Software | Evolving Consumer

Kinetic(Mis)Shift: Paper Boy Game

We like the idea of technology that combines video games and fitness, and we’ve heard about a few efforts that are under way, but the PaperDude VR has us scratching our heads. Yes, it is a game combined with a bicycle and it even utilizes virtual reality.

But it is sort of the like an old episode of The Simpsons where Bart plays a virtual yard work simulation after doing everything he could to get out of actual yard work. What’s the point in other words? Aren’t video games about saving the world or at least the princess, and with all due respect to those who wake up early to deliver the paper – is this really that compelling of an “adventure?”

So perhaps this isn’t really a full-blown Kinetic(Mis)Shift but we somehow think this technology could be used for so much more. Video after the jump

GoPro Goes With Added App Functionality

GoPro has introduced a new revised app that will boost the functionality of its Hero2 and Hero3 action cameras. These new tweaks will enable users to take full remote control of a camera’s functionality, and make it easier to take stills or start recording. The apps further allow the transfer of content wirelessly from a mobile handset or tablet and even share with social media. the new app is available for Android and iOS.

With this new app there is no reason to miss on the action. Video after the jump

RangerX Leads the Way for Tablets

While U.S. Army Rangers may lead the way, and won’t leave a man behind, the RangerX is a tablet you won’t want to leave at home. This is the first table from Xplore Technologies, which has actually been making tablets for 15 years, to feature the Android OS.

The tablet features an IP65 rating for dust and water resistance, as well as an MIL-STD-810G rating that proves it can stand up to the elements and so much more. It can withstand 95 percent humidity and operation at cold and heat extremes that would leave other devices on the sidelines.

Inside it offers an ARM Cortex A9 processor running at 1.5 GHz on an Intel QM57 Express chipset, along with 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0 and integrated GPS, as well as an FM transfer plus NFC and RFID technology. It offers connections as well, including two USB 2.0 ports, a micros-HDMI out. Video after the jump

Trace Your Activity

The ActiveReplay Trace is not your run-of-the-mill fitness tracker. This new device is designed to help make action sports measurable, sharable and comparable. It is the first piece of technology that can correctly and automatically identify data and tricks as they are being performed by skaters, skiiers, snowboarders and surfers; while ActiveReplay’s Kickstarter campaign is aimed at helping to boost awareness of Trace and raise funds to continue its development.

With 9-axis sensors, advanced multi-Hz GPS, Bluetooth 4.0, and its own processor, Trace is a small device that measures a huge amount of events and tricks athletes perform in skiing, snowboarding, surfing and skating, and it allows athletes from all these disciplines to compare and share those metrics with leaderboards and networks via social media.

The pocket sized device offers more than seven hours of battery life and is durable, shockproof and waterproof. It consists of two parts: the data collection pod and the mount. Attaching and activating Trace is easy: The mount is attached to any hard surface like a board or helmet. Trace slides in the mount. The athlete pushes a button and begins their sport.

It can pair with a smartphone, and comes with three mobile apps including AlpineReplay (for ski and snowboard), SkateReplay (for skate) and SurfReplay (for surf). The apps are compatible with Android and iOS. Video after the jump

Finding Zen(sorium) Through Tinké

The iPhone can help users reach their inner peace thanks to the Tinké with Lightning connector. This uses optical sensing technologies to capture blood volume changes and quantifies the user’s fitness and relaxation levels into indexes for easy comparison.

The Vita Index can help users keep track of fitness levels, even during times when not engaged in physical activity. At rest the Tinké can be used to measure, monitor and trend heart rate, respiration rate and even blood oxygen level; while the Zen mode can be helpful for practicing mindful breathing to energize and calm oneself during stressful situations.

Built for today’s fast paced lifestyle, Tinké’s Zen measurement enables users to breathe better and measure your level of relaxation at the end of a 60-second practice.

Plug in, tune in and peace out.

