GIS Device Gets Rugged

While consumer GPS units have long been “rugged” some specialized field devices have lagged behind. But recently Trimble introduced its next generation of GNSS devices for GIS field applications, including the Trimble Juno 3B and 3D handhelds. These specially computers offer positioning, imaging and communications in a single package.

These units offer GPS, a 5MP autofocus camera and Windows Mobile Software. What is more impressive is this also offer Juno 3G wireless technology, which allows users to transfer data and stay connected via the device’s integrated mobile phone. These are designed for those in the gas, electric and water utilities, but we could see that such a device could have uses for consumers who need a rugged device that has the power and connectivity of a smartphone and can stand up to the elements.

Mobile phone makers – are you listening?

[Via FieldTechnologies: New Rugged Trimble Juno Series Puts GIS Field Work In Your Pocket]

Panasonic to Introduce Waterproof Phone

This week Panasonic announced that will re-enter the European mobile phone market with a waterproof, dustproof phone called the Eluga. While pricey – as much as $650 in American currency – the phones will utilized the Google Android OS.

The Eluga smartphone’s features include a 1GHz dual-core CPU, 1GB of internal RAM plus 8GB of internal flash memory (there is no mention of a microSD slot) and a 4.3″ 540 x 960 pixel qHD touchscreen display. It is reportedly waterproof and dustproof rated to IP57 standards, and it can be immersed in a maximum of 1.5 metres of water for 30 minutes.

Panasonic is currently the leader in the UK market for “ruggedized products” and the company is looking to build on the success of the products in its Toughbook laptop line. No word on whether the Eluga would arrive in America, but we’re sure to hear more about it at next week’s Mobile World Congress from Barcelona.

Hok – A Hybrid of Ski and Snowshoe

This season it seems that hybrid skis/snowboards are all the rage. We’ve seen some folding skis designed for snowboarders, as well as skis that work over snowless patches. But now Altai Skis is truly going back to the roots of skiing with the Hok.

Whilst skis may easily evoke the Nordic regions, skiing actually first developed in the Altai Mountains of Central Asia as well for herdsmen to cross the rugged land. When skis headed west they developed into specialized designs for cross country, downhill and even ski jumping. But the Hok model from Altai Skis goes back to the original design, which is wider shorter ski that offers the advantages of snowshoes. The wood ski features steel edges and a climbing skin in the base, allowing wearers to go places that most skis couldn’t take them.

The Hok is available with either three-pin binding for ski boots, or a universal binding for basic winter boots. Either way it is recommended that Hok’ers use the single pole to control direction just as it was in the Central Asiatic highlands. Videos and size comparison after the jump

No Touching Dynamo Lights the Way

There is a saying the close only counts in horse shoes and hand grenades, but it soon close could be enough when it comes to providing light for bicycles. Right now there are two ways to get light to shine the way – either have it powered by a battery or utilize a dynamo-powered light that works by utilizing the motion of the bike itself. The latter is green, but can still slowly wear down the tire and it requires extra effort for the rider.

Now German inventor Dirk Strothmann has created a small, no-contact, self-contained dynamo bike light that makes close close enough. So how does it work? Simple enough actually, instead of friction it works magnetically where the spinning wheel and the magnets in the dynamo take advantage of eddy currents, with the result being electric energy from the metallic rims. Video after the jump

Toy Fair: The O Let’s You Throw Your Phone

Admit it – there are times when you just want to throw your phone. You know you shouldn’t do it but it would feel so good. At last week’s Toy Fair The O was awarded the Popular Science Best of Toy Fair 2012 award for making a way to throw the phone and even make a game of it.

Developed by Physical Apps, a NH-based technology company, The O takes mobile gaming to a whole new level – and in a very big way. Instead of just titling or shaking that iPhone or Android device you can put it in this special casing and really play with the phone! Throw it in a game of “hot potato” – just be sure you don’t play when “mom” calls! Video after the jump

Make the iPad “Battle Ready”

Soldiers wear helmets to protect their heads, body armor and even special boots these days. Vehicles are getting retro-fitted with extra armor as well. And now Flying Circle Bags, a supplier of field, tactical and travel bags for the U.S. Military has introduced the Tactical iPad Cover.

This cover has been optimized to securely hold an iPad in a variety of methods including one handed and on hands-free with an adjustable leg strap. It features a removable viewing hood that can reduce glared in bright sunlight, and more importantly reduce the visual signature during no-light and low-light conditions. Video after the jump

Triathlon American Conference: Who is Trying Triathlons?

