Wi-Fi | Evolving Consumer

Pyle it On

Pyle Audio has shown that it knows a thing or two about rugged outdoor audio gear and now the company has introduced its eXpo Hi-Speed HD Action Camera, which it calls the perfect companion for action sports enthusiasts looking to re-live every hairpin turn or monster jump, while sharing their hi-resolution photos and videos with family and friends.

This 20megapixel camera/camcorder features CMOS image sensor technology, while it can record 1080p video, and can shoot at 60, 50, 30 or 25 frames-per-second. It also features a 4X zoom and invertible screen display, are controlled via a 2.0” LCD touch screen, and it can be controlled via Wi-Fi remotely from a smartphone. Continue reading Pyle it On

Olympus Gets Tough Again

Olympus has risen – with a new rugged camera we mean. The new Olympus Stylus Tough TG-3 is ready to go where the adventure takes you. It is freezeproof to -14 degrees F, waterproof to 50 feet, shockproof from seven feet, crushproof to 220 lbs., and dustproof. It features a high-speed f2.0 lens, 16MP backlit CMOS sensor, and TruePic VII image processor, which are joined by 1080p Full HD video recording, a 3-inch LCD monitor, GPS, and built-in Wi-Fi.

Olympus Official Website

Panasonic Gets Wearable

The wearable market is hot and Panasonic is on board with the first 4K/30p Wearable Camera, the HX-A500 (A500). It features Wi-Fi and NFC to allow for quick connectivity to a mobile device.

The main unit of this camera is separate from the lens so it can be mounted at face level to provide hands-free shooting, while the main body offers a 1.50inch LCD monitor for previewing or reviewing recordings. This camera can record up to 30 minutes of video in 4K, and while not the most rugged device on the market it offers an IPX8 waterproof rating, and can survive in up to three meters (about 10 feet) of water. It is also rated IPX5 for dust.

The A500 also offers a 1080p option at 60fps, 720p at 120fps and 480p at 240fps crawl – the latter options allowing for true “slo-mo” recording. Continue reading Panasonic Gets Wearable

Pioneer Powers Up

We know Pioneer Electronics for producing what was one of the best plasma TVs on the market. Sadly those days are in the past but the company is rolling forward with other exciting products including a new bicycle power meter system that includes an updated SGX-CA500 Cycle Computer that displays power data. It features built-in Wi-Fi as well as ANT+ and as it is black and white instead of color has fallen in price from $900 to a down to earth $300. Continue reading Pioneer Powers Up

Camo Cooler

Last year Nikon introduced the AW110 Camo Camera, which we dubbed Cool Camo. Now the company has introduced the follow-up – the Nikon Coolpix AW120 Camo Camera, which features a 16-megapixel sensor, built-in Wi-Fi, GPS and can shoot video at Full HD 1080p.

It is waterproof, shock-proof and freeze-proof and once again features a camo pattern to blend in the surroundings. It might go with some of the latest camouflage products we’ve seen.

Nikon Official Website

Streaming Video

Before there was GoPro there was V.I.O., which had been one of the pioneers in wearable sports cameras. The company is now looking to take the lead with a highly modular camera. The Stream HD comes in a few configurations and it can be plugged into a notebook computer via USB.

It features built-in Wi-Fi with RTSP (Real Time Streaming Protocol) for full HD 1080p video wireless streaming. The Stream HD also features an open API so those who like to build custom applications can find ways to use the camera that V.I.O. likely never considered.

V.I.O. Stream HD Official Website

Recon Rolls out 4th Gen Heads Up Display

Recon Instruments has introduced its fourth generation of heads up display for skiers and snowboarders, the Recon Snow2, which is designed to work with goggles from leading manufacturers including Oakley, Smith, Scottt, Uvex, Alpina, Briko and Zeal. The Snow2 is also available for sale as a stand-alone unit that can replace an older Recon HUD, and it offers improved connectivity options with Wi-Fi (IEEE802.11a/b/g/n). It even features “Made for iPhone” certification.

Recon Snow2 is power for those hitting the powder. It features an efficient dual-core processor, which results in three times the processing power and has a 35 percent increase in battery life from the previous generation of HUD. Snow2 also now offers a dedicated graphics processing unit providing enhanced brightness and contrast, and greatly increased screen readability. Continue reading Recon Rolls out 4th Gen Heads Up Display

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

Interbike 2013: Sony Looks For More Action

Sony has rolled into Vegas for this year’s Intebike with its newly announced Action Cam model – the HDR-AS30V – its ultra-compact point-of-view HD shooting solution. This camera comes with a ruggedized, waterproof housing and is 25 smaller than the previous model and even 35 percent lighter. The Action Cam now adds GPS, and can capture 11.9megapixel still photos as well as Interval Still Recording mode for time-lapse photography.

The Action Cam also offers built-in Wi-Fi so users can instantly share their Action Cam content to a smartphone or tablet for easy upload and also allows control of the camera with any compatible device, including the new Live-View Remote. There is even NFC one-touch connection support so you can get the camera going without needing and get back to the important stuff.

Sony’s HDR-AS30V is available through the Sony Store

Garmin Gets Going

Garmin has revolutionized the world of cycling computers with its GPS-enabled devices, and now the company could be looking to take on GoPro with two new full HD action cameras.

The VIRB and Wi-Fi-enabled/GPS-enabled VIRB Elite both feature a 1.4-inch display for watching those “dailies” while each unit can capture three hours of HD (1080p) footage on a single charge, and each can be used to capture 16megapixel still images as well.

The VIRB Elite adds the Wi-Fi and GPS functionality, allowing users to embed info on altitude, speed and location into their footage or connect wirelessly to an Android or iOS device. Both cameras will be ready to roll this fall.

Garmin VIRB Official Website

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

Android GPS

Today Garmin announced the Monterra, the company’s first Wi-Fi-enabled outdoor handheld GPS unit that combines Garmin’s powerful location and mapping capabilities with the versatility of Google’s Android operating system.

From this device users will have easy access the Google Play Store, and can download apps through an available WiFi connection right onto their outdoor optimized Garmin handheld, offering a new ways to explore the great outdoors, The Garmin Monterra is rugged and features an IPX7 waterproof rating, while also offering a backlight LED display that only needs to be turned on in low light conditions. Continue reading Android GPS