Bluetooth 4.0 | Evolving Consumer

Bike of Valour

The Valour smart bike will ensure you find your way. Its makers called it the first ever connected carbon fiber bike, and by this it means that it offers integrated Bluetooth 4.0 that allows the bike to connect to a companion Android, iOS or Pebble compatible app.

Users can use the app to tell the bike their destination and receive turn-by-turn navigation directly on the handlebars. The bike also features built-in sensors including an accelerometer, magnetometer and a speed sensor that can track calories burned, monitor speed and distance. The system can even suggest the best possible route should you desire to avoid hills or other difficult terrain.

The designers, which are based in Toronto, launched a Kickstarter campaign to help develop the Valour and at present it looks like they’ve reached their funding goals so it is likely we’ll be seeing this one on the streets in the not too distant future. Video after the jump

Get Insight

There are plenty of fitness monitors on the market, but BSX Athletics is looking to bring out the Insight, which it has billed as the first ever all-in-one wearable sensor that can pair with a sports watch. It includes lactate threshold technology, heart rate monitoring, cadence tracking, and can monitor pace and calories burned.

The Insight can sync at the same time with both ANT+ and Bluetooth 4.0, and thus provides greater flexibility to uses. BSX Athletics has launched a Kickstarter project to bring the Insight to market. Video after the jump

Blue Logic Cadence

BioLogic has introduced a new wireless speed and cadence sensor that can transmit directly to a mobile device via Bluetooth 4.0 and is thus capable with Android and iOS. The sensor is powered by a single CR2032 battery that is said to provide up to 700 hours of riding data. The Bluetooth Smart Speed/Cadence sensor (MSRP: $45.95) will be available in the second quarter of 2014.

BioLogic Official Website

Voombox Brings the Noise

A boombox will let you get “the party started,” but the Divoom Voombox Outdoor speak might just let you take it on the go. This 15w water resistant Bluetooth speaker is designed specifically for rugged conditions while offering a 12-hour battery life. It features a durable, water resistant design and can stream music wirelessly via Bluetooth 4.0.

The speaker offers twin two-inch drivers along with one tweeter and two passive radiators – enough to fill a room or outdoor area with the tunes. Continue reading Voombox Brings the Noise

CES: The Aqua Man’s Speaker

Electronics and water don’t often mix, but at this week’s International CES in Las Vegas we’re seeing more devices that can stand up to nature. NYNE introduced the Aqua, the first IPX7 waterproof, floating, Bluetooth 4.0 portable speaker. While ideal for a pool, it could also be a great go anywhere speaker as it can be fully submersed in one meter of water for 30 minutes. It also features a built-in waterproof microphone to answer incoming calls, listen to voicemails and hear text notifications. It has a 2200mAh Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery and a 3.5mm auxiliary input for an optional wired connection or non-Bluetooth devices.

“Aqua answers the need for a portable, high-quality audio speaker that can play music outdoors and withstand the elements,” said Arman Arami, president of NYNE. “With up to 10 hours of playtime, the party can last all day at the beach, pool, lake, campsite, or backyard, even when an unexpected rainstorm hits. Aqua plays music from any Bluetooth-enabled device within a 33-foot range, without a wired or dock connection, so your phone or tablet can stay easily accessible and dry.”

It offers 10 watts of power and is equipped with an EQ button that delivers four preset equalizer settings.

NYNE Official Website

Wahoo Gets in Cadence

Wahoo Fitness has introduced its RPM Cadence Sensor, which is just seven grams and attaches to the bicycle crank with a 3M adhesive or a sleeve. It can connect wirelessly to an IOS device via Bluetooth 4.0. Cadence can be displayed on any compatible cycling app, including Strava, Wahoo Fitness and MapMyRide. LED lights flash when sensor is connected to the iOS app.

The sensor does not need to be charged and will run on one coin cell battery for up to two years.

Wahoo Fitness Official Website

http://www.wahoofitness.com/

Uber Cool

There are plenty of fitness headphones on the market, but MuseMini has delivered what it deems to be the cool UberBuds. These ultra-compact, wireless, tangle-free and Bluetooth 4.0 enabled earbuds allow users to experience music like they never have in a Bluetooth headset with powerful 6mm drivers.

