JVC. Not to be left behind Contour has announced its ROAM2 camera, which it proclaims to be the simplest camera on the market. It offers instant on-record, and the frame rate has been up to 60fps at 720p. It can record at 1080p at 30fps as well.
We’ve seen a lot of bike lights, and other gimmicky methods to light up a bike but sometimes simple is what it is all about. The new Light & Motion Taz offers 1,200 Lumens that will truly light the way for those riding when the sun isn’t shinning. This American made light is designed as a “crossover” model, so it can be used for mountain bikes as well as street bikes.
There are fitness monitors that can tell you everything and seeming do everything. The Scosche RHYTHM isn’t one of those devices. It works on the KISS principal – keep it simple stupid. This fitness monitor eliminates the heart rate strap that is commonly found with most monitors, but it also features a lightweight interface that is in a word, simple! 
This week GoPro announced the release of its new HD HERO3 camera, which will be available in white, silver and black. But most impressively the new edition of cameras has been reduced in size whilst adding new features such as built-in Wi-Fi. The new line of GoPros don’t just deliver high definition video, as these support 4K and 2.7K video resolution so those who dare to film their exploits will soon be able to see it in ultra high resolution! 
One big trend at this year’s Interbike trade show was virtual trainers, and while we didn’t see BKool at the show, the Spanish brand of cycle trainers has been developing its own software system for four years. BKool offers an online component so riders can compete against others either recorded or live, plus power output, personalized training sessions with automatic resistance changes via the laptop. 
Even when off the grid it is nice to have some portable power to provide some light and even to charge a mobile phone – because you may not want to make a call, but in an emergency it could come in handy. BRIGHT Products has come up with a bright idea with its new solar-powered lamp that could make the kerosene lamp a thing of the past.