GPS | Evolving Consumer

Kickstarted: Atom Generator

An atomic generator is typically massive, but the Siva Cycle’s Atom isn’t. It actually is small enough to attach to bike’s rear hub where it can juice up mobile phones, cameras and GPS units via its USB port.

The Atom weighs just 300 grams, and is truly compact at just 7.5 inches tall, 3 inches wide, and 1.2 inches deep, including all component parts. Integrated into the body is a 1300mAh battery pack that the generator charges. The generator puts out 5V at up to 500mA, and has a charge rate that is the same as the USB output from most computers. From the battery it an return an iPhone from flat to a 75 percent charge

This project was born out of a Kickstarter project and now Siva Cycle is looking to start filling orders in November.

Siva Cycle Official Website

See Spot, See Spot Gen3

Globastar Inc. is on the spot with its new SPOT Gen3 Satellite GPS Messenger device. This latest update offers a new form factor, extended battery life, new power options, and new upgraded tracking options with unlimited and extreme tracking- which allows users to choose the rate at which the tracking messages are sent.

It can send out a GPS waypoint every 2.5 minutes in the Extreme Tracking, while users can check with friends and family with a pre-programmed message. There is even the SOS option that can send out a GPS location to GEOS for search and rescue teams.

The Gen3 is very much on the SPOT.

SPOT Gen3 Official Website

Universal Mount Up

Tate Labs have followed up on their Bar Fly series of handlebar mounts for cycling computers with the new Universal Mount that can be used with a smartphone, GPS device, light or GoPro style rugged camera. The mount doesn’t actually include specific mounting hardware but instead offers a space on which to clamp the necessary accessory. It is a simple concept that could be truly universal.

[Via BikeRadar: Tate Labs Bar Fly Universal Mount – first look]

Taking the Edge for TT

Time trial and triathlon bikes are set up quite differently from road bikes, and this can make mounting a cycling computer a bit of an issue. Fortunately where there is a problem someone sets up with a solution. In this case it is K-Edge, which just announced the release of the TT Mount, which can accommodate Garmin’s ¼ turn interface and places the popular GPS cycling computer between the bar extensions, so riders can glance down and see the information and yet focus on the ride.

K-Edge Official Website

Rand McNally Maps the Way

While the Rand McNally name likely evokes atlases and books, the company knows a thing or two about GPS as well. The Rand McNally Foris 850 is designed not to be read at a desk, but out on a trail or while on a bike. Out of the box it features more than five million miles of roads and trails preloaded onto the device.

These include trails in National and State parks and forests, rails-to-trails routes, and of course US street and contour maps. The rugged and waterproof Foris 850 features a three-inch anti-glare touchscreen, compass and altimeter. It runs on two AA batteries and it can go where the road or trail takes you. Video after the jump

TomTom Off and Running

Back in April TomTom announced its line of GPS sports watches and, and now these is ready for the wrist. The TomTom Runner and TomTom Multi-Sport offer extra-large displays, full-screen graphical training tools and one-button control for ease of use.

These both offer up to 10-hours of battery life and are waterproof to 50 meters. These also feature a scratch- and impact-resistant glass display that can handle some rugged workouts. The multi-sport model also adds an altimeter, swim motion sensor and bike mount along with bike cadence sensor. The TomTom Runner is $169.99 and the TomTom Multi-Sport is $199.99 and both are available now. Videos after the jump

Recon Takes Off Like a Jet

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

Mophie Takes the iPhone Further

When you aren’t near an AC outlet and don’t have time for solar charging you might worry that your smartphone can’t go the distance. The Mophie Juice Pack Pro Outdoor Edition will ensure that the iPhone 4/4S can remain powered up while on the go. This case helps extend the battery life while protecting the handset. It offers rain and splash, as well as sand and dust protection, and features an impact resistant design that exceeds military specifications (MIL-STD 810G). More importantly it offers a large battery along with a belt clip so you’ll have the device handy and ready to use. Video after the jump

The Touring Edge

Garmin has shown the way for many serious riders, but now the company is looking to help the touring riders find their way as well. Garmin is bringing out a full featured navigation model for bicycle touring.

The Garmin Edge Touring won’t offer such things as power data but instead will provide complete mapping tailored to those who want to get out and explore the world on their bike. This will include turn-by-turn directions, while the unit will come with preloaded routes and is compatible with Garmin Connect and Garmin Adventure.

[Via BikeRumor: GARMIN EDGE TOURING GPS BICYCLE COMPUTER SPOTTED]

Pentax Rugged GPS Ready to Go

A camera can often help save memories of those trips you made, and the Pentax WG-3 is a rugged camera that will be available in both non-GPS and GPS version. If features a f/2.0 aperture wide-angle lens with 4x optical zoom, a back-illuminated 16MP CMOS sensor, and Pentax’s sensor-shift Shake Reduction, which should help provide great photos with little noise. This camera is waterproof and can withstand 220 foot pounds of force, so it is ready for the adventure.

Pentax WG-3 Official Website

Rino Radio

Getting off the grid and away from it all is good in theory, but perhaps a little communication isn’t such a bad idea. This is where the Garmin RINO 655t GPS/2-way radio comes in quite well. It can put TOPO maps, FRS/GMRS radio, altimeter, compass and weather radio right in the palm of your hand.

The NOAA weather can alert you to incoming storms, while the waterproof design is up to IPX7 standards so it can endure a storm or two. There is even a built-in 5-megapixel autofocus camera with automatic geotagging functionality.

There are times to leave the iPhone and other handsets at home, but this is one radio you shouldn’t go into the wilds without.

Garmin RINO Official Website

Soul to Soleus

The “soul” of a cycling computer these days could just be the GPS functionality that connects with a higher plane. The Soleus Draft , which is the sport watch maker’s first foray into cycling, can track current/average/max speed, calories burned and distance. It isn’t compatible with heart rate monitors so we could say this one is lacking “heart” but with its ability to provide the data via GPS in a $99 device who needs heart?

Soleus 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