If the potential for getting lost is a reason for not venturing into the outdoors, it’s time to let go of that fear with the Cerberus tracking and alert system from Briartek. Named after the three-headed guardian dog of Hades, Cerberus is a three-part system that works in conjunction with your smart device to keep you from getting lost and get you help when you need it. Continue reading Cerberus Three-Part System Helps You Stay On Track, Gets Help When You Need It
Judging from all the “rugged” cases for portable electronics we have covered, we are going to confirm (unscientifically) there’s a really big market for people who want to take their smart phones and music players into the water or any place that is electronics unfriendly. The latest such product for the iPhone 4/4S is the Keystone ECO MarineCase from Concord Keystone, a fully submersible case – up to 20 feet – that lets you shoot video, take photos, send e-mail, or perform any smart phone-related activity while under water. It also protects against other elements like dust and sand, and is IP58 certified for dustproof and waterproof.
Check out this video shot with an iPhone encased in the MarineCase. Continue reading Keystone ECO MarineCase Lets You Bring Your iPhone Into the Water
Accessories-maker Snow Lizard Products has introduced what could be the perfect rugged case for the iPhone 4 and 4S: the AQUA TEK S. The tank-like case not only gives your iPhone waterproof protection, but a built-in batter and solar charger gives your iPhone an extra boost of power (with these devices getting more and more power hungry, that’s welcome, especially if you’re outdoors without access to a power outlet).
The case is waterproof up to 20 feet and can withstand drops. A top lid opens up to easily let you remove or insert an iPhone, and all the iPhone external buttons are accessible via corresponding external buttons on the case.
However, there’s a catch: it’s not for sale, yet. It looks like Snow Lizard is looking for some financial backing for this product and is utilizing Kickstarter. Snow Lizard plans to sell it at retail for $130, but if you pledge $25, $175, $1,000, or $5,000, Snow Lizard is including some extras for those who get in early, like ski passes to Utah resorts.
Check out the video and more info on the AQUA TEK S Kickstarter page.
Most of us have heard the old adage, “preventative medicine is the best medicine.” What does that really mean? At the base level it means making smart decisions in our everyday lives. Would William Henry Harrison have been a great president if he had just worn his hat and coat? We’ll never know since he chose to not dress properly for his inaugural address. What can we do to live a healthier life and how do we really evaluate if those little things like taking the stairs really help? U.S. Preventive Medicine, Inc., in collaboration with Qualcomm Life Inc., has launched a new app to help those wanting to live a better life, but just need a little help along the way. The Macaw app is designed as “a complete personal health monitor” and serve as a hub to track the user’s health and fitness.
There is an old saying about wearing your heart on your sleeve, which is to say to openly show your emotions. Today people can wear many things, and while it won’t display emotion, it can help users monitor their fitness levels.
This is exactly the concept behind the BodyMedia FIT Armband BW from BodyMedia, which is avialble through the company’s website as well as Amazon.com. It allows users to monitor calorie intake and output in real-time. The BodyMedia FIT Armband BW transmits information to a smartphone via Bluetooth, where users can track caloric burn data and physical activity levels.
“The BodyMedia FIT Armband BW is a great example of how consumers can monitor and track their fitness levels with the help of Bluetooth wireless technology – and once you start to track your health, you have the power to change your health,” said Michael Foley, Ph.D., Executive Director of the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG). “By allowing near real-time monitoring on a mobile phone via Bluetooth technology, the BodyMedia FIT Armband BW lets users take the wheel on the road to a more active lifestyle. This innovative device brings to life what we have been projecting for Bluetooth wireless technology in the health and fitness market.”
The BodyMedia FIT Armband BW is designed to integrate body monitoring data with smartphones including the Apple iPhone and Android mobile devices.
The iPhone can do many things, and seemingly it can even be used as a running training aid. There are dozens (if not hundreds) of fitness apps for Apple’s smartphone, but among the most interesting is one call iTreadmill. OK, while the app doesn’t somehow actually let you run on the touchscreen – but it would be cool if you could somehow do so – it does however act as a digital chronometer, 
keeping track of the distance you’re doing.
This is whether you’re actually doing miles outside, walking around your house or apartment, or just running in place. Put it in your pocket and go, as this app detects the slightest movement and thus tracks the distance you’ve covered. Should you stop to tie your shoe or wait for a light, or just answer the phone, the chronometer will automatically stop. Based on what it reads it can provide you details of your average speed, distance, pace, step count, strike rate and even calories burned. It doesn’t track heart rate however, so you’ll have to stick with a traditional heart rate monitor if that’s important. However, this app includes some interesting features, including a pace setting that provides a flashing light and ticking sound to get you moving. Now if only this app could actually make running in place at a hotel a little more exciting.