Tag: GPS

Android-based GPS Uses Wi-Fi, Not Cell

While Android-based phones and tablets commonly have 3G or 4G service so the device, and all its apps, stay connected even when out of Wi-Fi range. There are numerous Android-based tablets, however, that rely on Wi-Fi to stay connected. Now the All Sports GPS, which will be released in the future through a collaboration between Holux and app developer Satski, will rely on Wi-Fi to keep its apps up-to-date.

All Sports GPS is a ruggedized handheld GPS that will serve multiple sports including hiking, camping, skiing, golf, cycling, and any other sport that ventures beyond the field. In the field, the device will get satellite GPS data. But the handheld also runs the Android OS, so it can be loaded with any number of apps that take advantage of GPS positioning. Those apps will need to be loaded when the All Sports GPS is connected to the internet via Wi-Fi. Any apps that require connection in order to operate will be limited.

To create the All Sports GPS, Taiwan-based GPS manufacturer Holux teamed up with Canadian app developer Satski to bundle a range of apps on the device. It will come pre-loaded with a handful of Satski apps including All Sports Maps so users can download live maps from Google, Nokia OVI, Open Street, Open Cycle and other sources. The maps will then be accessible in the field for “offline” use. Other apps will include a new version of Satski, MyRide, and Pocket Caddy.

The All Sports GPS is not yet available.

All Sports GPS from Satski Official Website

inReach Helps You Reach Out

The inReach with Android handset (not included)

If a tree falls in the woods, but no one is there the question is asked, “does it make a sound?” But what if you’re lost in the forest, all alone, and you cry out for help. No one will hear you, not unless you have DeLorme’s new inReach device.

Essentially this satellite-enabled device is your hiking, backcountry panic button for those times when you need help and have no cellular coverage. The device can send a general SOS message to the GEOS International Emergency Response Coordination Center, and users can also send pre-loaded text messages to additional parties as well. The latter messages don’t have to be warnings, but updates – such as “I’ve reached the summit.”

For those times when you need urgent help the device, which features GPS technology, can regularly transmit its coordinates at regular intervals. The inReach can also be liked up with an Android device via Bluetooth and allow for two-way text communication, sending/receiving of email and even provide access for Facebook and Twitter updates. Video after the jump

eButton Tracks and Reports Your Workout Progress

Many devices track your every move, watch your every step and basically can monitor what you do while you’re on the road to better fitness. But eButton could take it to the next level. Currently it is a project being developed at the University of Pittsburgh, but the concept here is to track what you do and then report to a personal trailer or other fitness coach.

It uses a miniature camera, accelerometer, GPS and a variety of other sensors, so when worn on your person it knows pretty much what you’re doing. The aim is to track one’s lifestyle as much as activity. This does sound like it could be a sort of high-tech stalker, but hey no one says you have to wear it. But for those who need a little extra pressure this one probably could supply it in droves!

[Via Cnet: eButton knows if you’re a workout warrior or a slug]

Heads-Up Add-On For Your Ski Goggles

While we’ve seen various ski goggles that have featured a built-in heads up display, Recon Instruments is providing a new add-on that will allow users to add its MOD Live Package to a range of goggles. The Vancouver-based company is offering “real-time information direct to eye” for skiers and snow boarders. The MOD Live will work with “Recon Ready” goggles from Uvex, Briko, Alpina and Zeal Optics. Continue reading Heads-Up Add-On For Your Ski Goggles

Dave Zabriskie, the New Voice of Navigation

httpv://youtu.be/7AfwI_g-IFc

The headline may be a bit of an overstatement, but Dave Zabriskie recently had a recording session with Garmin Cervelo team sponsor Garmin to lend his voice to the downloadable Team Garmin bundle for Garmin Nuvi devices.

Zabriskie’s voice will be available as part of the downloadable Team Garmin bundle from Garmin Garage later in November. The video lets you hear, and see, some of what’s included in the bundle. “I’ll turn this car around…”

Nuvi devices are for cars, motorcycles and trucks, and not bicycles, but we thought it was worthy when a pro-cyclist gets to provide his voice for GPS driving directions. Besides, who knows the road better than a cyclist?

Garmin Official Website
[via Garmin Blog: Road Trip with Zabriskie: Get Dave’s voice on your Garmin]

Garmin Enters ANT+ Community with Garmin Fit App, Adapter

Garmin excels in the sports and fitness category with devices that track distance, speed, heart rate and other measures of a workout. Now it’s come to market with an ANT+ adapter for the iPhone, and companion app on iPhone and Android devices. We hope the Android adapter will soon follow so we can track our workouts on our device of choice.

The Garmin Fit app lets users track metrics such as speed, pace, distance, time, calories, heart rate and cadence. Some of these metrics require connectivity to devices beyond the phone. Cadence and heart rate, for instance, require a pod on the bike and chest strap, respectively. These are measured with companion Garmin devices, and sent wirelessly via the ANT+ adapter to the iPhone. Continue reading Garmin Enters ANT+ Community with Garmin Fit App, Adapter

Motorola New Music Plus Fitness Trainer For the MotoACTV Life

Last August we heard about the MotoACTV and now it has arrived. This is the new fitness device from Motorola that promises to help users burn calories while listening to some tunes. In truth this concept has been around pretty much since Sony developed the Walkman – listen to music and be active.