The UberBuds can stream audio from any APTX/AAC compatible device from up to 30 feet away, and the UberBuds SignalROM feature allows the paired device to be anywhere near the body, whether in the user’s pocket or gym bag

These come with a lifetime warranty against sweat, but also feature ear cushions that hug the critical portion of the ear so these will offer a snug fit for those running, skating or riding. The UberBuds offer up to eight hours of play time on a single charge, so most users might give out long before the music stops.

MuseMini UberBuds Official Website

Jet Powered Glasses

Recon Instruments have introduced a range of heads-up displays that can be used for skiing and snowboarding as well as skydiving. These can provide speed, distance and other useful information. However, the goggles for skiing aren’t exactly going to work while running on the beach.

To this end Recon has gotten Jet powered, and has introduced a stylish pair of sun glasses that provide the same heads-up display but in a much smaller package. These were revealed at the Google I/O event last month.

The Jet features a dual-core processor, dedicated graphics, GPS, HD camera, speaker and microphone. The glasses offer wireless connectivity to compatible devices via Wi-Fi, Ant+ and Bluetooth 4.0. The Glasses are ready to give the display for runners and cyclists and could change the way athletes are presented with real-time fitness data. Video after the jump

Light Bar

A built-in bike light seems like a good idea, and while we seen systems that integrate the lights into the stem, the Helios Bars are more than just a built-in light. These do provide proximity lighting that allows the bike to automatically turn on or off when the rider is near, and provide turn singles to help drivers know what you’re about to do. But the Helios Bars also provide GPS tracking via SMS from anywhere in the United States, where users can receive coordinates of the bike via Google Maps.

These bars also offer a visual speedometer, and can provide turn-by-turn navigation when synced with a mobile phone via Bluetooth 4.0. There is even ambient lighting options to set the mood while riding. Video after the jump

Durable Notebook

GammaTech Computers has introduced the latest Durabook rugged notebook, the SA14, which is designed to go far from the traditional office desk. Ideal for those who work in the field, or just like to get away from it all the new SA14 can run for up to 11 hours and features assorted wireless connectivity options.

It is powered by either an Intel Core i5-3360M or Core i7-3520M processor, and features integrated USB 3.0 on a single-chip architecture. Wireless options include Bluetooth 4.0 and Wi-Fi Link 6235 series combo, as well as Intel mini-express Wireless LAN 802.1. Optional choices include GPS support and WWAN module.

This is a laptop that can boldly go where your adventures take you.

GammaTech Official Website

Brain Bucket Indeed

Helmets are often called brain buckets, but the SMART is actually a cycling helmet that is pretty darn smart. While still under development via an Indiegogo project, its developers hope to create a cycling helmet with an integrated heart rate sensor.

Instead of wearing a heart rate monitor strap this system would provide real time, accurate monitoring via a sensor located in the helmet. This same type of sensors are currently used by fighter pilots and astronauts, and the developers have placed these in a Lazer Genesis helmet. The information gathered by the SMART sensor can be sent in real time to a mobile phone, sports watch or cycling computer via ANT+ and Bluetooth. Video after the jump

2013 CES: Fitbit Gets Flexible

Fitness tracker Fitbit will introduce a new model this spring and it is designed for those who aren’t exactly rigid about their routines. As with other trackers the Fitbit Flex, which will arrive this spring, is designed for wearing on the wrist, and it is designed to track steps, distance traveled, calories burned, active minutes and quality of sleep. All of this can be synced to a user’s iPhone or Android drive via Bluetooth 4.0. It can even nudge wearer’s out of deep sleep with a gentle vibration.

Fitbit Official Website

Mio Alpha Launches Out Kickstarter

The Mio Alpha Heart Rate Monitor had gotten a jumpstart from Kickstarter and now this innovative heart rate monitor is just about ready for business. It reportedly senses the blood under the wearer’s skin to provide a digital readout of heart rate, and is EKG accurate even during high-intensity workouts. The benefit to this is that no chest band or strap is required, but this unit is also Bluetooth 4.0 compatible and can be used with a variety of smartphone apps, allowing it to track speed, distance, pace and even utilize GPS.

Mio Alpha Official Website