Recon Instruments have made a name for themselves in the world of heads-up displays (HUD) snow sports, but this year the company is looking to hit the road with the Recon Jet Pilot Edition. This special line of eyewear is designed for cyclists and triathletes, offering critical information including heart rate, cadence and power output and put it right in view. This can be supplied by third party devices through wireless connectivity via ANT+ and Bluetooth.
It also offers a comprehensive suite of on-board sensors and delivers a full portfolio of precision performance stats and data such as speed, pace, distance, time, vertical ascent and more.
The glasses include a 1 GHz dual core processor, dedicated graphics, Wi-Fi, ANT+, Bluetooth, GPS, HD camera, and a comprehensive suite of sensors making it a standalone computing solution, comparable in capability to a tablet or smartphone. The components of the HUD are distributed evenly across the eyewear, but add just 14grams to each side of the sunglasses. The display can be controlled by a precision optical touch-pad that supports multiple gesture controls and facilitates its use in all weather conditions, even with gloves on. Continue reading Recon Takes Off Like a Jet
Timbuk2 founder Rob Honeycutt has created many companies over the years, and he’s currently working on a Kickstarter effort called the Elroy Project. The idea here is to cut the cord on headphones… literally. Honeycutt has seen that in many cases long earbud cords are ungainly for running and cycling, and his solution is to get rid of about 2/3 of the length and replace it with a Bluetooth unit that can be clipped to a collar or on a cycling helmet.
Last week we reported on a soccer ball that can harness energy from play. The 94Fifty practice basketball from InfoMotion Sports Technologies can’t do that but it can provide a variety of feedback data and help coaches and players determine what part of the game might need some work.
Jaybird has long understood that the needs of athletes when it comes to audio. Just any headset isn’t going to do, but the Bluebuds X are headphones that will go the distance as there are the official training headphones of USA Triathlon!
StickNFind has introduced its new BluTracker, a Bluetooth 4.0 GPS locator that offers a range of 2500 feet. This portable tracking device runs on a rechargeable battery and it is compatible with iOS and Android apps. The device features an integrated and customized RF design and antenna, can broadcast its last known position, and can even alert users when something is moved. In this case it could be good for ensuring that a user’s items aren’t snatched – good to make sure that a bear doesn’t run off with your picnic basket for example. But it could also be used to keep a virtual tether on the young ones while out in the wild while camping. 
There is no reason to go to the drugstore to test one’s blood pressure. At this week’s 2013 International CES Fitbug will officially unveil its first Bluetooth low energy blood pressure monitor that will allow users to send and view pulse measurements on a mobile device. The Fitbug Luv promises to simplify tracking of blood pressure measurements including Systolic pressure (SYS) and Diastolic pressure (DIA). The Luv monitor systems syncs with Bluetooth Smart ready iOS devices, and will be available mid-2013.
While winter means hitting the training bike, spinning is something that can be done year round, and Madd Dogg Athletics have announced the updated Spinning app, v6.35 for iOS and 1.51 for Android. This app, powered by Digifit, provides a complete workout tracking system for those who want to get into the spin.
Recon Instruments has had various data transmitted directly to the lens of its ski goggles for a while now, but beginning soon Oakley is looking to get in the game with its Airwave goggles. These will feature a heads-up display that was developed by Recon Instruments – so we know what to expect – and users can expect integrated GPS< Bluetooth and a variety of onboard sensors.