But Motorola is taking this a whole new level with the MotoACTV (hence the name), where the device not only plays the tunes but keeps track of the user’s performance in the process. The device relies on AccuSense technology and GPS to track vital stats by gauging time, distance, speed and heart rate; while providing this data, along with calories burned to the user. This data can further be uploaded to the MotoACTV website for post-workout performance analysis. In other words this device is pretty much like most other heart rate monitors and wearable fitness computers. Continue reading Motorola New Music Plus Fitness Trainer For the MotoACTV Life

Map My Hike With New iPad App

Is the iPad really durable enough to go on long hikes? The folks at Backpacker magazine and Trimble Outdoors apparently think so, as they have announced the release of Backpacker Map Maker, a mapping and trip planning app for the Apple iPad. From the touch-screen tablet computer hikers and backpackers can find wild places, plot GPS points and plan their next adventure over seamless topographical maps.

“Our readers absolutely love maps. As avid backcountry explorers and GPS users, they like to view, create and annotate their topos, and with Map Maker, they can now harness the beauty and power of their tablets to experience maps in an extraordinary and dynamic way,” said Jonathan Dorn, editor-in-chief of Backpacker, and vice president, AIM Outdoor Group. “Map Maker is a portable, practical tool for hikers, a great way to relive their adventures, and the perfect complement to GPS Trails, our smartphone navigation app for in-the-field use.” Continue reading Map My Hike With New iPad App

iPhone Shows Can Do App Spirit with ANT+ from Abvio

Earlier this year Abvio previewed its 5.0 version of its trio of iPhone apps, which included a Runmeter, Cyclemeter and Walkmeter. Now the developer has announced the 6.0 version that includes advanced support of the Wahoo Fitness ANT+ system. These three GPS fitness apps deliver the power of an expensive bike computer or GPS watch to a user’s iPhone by tracking workouts with a host of features designed to help you improve performance and fitness.

Post workout, users can utilize the social sharing features, which include support for Twitter, Facebook and dailymile.com. This functionality can provide extra motivation with a fun twist: where your friends, family and coaches can reply to your posts on these social sites, their replies are then spoken using text-to-speech technology during your workout. Continue reading iPhone Shows Can Do App Spirit with ANT+ from Abvio

New Garmin Forerunner Goes for a Swim; Ready for Kona

Sports and GPS go hand-in-hand. That is unless you’re swimming or going off to remote areas where tracking often poses a challenge. Innovations in GPS technology now make it possible to track your workouts, and races, when swimming. Garmin is among the sport watch manufacturers to leverage this new technology.

The company’s new Forerunner 910XT is a multisport watch, an all-in-one GPS-enabled device that provides detailed swim metrics and tracks distance, speed/pace, elevation and heart rate for running and cycling. The 910XT has an on-board barometric altimeter for improved elevation data.

A smooth, low profile allows for athletes to slide tight-fitting wetsuits over the watch. This makes it possible for use with water sports. It also facilitates quick outfit changes necessary for triathletes competing in races where a wetsuit or other protective and warmth gear is necessary.

(Video after the jump)

Continue reading New Garmin Forerunner Goes for a Swim; Ready for Kona

Galaxy on the Go

File this under strange tablet accessory – a holder for the Samsung Galaxy Tab, which allows the tablet computer to be tucked under the top tube. But look again, that isn’t a holder that attaches to the bike, because it is actually the bike itself.

Samsung is rolling out a branded bike that puts the tablet between your legs so you can take it on the go, making it the perfect accessory for the urban hipster. Continue reading Galaxy on the Go

Get GPS to Get Wet and More

Global Positioning Satellites, or more commonly GPS, have really changed our lives. Developed for the military, these evolved in use to provide driving directions. But in recent years these devices found a role in fitness and health, providing a way to track distance of sport watches and other workout equipment.

But even as Timex noted last year, GPS doesn’t work in all conditions, notably in space (not much of a health issue), indoors or worst of all underwater. This is why training watches aren’t quite ready for triathlons. But an assistant professor of engineering at the University of California, Riverside has received a three-year, $447,000 grant to develop techniques to navigate those areas where GPS doesn’t work. Continue reading Get GPS to Get Wet and More

Nikon Gets Rugged

Nikon has been known for making some excellent SLR digital cameras and head turning point-and-shoot cameras. But one area where the company has been lacking has been in the rugged point-and-shoot variety. Well, not anymore. This month will see the release of the AW100, Nikon’s first camera in the go anywhere, do anything category.

The AW100 is reportedly shockproof, waterproof to 33 feet and even freeze-proof, so it will work on the trails, at the beach and in the snow. It features a 15.1MP BSI CMOS sensor and has built-in GPS and internal mapping functions that will work much like a travelogue to view your way. It is available this month for $430 and ready for your next adventure.

 [Via Gizmodo: Nikon’s First Rugged Cam (!), Super Bright Projector Mutant Camera and Pro Point-and-Shoot]