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Center Stage

Stages Cycling is powering up again, with an update to its mobile app and firmware on its crankarm-based power meter. This will add new features including a high-speed data analysis tool that could be useful for BMX racers and track sprinters who want to look at a very small sample of pedal stroke data. The meter, located on the left crank arm, records force and torque data 64 times per second. The data is sent via Bluetooth to the iOS app, which can then email the data in a .csv file.

The company further added pedal smoothness and torque efficiency data gathering, which can be used with Garmin’s 510 and 810 cycling computer models.

There is also new battery level features to its iOS mobile app, which when the app is connected via the Bluetooth LE wireless system will show the power meter’s battery level; when connected via the ANT+ wireless system. The app will further present a low battery warning when there is about 10 hours of battery life remaining.

The app includes a Fahrenheit/Celsius toggle to use during device calibration and a “Tools Page” that shows the meter’s calibration data and other settings.

Stages Cycling Official Website

Misfit Fits

There are plenty of ways to get fit, and Misfit Wearables will show you how to Shine – that is with its Shine elegant physical activity monitor that you can wear anywhere. This small monitor can track activity (steps, calories, distance) and sleep (light, deep), and it syncs wirelessly and effortlessly with smartphones. It is also powered by a coin cell battery for up to six months, allowing users to forego cables for syncing or charging

The company announced this week the Shine App for Android. Available for devices running Android 4.3 and above with Bluetooth 4.0, the app users to sync their Shine, set their personal activity goals, see visual summaries of how they’re doing each day and week-to-week, among other features.

Misfit Wearables Official Website

There is an App For That – But Beware

The Canadian Avalanche Centre has warned backcountry users not to rely on smartphone apps. These, were are marketed as “transceivers” can give users a “false sense of protection” warned the agency.

The CAC found a number of issues with the technology, including compatibility and frequency range. According to the CAC all avalanche transceivers should conform to the international standard of 457 kHz, so that regardless of brand these can be used to search and find one another.

“Not only are these new apps incapable of connecting with other avalanche transceivers, they are also incompatible between themselves, so one type of app can’t find another,” explained CAC Executive Director Gilles Valade.

The 457 kHz standard was chosen because it transmits very well through dense snow, is not deflected by objects such as trees and rocks, and is accurate. However, according to the CAC the apps don’t come close to this standard, and Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are both significantly weakened when trying to pass through snow.

“We are warning all backcountry users to not use any of these apps in place of an avalanche transceiver,” added Valade.

Canadian Avalanche Centre Official Website

Airwave Hello to Winter

Winter is on the way and for those who love the snow sports the Oakley Airwave 1.5 might be the way to wave hello to another season on the slopes. These snow sport goggles don’t just block the wind and snow, but features a heads-up display with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS integration. It can allow wearers to monitor speed and distance, note temperature and even control the music.

Say hello to winter with an Airwave!

Oakley Airwave 1.5 Official Website

Head Smart

iriver might just be on to something. The company has launched the world’s first smart exercise headset, the iriver ON. This Bluetooth headset can continuously monitor real-time heart rate, physical location and workout data via a sensor in the earbud.

It is powered by PerformTek Precision Biometrics, a state-of-the-art sensor technology that continuously measures real-time biometric data with a high degree of accuracy and consistency. This actually provides more data than other personal monitors, and includes heart rate, distance, speed, VO2 max (aerobic fitness level) and calories burned. Video after the jump

CHIPS it On

There are helmets with built in speakers, but the Outdoor Tech audio CHIPS make bringing some tunes with existing helmets a little easier. This wireless drop-in audio system works universally in all helmets with audio ready liners. Users can listen to music or take a quick call free of cords.

The speakers are compatible with Bluetooth-enabled devices with one-touch pairing, while two button control system allows users to adjust volume, change tracks, play/pause music and answer calls from outside your helmet knit without the need remove the gloves. This one features a rugged, minimal design fits into virtually any helmet designed to take audio drop-ins, and is IPX4 sweat and water resistant. It runs via a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that offers 10 hours of playtime and has a range of up to 30 feet.

Outdoor Tech CHIPS

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

Light Apparel

There have been various attempts to help add some lights to cyclists and runners who might head out at night, and now EroGear is introducing its Fos line of wearable LEDs. These can be programmed to shimmer, offer words and generally make riders a lot more visible.

The system consists of a Velcro-lined fabric patch that contains a super-bright LED grid that can be programmed wirelessly via Bluetooth from a mobile phone or other device.The device reportedly weighs less than a golf ball, but is bright enough that it can be seen even at distance, and can run for several hours on a charge.

The developers are currently looking to Kickstarter to get the light show on the road. Continue reading Light Apparel

Loaded With Buckshot

This Buckshot will blow you away – with big sound from its small package. This rugged, water-resistant speaker is built for cycling and other outdoor adventures. It features an IPX-5 water-resistance rating, and is both shock-resistant and dust-proof.

The Outdoor Tech Buckshot can connect wirelessly to a handset, tablet, laptop or any other Bluetooth-enabled device; and stream clear audio for a range of up to 32 feet for 10 hours. It features a built-in microphone for hands-free phone call functionality as well.

Outdoor Tech Buckshot Official Website

Swing Right With the Swingbyte

Golf has been around for a long time, and while the game has evolved over the years with new equipment the last decade has seen the game on the green really go high-tech. Among the newest advances are apps, and the Swingbyte is one that works with Android and iOS and features a simple device that attaches to any club including driver or putter. It is paired with a mobile device via Bluetooth and automatically records details on swings including club head speed, acceleration and club face angle.

With this users can analyze each swing and see what they were doing right and wrong.

Swingbyte Official Website

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

Speaker Up

There are a lot of rugged speakers on the market and some look ready for a warzone. That’s not a bad thing, but for those who like a more subtle look that doesn’t evoke the front lines the Panasonic SC-NT10 might just be the thing. It looks ready for the backyard, but is still splash proof, dust proof, shock proof and even freeze and heat proof.

The compact design is just right for camping and day trips to the woods. But inside it is wired for sound and much more. It is equipped with NFC (Near Field Communication) that makes Bluetooth pairing a snap, and music can be streamed from a phone or tablet. It features two full range speakers and a passive radiator to present clear audio, while the BoostMode maximizes the midrange so the music can be heard despite background noise.

Panasonic SC-NT10D Official Website

California Riding

Scosche has added some new colors to its line of boomBOTTLE wireless speakers. Why leave the music at home when riding a bike, camping or just on the go when music can be streamed via via Bluetooth from a mobile or other device to this durable non-slip, shock absorbing speaker. Dual 40mm drivers deliver music while the omnidirectional diffuser channels music in all directions creating a 360 degree soundscape. Continue reading California Riding