CES 2012: Train to the Rhythm of Iqua Beat

Music can make fitness routines a little more enjoyable and a lot less routine, while encouragement can help get someone through a workout. At the Consumer Electronics Show Iqua Ltd. got into the rhythm with its new Iqua Beat training solution for iPhone. The company, which is a designer of hands free headsets has launched the new Bluetooth stereo headset and iPhone app for the North American market.

Iqua Beat can be used to tracks heart rate, pace, calorie consumption, and distance traveled, while providing audio feedback, encouragement, and guidance during the workout work out. The headset monitors the user’s heart rate from their earlobe, and the patented earpieces provide a secure in-ear fit ideal for a wide range of sports. Continue reading CES 2012: Train to the Rhythm of Iqua Beat

CES 2012: Optrix Unveils VideoPro App to Shoot Detailed Action HD Videos

Optrix, the maker of the HD Sport rugged mount and case for iPhone and iPod Touch devices, is showing off its new VideoPro app at CES 2012 this week. Designed for use with an iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, and video-capable iPod Touch to shoot high-definition action videos, the app displays and records info such as lap time, GPS tracking, speed, and g-force, all without using add-on accessories. The app, which was developed with the team behind Harry’s Lap Timer, can be downloaded now from the iTunes App Store for $9.99 Continue reading CES 2012: Optrix Unveils VideoPro App to Shoot Detailed Action HD Videos

CES 2012: Kinomap Your Ride

When we ride our bikes on the road we ride where we want to go, and while most riders appreciate some directions and even a tip or two as to where to ride, chances are everyone has that special ride. So why not share it? If your friends can come to ride with you, with Kinomap, which was shown at this week’s Consumer Electronics Show, you can record a course, upload it and then share it.

Unlike other virtual riding programs, which are built upon courses the companies decide to give you, this one is about community.

“Currently Kinomap is available for download and playback on the iPad and iPhone,” Laurent Desmons, CEO and founder of Kinomap told KineticShift.com. “The iOS devices can sync with existing monitors when the bike is on the trainer. When those devices arrive for the Android, we’ll have a version for that platform as well.”

Kinomap Official Website

CES 2012:: Indestructible Dive Lights and Waterproof Cameras

UwaterHD3X
The UwaterHD3X

Products that can go deep are what Fitness Technologies Inc. is showing this week in Las Vegas at the Consumer Electronics Show. These include the newly announced full-day hour Uwater Action Cameras, which include the UD3X, HD55 and the HD77. All three cameras feature mounting accessories so they can be used with helmets, on a bike or mounted on the body or board. Continue reading CES 2012:: Indestructible Dive Lights and Waterproof Cameras

CES 2012: Turning Water into Power

There is something to be said to turning water into wine, and a whole industry exists to do just that (with a little help from grapes and time), but Swedish fuel cell pioneers myFC has introduced the world’s first portable fuel cell charger that runs on just ordinary water. With PowerTrekk just add water and you’ll never run out power again, making this an excellent way to juice over your mobile devices when an outlet isn’t available. And best of all it something you can use when the sun isn’t shining.

Unlike solar chargers – which do need the sun – fuel cells recharge quickly, and there is no power degradation as there are typically with batteries. The result is a reusable device. Just add water!

myFC Official Website

 

Press Release after the jump

Parabox Retrofits Disc Brake for Cyclo-cross Bikes

When the International Cycling Union (UCI) announced that it was allowing for disc brakes with cyclo-cross bikes there were two quick opinions: the first that it was about time, and the second, now I need to buy a new bike!

Well, fortunately bicycle brake maker TRP saw that not everyone was going to want to replace their bikes, and has now released the Parabox, a system that easily allows cyclo-cross bike owners to convert their bikes to hydraulic discs. The Parabox works with existing cable-based brake levers, via a junction box master that is linked to the levers via two hose-enclosed cables, which activate the cylinder mechanisms within the box. The system further includes front- and rear-specific calipers along with pads, 160 mm rotors and hydraulic lines.

So while this might require a shop to install, it certainly beats buying a new bike!

TRP Official Website
[Via BikeRadar: TRP Parabox disc brake system long-term review]

Base Camp Gloves

Sometimes gloves can be overkill, but Italian outdoor clothing maker Camp has introduced a new medium weight base glove, the G COMP WIND, that features a durable synthetic leather palm along with Grip’R pads on the thumb and index finger. The result gives the wearer a bit more hand control. These “base” Camp gloves further feature a terry wipe strip on the thumb that can be used to clean goggles or glasses.

When the temperatures fall or conditions worsen, ripstop nylon Windmit’N covers can be pulled over to provide extra protection to the fingers, while still leaving the palm exposed. This is like two gloves in one, and best of all allows more precise finger use without the need to expose the hand in the process.

Camp Official Website
[Via Gear Patrol: Camp G Comp Wind Gloves]

Sears Gets in Fitness Game

Mass retailer Sears has tried to redefine itself a few times. The store that is still probably best remembered for tires and its tasty popcorn, offered its “softer side” back in 1994. Now the company is following such retailers as Best Buy, showing that it can help customers get fit as well.

