On the QR

QRideQRide doesn’t want to keep anything down on the QT, instead it wants to include a QR code on cycling helmets as a way for emergency responders to access the information via a smartphone app. This could include emergency contact details, medical alerts, prescriptions or allergies on the online ID record. Although developed with cyclists in mind, QRide stickers can attach to just about any type of helmet.

QRide Official Website

Surfboard Maker Catches Wave Down Under

BoardcaveStarting a new business can be all consuming, and often times those who do start a business put their heart and soul into it and that means missing out on the better things in life. But for Ryan Mets, one of the founders of Boardcave, he is ready to ride the wave. His company has new patent pending technology that could challenge the factory-made surfboards that are common in the Australian market.

Instead his online business, which recently went live after two years in development, now allows surfers to order custom-made surfboards made by Australian shapers directly from the website. The Boardcave site allows surfers to compare what various surfboard shapers have in mind and thus get a very personalized and customized board to hit the waves.

Boardcave Official Website
[Via The Sydney Morning Herald: Surfboard Maker Catches Wave of Support]

Weekend Reading List (04.27.2013): Move Down, Slow Cycling Start, Block Head

Move Down

MoveDown

From SportTechie: LetsMoveDown: The App That Gets Fans Closer to the Action
We have all been there before. Heading to the game and then making a move towards more promising vacancies in the lower level shortly after tip-off or first pitch. Squatting in empty seats closer to the court or playing field will usually get you thrown out by an usher or embarrassed by the actual ticketholder. Well, now there’s an app for that. Continue reading Weekend Reading List (04.27.2013): Move Down, Slow Cycling Start, Block Head

Heart and Soleus

SoleusSoleus has long made running watches, but now the company is looking to get into the spin of things with a line of cycling monitors and watches. These include the new Soleus GPS Draft, a cycling computer that offers current/avg/max speed, auto-lap detection, calories burned calculator, chronograph, alarms, auto calendar, 30 ride file storage and EL backlight. This water-resistant monitor is Strava-compatible and will be ready to roll out later this month for just $99!

Soleus Official Website

Concussion Analyzer

TabletTablets can do many things beyond playing Angry Birds and watching a movie. A team at the University of Notre Dame is developed a tablet-based test that can detect a concussion. Typically concussions, which should be treated as soon as possible, often are difficult to diagnose without a trip to the hospital.

This new software, which could certainly see use in sports, requires that the person recite a variety of words before they start playing and then again once there has been the potential of an injury occurring. The software works by analyzing the differences in how the words are said before-and-after, and looks for key indicators that could suggest a traumatic brain injury. These could include things such as distorted vowels, imprecise consonants even a hyper nasal sound. Unlike just asking an athlete if they are alright, this one can listen to how they say it. Video after the jump

Learn From a Pro

Want to play like a Tennis pro? Just like playing at Carnegie Hall it comes to down to practice, practice, practice. But even with practice you need to know how to do it right and some new apps from Vstrator might help. These are designed to collaborative social coaching tools that allows users to capture, create and share videos of “coachable moments” and further allows coaches to train athletes remotely. Currently Vstrator has apps for tennis, strength training, golf and football. Game on.

Vstrator Official Website

Print and Go

httpv://youtu.be/DIRyxzMWvkA

We knew 3D printing was going to change the world. We’ve seen 3D printed as a concept technology for shoes and even bike parts, but the gang at Signal Snowboards printed up a board. David Lee and the gang from Every Third Thursday used the latest in CAD drawing technology and a carbon-based powder to print up a board ready for the slopes.

ETT: The worlds first 3D printed snowboard

 

Spike the Bike

Currently in development through a Kickstarter project the BikeSpike is being designed as a bicycle GPS that could also offer automatic crash reporting. This small gizmo features a GPS chipset with a built-in antenna, on-board accelerometer and a connection to a global cellular network.

This could allow users to pinpoint the exact location of a bicycle via the web or through a mobile smartphone, and aid law enforcement in recovering a stolen bike. It this way it could digitally lock a bicycle and notify owners if the bike has left its location, or even if it has just fallen or been disturbed. In the event of a crash or collision that is detected by the on-board accelerometer the BikeSpike could contact those on a pre-selected list so that help can be on its way. Video after the jump

Class Act

Class is in session, FitnessClass that is and you don’t need to go to school to take part. PumpOne has introduced its new FitnessClass mobile health app for Android along with the new Fitnessclass.com web access. This providers users with anytime, anywhere access to hundreds of full-length workout videos.

It has been one of the top downloaded fitness apps for the iOS and is now available for Android. Combined there is a full library of more than 420 videos. Users can view a selection of free workouts, or subscribe to a month or year “ClassPass” for $9.99 or $69.99 respectively.

FitnessClass Official Website

Cyclist Radar

Often times when a car hits a cyclist the driver claims that the bicycle came out of nowhere or just wasn’t seen. Imagine if the car had some form of radar that could help detect riders and react! Well, that’s exactly what Volvo has introduced with its update to the pedestrian detection system, which features a full auto brake trigger.

The pedestrian system has been in place since 2010, but now will alert drivers and react to bicycles as well. If an imminent impact with a rider or pedestrian is detected the driver will receive a red warning flash while the car will activate full breaking power. The technology will be available in the V40, S60, V60, XC60, V70, XC70 and S80 from mid-May 2013. Video after the jump

Game Makers Encourage Kids to Get Outdoors

When we think of video games we do think of living room activity, but the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has announced a partnership with Outdoor Nation, a national initiative that connects kids with outdoor activities, to launch Game On: Challenge Grants. The goal is to get young people to the outdoors through entertainment technology. This pilot program will invest in youth-inspired projects that leverage entertainment gaming technologies to get a new generation outdoors, active and engaged in conservation challenges. Continue reading Game Makers Encourage Kids to Get Outdoors

Made in America: Custom Big Shot

Fixies are bikes that should present one’s individuality, and Fort Collins, Colorado based Big Shot Bikes will let anyone be a big shot of sorts. The company, which was founded in 2009, offers would-be owners the chance to create a design via an online building tool, offering multiple color choices for the frame, front rim, rear rim, front tire, rear tire, chain, handlebar tape, saddle, pedals and even the crank.

You don’t need to be a “big shot” to ride or own a Big Shot, as a custom bike will set you back about $430, and the company claims to have delivery in about a week.

Big Shot Bikes Official Website