That annoying expression “talk to the hand” might get new life thanks to Swany’s g.cell ski gloves, which feature built-in Bluetooth technology that transforms the hand warming ski gloves into a mobile phone speaker and microphone. Basically this allows a phone to stay in one’s pocket, while the gloves can be used to make calls, including voice activated commands. The speaker and microphone are embedded in the thumb of the right glove, which also features the controls.
The gloves were shown last month at the SIA Snow Show but won’t be available in the United States until fall. Until then users might have to actually speak to the phone and not to the hand. Video after the jump
Sometimes it takes a cup of coffee to get moving in the morning and sometimes a cup of coffee can be used to warm up. But what about using the coffee beans, not for drinking but for clothing? We’ve seen recycled bottles turned into clothes and we’ve seen bamboo used for bicycle jerseys, but now California sports clothing company Virus is on to something different with its StayWarm line that uses “Coffee Char,” or coffee charcoal to produce fabric.
Over the years we’ve encountered many people who won’t wear helmets for cycling because they think they look cooler with their hair blowing in the wind – at least until a crash. Today many cyclists see a helmet as part of the style of riding. On the slopes, where fashion remains part of the sport, many skiers simply avoid the helmets because they won’t sacrifice style for safety.
Two skis, one snowboard; that’s how those of us who prefer warm-weather sports remember the difference. But now there is confusion with the dual snowboard, which looks sort of like a board cut in half and worn kind of like skis.
There is a downside to the use of composite materials in athletic equipment – while it offers lightweight options and greater performance enhancements, it is hard to recycle it at the end of its useful life. This is true of bicycles as we’ve noted, but it is a problem with skis too, as North Colorado Business Report noted last week.
There are sports even we haven’t heard much about, but one to watch for 2012 could be Snowkiting, which is reportedly poised to take off in Tahoe and the West Coast. The sport is that includes jumps, flips, spins and is powered by the air – much like parasailing or windsurfing.
When snowboarding you need not have the eyes of a tiger or an eagle, you need the eyes of the Dragon, and the Dragon Hero APX goggles will let you see the way. These feature super anti-fog, infinity lens technology, with armored venting and unidirectional air flow. Additionally they are helmet compatible and offer polar tech micro fleece lining for those who fly down the hills like… yes, a dragon!
Looking to get a grip? The ChukGrips might just be the answer. These are multi-positional, ergonomically correct pole handles that can be used for hiking, walking, cross-country skiing and even mountain climbing. These provide a good position of the hand and wrist in relation to the poling stroke, and is ideal as well for those with large or otherwise bulky gloves, making these good for use in snow sports and for trekking through deep snow.