Sears has announced it is introducing its “Fitness Flagship” store-within-a-store at more than 35 sites across the country. These 6,000 sq. feet centers provide new fitness products and floor models. Is this the fitter side of Sears? Press Release after the jump

CES 2012: Valencell Exhibits Ear Bud Sensor Technology for Biometric Measurements

A runner demonstrates Valencell's V-LINC ear-bud sensor technology. The medallion with connected ear buds wirelessly streams biometric data to a mobile device, such as an iPhone.

The Consumer Electronics Show is a hotbed of new and upcoming tech products, but there are also plenty of companies showcasing new technologies that may one day end up in a product at a future CES. One such company is Valencell, which is demonstrating its V-LINC health and fitness ear-bud sensor tech. Due to the nature of the ear, V-LINC’s technology “continuously measures more real-time biometric data, with higher accuracy, in virtually any environment, than any other health and fitness sensor technology on the market,” Valencell said.

“Studies show that 70 percent of regular exercisers wear audio headsets while exercising, and Valencell aspires to connect with that audience to make health and fitness more accessible through our earbud sensor technology,” said Valencell CEO and co-founder Steven LeBoeuf. “Companies will discover how they can turn audio headsets into health and fitness devices on multiple mobile platforms by integrating V-LINC.”

At CES, Valencell is demoing how the technology would work with various mobile platforms, including iOS and Android. Demonstrators wear an ear bud prototype that measures biometric data such as continuous heart rate; calories burned; cardiovascular fitness; metabolic rate; and distance and speed while using a treadmill, stationary bike, and in other activities. The data is then streamed to one of the platforms.

Valencell says V-LINC is compatible with regular headset manufacturing processes, so a headphone maker can easily license and implement the technology into its product.

Valencell Official Website

CES 2012: Benzitech Introduces New Waterproof Cases for Smart Devices

There must be a demand for waterproof cases. Not long after we mentioned to you about the DryCASE, the folks at Benzitech sent us info on their new iDry waterproof cases for smart phones and tablets. The cases seal a device to keep out water, yet allow the devices’ touch screens to be used through the case without removal. They can submerge down to 30 feet underwater, and they float, too. The iDry products come with waterproof ear bud headphones, armbands, and neck straps.

Benzitech Official Website

CES 2012: Magellan Switches it Up

This week at the Consumer Electronics Show Magellan announced it was switching things up, and is entering the fitness market with the launch of its first two products, the Switch and Switch Up. These new series promises to be powerful, adaptable, and customizable for those looking for GPS watches that can meet the needs of runners, cyclists, and multisport athletes.  And with a Magellan fitness website and third-party integration, users can easily analyze and share their activities.

For runners there is the Switch, which is packed with innovative features including nine customizable sport profiles, easy to read high-resolution display, eight hours of battery life, a high sensitivity GPS receiver, 50-meter water resistance, and compatibility with ANT+ sensors. The Switch Up offers the same features as the Switch plus additional features designed for true multisport athletes, including a barometric altimeter for precise elevation data, a thermometer to capture outside temperature, vibration alerts, and an innovative quick release mounting system to easily transition between sports. The Switch series will launch this spring. Press Release after the jump

CES 2012: DryBUDS SPORT Waterproof Headphones and Mic Let You Gab in Water

Cell phones and H2O should normally never mix, but for those who cannot live without their phones even when in or near water, the DryBUDS SPORT headphones with built-in waterproof microphone is the accessory for you.

Shown this week at the 2012 Consumer Electronics Show, the DryBUDS SPORT is completely waterproof, according to its manufacturer, Dry Corp. That means you can bring it into the pool or shower to listen to your tunes. Paired with your phone using Dry Corp’s DryCASE vacuum-sealed waterproof case, you can utilize the microphone to make/receive calls while you soap up your bod or perform your backstrokes. The ability to access your phone through the headphones is also great for times when you can’t physically reach for the phone, like when you’re busy canoeing down a river, for example.

DryCASE Official Website

CES 2012: Fujifilm Get Rugged

FujiFilm XP50
FujiFilm XP50

This week at the Consumer Electronics Show Fujifilm is showing off 19 new digital cameras, and these include the ruggedized FinePix line, with the XP150, XP100 and XP50. The former two are waterproof down to 33 feet, shockproof to a 6.5 foot drop, freezeproof to 14 degrees Fahrenheit, and of course dustproof, so these are pretty much ready for just about any excursion. The XP50 will be for the budget minded offering a little less protection but still rugged enough for most adventures. It is waterproof to 16.5 feet, shockproof from 5 feet, with the same freeze- and dustproofing.

All three cameras will be driven by 14 megapixel CMOS sensors, with continuous shooting up to 10 frames per second, and will feature 5x wide angle lenses. The cameras will be able to record 1080p video with sound, even underwater, captured at 30 frames per second. The XP-series will also feature dual image stabilization to mechanically stabilize the sensor while also adjusting shooting variables to compensate for camera shake or movement.

The FinePix XP150 and XP100 will be available in March for $279.95 and $249.95 respectively. The XP150 will be available in black or orange, and the XP100 will be available in black, blue, orange, silver, or green. The XP50 will also be available in March, for $199.95, and will also be available in black, blue, orange, silver, and green. Additional images and Press Release after the jump