This week Active Network and Triathlon American released the findings of new comprehensive study of men and women who participating in the sport of triathlons. This study was released at the Triathlon American conference, which was held at the Rancho Bernardo Inn in San Diego, California.

Key findings of the study include the identification of four groups of triathlon participants based on experience and motivations — the newcomer, the practitioner, the veteran and the lapsed triathlete. According to group these segments define a triathlete’s willingness to travel, the types of races they prefer, what keeps them in the sport and what they hope to get out of their participation.

“We believe this report will provide race organizations better direction into how to re-engage lapsed athletes, support the growing segment of female participants, and involve a triathlete’s friends and family in the triathlon experience in order to increase participation,” said Dave Alberga, chief executive officer at Active Network in a statement. “Additionally, it will provide brands targeting this growing audience with information not readily available until now.” Continue reading Triathlon American Conference: Who is Trying Triathlons?

Camelbak Makes Water All Clear

UV light is a common method for purifying water, but there aren’t too many portable options. One is the SteriPen, a device you dip into a glass of water. But Camelbak has a new option, the All Clear bottle. All Clear is a 0.75 liter water bottle with a UV light built into the cap. Once filled, the light operates for 60-seconds to sterilize the water.

Continue reading Camelbak Makes Water All Clear

Get Bent – With Pyro Bike Seat Post

The world isn’t flat, but when it comes to bicycle design the old beliefs are sometimes hard to kill. It took years for carbon fiber to be accepted as a frame material. Likewise, for decades most bicycle’s front forks were curved – but now as forks are straight, seat posts are going around the bend with new curved designs.

At least that is the design that is coming from Taiwanese-based Pyro Bike, which has offered a new seatpost that is both lightweight and curved. At just 185 grams in alloy 7 series 3D forged, it is probably one of the lightest on the market, but it is the new twist the company is putting on the seat posts that might turn heads.

We’re actually sure what the benefits might be, but as with a lot of designs – some work out and some don’t. It will be interested to see if Pyro Bikes International is onto something, or if they’ve just round the corner.

[Via Bike Europe: Innovative Seatpost by Pyro Bike]

The Bag is Ready to GLO

Trying to fit everything into a bag to take to the gym is annoying enough, but trying to take what you need from the bag without taking everything out brings it up a notch. But the GLO (Gym Locker Organizer) Bag makes it easy. Not only does the bag meet airline carry-on requirements and thus can double as an overnight travel bag, but it features a design that has a spot for shots, towel and just about anything you’d need for a workout.

And now the GLO Bag, which is available online, is being offered as part of SkyMall, the multi-channel, direct marketer. So next time you’re flying see if this bag wouldn’t have made it easier.

GLO Bag Official Website

eers for the Ears

At times it might seem as if comfortable and sound quality are mutually exclusive with earbubs, but Sonomax Technologies hopes to change that perception with its new PCS-150 and PCS-250 custom-fit earphones that will arrive next month. These promise to offer low profile, ergonomically shaped design and ear loop that comfortably cradles the back of the ear, while providing a channel for the wire from the sound source, as well as assisting the user in proper insertion and removal.

Designed for active users and fitness enthusiasts, the PCS-150 eers utilize a tuned dynamic speaker to deliver enhanced bass response through bass reflex technology.

And in addition to sounding good for music, both models will offer users the ability to answer calls through a smartphone. Continue reading eers for the Ears

Kinetic(Mis)Shift: Alaskan Husky Exercise Wheel

httpv://youtu.be/WsOsxbAySGo

As a way of generating power we think the exercise wheel in the video is actually an interesting idea. But as a way to escape taking Rover for a walk we see it as a Mis(Shift) and given that so many people will go to great lengths to avoid work – this one simply makes us nervous. So maybe not a full-blown Kinetic(Mis)Shift we think there might be better ways to generate some power.

[Via Ubergizmo: Dog Walk Out for lazy dog owners]

Kinetic(Mis)Shift are products that we think deserve to be called out for their utter lack of fitness benefits

Sunday Q&A: Velolet – “The Orbitz” of Bicycle Rental

While many types of transportation can fill in the blank in the statement, “Have ________ Will Travel,” typically when traveling a bike can be a pain to bring along. But renting a bike can have problems as many shops don’t always have high-end bikes available and you’re often subject to a first come, first served.

Now there is another way; where you can browse online, find the bike of the level you desire, book and be ready to ride when you arrive at your destination. Velolet is an online bike rental platform, dubbed the Orbitz of bike rental, designed specifically for the bike industry and the needs of brands, bike shops, and cyclists in that industry. Dan Clearly of Velolet tells us how the service works. Continue reading Sunday Q&A: Velolet – “The Orbitz” of Bicycle Rental