Zensorium Tinké Official Website

Biosensor in a Tattoo

Many 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’]

3D Printing Takes to the Waves

We’re in a golden age for the DIY set. Not only can you build it if you can envision it, but now you can print it as well. Start-up Made Smartboards is looking to revolutionize the customized surfboard industry, where the board can be made based on your body size, your surfing style and even the conditions in which you ride.

To create a truly customized board Shanon Marks, the founder of the company, is looking to 3D printing, which also means no material or resources are wasted. Moreover there is no Styrofoam to use or discard he said. Only what is needed is printed, and each frame is wrapped in bamboo, sealed in fiberglass and ready to catch the wave.

Sounds like a board that was made right, made smart. Video after the jump

Zumba Kids are Alright

Majesco Entertainment’s popular Zumba Fitness video game franchise keeps on going, and this holiday the latest version will arrive for the younger crowd. Zumba Kids will arrive later this year on Kinect for Xbox 360 and the Wii, and feature a range of dance styles, creative mini-games, customization and chart-topping hits from Justin Bieber and Willow Smith. It is based on the global dance-fitness brand, but is aimed at kids aged seven to 12, providing that “exercise in disguise” gameplay. Continue reading Zumba Kids are Alright

Apps Take Aim

While Apple doesn’t do those “there’s an app for that” commercials these days, here is one we wouldn’t expect them to air. The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) has released its new Where To Shoot mobile app — available for iPhone, iPad and Android devices — that locates shooting ranges near you.

Available for free in the Apple App Store and Google Play, Where To Shoot puts North America’s most comprehensive directory of shooting ranges in the palm of your hand. It also includes video tips for shooters, news and firearm safety information.

Users can reportedly search by current location or zip code and find specifics about each range, including shooting activities offered, accessibility and contact information. The app also makes it easy to get directions to the range.

The app is modeled after NSSF’s popular WhereToShoot.org website and is updated frequently with range information in every U.S. state and Canadian province. New tips for hunters and shooters are also added regularly.

Where To Shoot Official Website

Water Power

Power 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

Fitness Hero

The makers of Guitar Hero are looking to do something very different. Kai and Charles Huang, the founders of RedOctane – the company that inspired a generation of gamers to rock out on plastic guitars – have announced a new venture to launch an interactive fitness company called Blue Goji.

The company’s mission is reportedly to transform the cardio exercise experience through immersive gameplay, track activity towards personal fitness goals, and create a social workout experience with friends. The Blue Goji platform combines innovative software and hardware with the portability and power of tablets and smartphones to make cardio exercise routines an entertaining and rewarding experience. We like what we’re hearing.

“Our goal is to help people lead healthier and more active lives by providing anyone across all fitness levels with a fun way to work out, one that is accessible and compelling to use,” said Kai Huang, Blue Goji co-founder and CEO. “With Blue Goji, we’re developing a platform to support a variety of entertainment content that enables people to immerse themselves in their workout routines for a more enjoyable and social experience.”

We’ll continue to watch for this new venture. If Blue Goji can do for fitness games what RedOctane did for music games than perhaps there is hope that games can truly get the world fit.

Blue Goji Official Website

Weekend Reading List (07.27.2013): Pure Cycling, Speed Thrills, Fat Breath, EVO-lution, ING Out

Pure Cycling

From Bicycle Retailer: LeMond Revolution sponsors Bike Pure team
LeMond Revolution is becoming a supplier and co-title sponsor of the Australia-based anti-doping organization Bike Pure and its road racing team. Continue reading Weekend Reading List (07.27.2013): Pure Cycling, Speed Thrills, Fat Breath, EVO-lution, ING Out

Play the Whole Life

Life isn’t a game, but staying fit doesn’t have to be work. The Whole Life Challenge promises to make fitness fun – or at least less of an ordeal. This eight-week online and in-your-life game allows players to compete with friends and family and make choices regarding health, fitness and lifestyle habits.

The idea here is to turn making positive changes in health, fitness, and lifestyle into a game-a game that every player can win by making daily choices that support your long-term health, life and vitality.

While the current registration is closed, players can sign up now for the next challenge, which will take place between Labor Day and Thanksgiving. Continue reading Play the Whole Life