Gadget | Evolving Consumer

UCI Looking at Google Glass

This week VeloNews reported that a technical commission from the world’s cycling governing body, the UCI, has taken a “look” at Google Glass.

“The equipment commission will address concerns over the outdated method of data and video capture in the biggest races,” one source told VeloNews, on condition of anonymity due to a forthcoming official announcement from Google. “Google Glass technology will take the sport to the head of technological development in major professional sports. The possibilities for entertainment, sport science, and, yes, safety, are nearly limitless.”

Google Glass incorporates a small, Internet-enabled computer in a pair of lightweight eyeglasses and provides wearers with the ability to capture and share photographs and video hands free, and even complete a number of other commands.

This move into cycling marks Google’s first major sports sponsorship as part of its Glass launch. It could mean that Google Glass could soon join such technology as race radios in future events like the Tour de France.

[Via VeloNews: UCI commission to recommend Google Glass use on WorldTour]

Smart Run Gets the Red Dot

Last month Adidas announced that its Smart Run won the product design category at the Red Dot Award 2014 and the wearable device stood out from 4,815 entries and received the Red Dot: Best of the Best for highest quality and ground-breaking design.

“Our ambition was to bring all the features and technology that runners value into an elegant, wearable package, with comfort and usability driving our decision making. Simple forms were executed in high quality materials such as magnesium, stainless steel, glass and silicone, to bring the look and feel that is appropriate to this level of innovation,” said Scott Tomlinson, design lead of the SMART RUN. “We consciously ignored the running watch template and looked more into the world of consumer electronics for reference. The touch screen display is the hero of the product and allows a clean look for all day wear, but also brings a rich and intuitive experience that comes to life as the runner requires it. We believe that the key to successful wearable technology goes beyond the features and functions, and is really driven by how well the product integrates into the daily life of the user, how well it simplifies and reduces, rather that what it adds.”

Red Dot Press Release: The winners of the Red Dot Award

Contour is Back

It has been quite the wild ride for Contour – maker of action sports cameras. The company was on a roll, and then suddenly called it quits. Earlier this month the company announced that it had completed a financial overhaul, reorganized and improved its distribution.

It made the move from Seattle to Provo, Utah and the company said its financial outlook is solid with key retailers.

“The aim is clear—we want to create a world class company to support this world class product,” said Danny Lysenko, CEO of CONTOUR. “While recovering CONTOUR’s position in the market, we’ll continue the long tradition of being at the forefront of innovation and bringing to market beautifully simple, yet ultimately professional cameras.”

Contour Official Website
[Via Transworld Business: CONTOUR Returns to POV Camera Market With New Ownership]

Weekend Reading List (04.05.2014): Bike Decline, RIP Hobie, Total 360, Old Timers

Bike Decline

From Bicycle Retailer: The single biggest issue facing the bike industry (A blog by Jay Townley)
As we finish the first quarter of 2014 the U.S. bicycle business is preparing for its April gathering of industry leaders at the Bicycle Leadership Conference and the IBD Summit. We have noticed that the U.S. bicycle business continues to separate the meetings of the specialty bicycle retail, or bike shop channel of trade suppliers from the retailers and the separate agendas for these two important annual gatherings still do not mention or pay attention to the most important single issue facing the U.S. bicycle business today!

The following chart (above) is a graphic presentation of the 18-year history of U.S. bicycle riding participation from 1995 through 2012. The data is from the National Sporting Goods Association (NSGA). The overall trend is a slow decline, from the peak of 56 million in 1995 to flat overall bicycle riding participation at 39 million for the last three years. 2013 bicycle riding participation will be available in early April, but we don’t anticipate any significant change from the history you see here. Continue reading Weekend Reading List (04.05.2014): Bike Decline, RIP Hobie, Total 360, Old Timers

Halo Glow

Whether you are running, cycling or even just out for a walk at night you will want to be seen, especially in areas where there might not be a lot of lights. The Halo Belt 2.0, and update to the original Halo Belt, will offer some illumination so that you can’t be missed.

The new version of this wearable light system is being launched through a Kickstarter campaign, and it has been redesigned to be brighter and rechargeable while the designers have integrated a refined LED fiber optic system and 3M reflective elastic onto the belt. This can also be adjusted to the desired size and length to accommodate most users. Video after the jump

Mobile Exercise System Gets Kickstarted

Last month the TAO WellShell, which was demonstrated at this past CES, recently launched as a Kickstarter campaign. TAO-Wellness is looking to develop the world’s first mobile, isometric exercise system for a fall 2014 release.

“We received a great deal of interest from the tech and fitness community as a result of our launch at CES,” says Philo Northrup, president and co-founder of TAO-Wellness. “But the question we kept getting asked was, ‘When and where can I get a TAO?’ We decided to optimize TAO for manufacturing and turn to Kickstarter to deliver them to our supporters as quickly as possible.”

The Kickstarter campaign will run through April 17. Video after the jump

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

Knock Out Game

The infamous “knock out game” that kids may be playing on the streets is no joke, but the truth is boxing can be a good way to burn some calories and relieve some stress. Virtual KnockOut looks to go from mobile boxing game to a realistic, full impact boxing training. The developer have launched a Kickstarter project to bring the game to market.

“The days of boring workouts are over,” says Pete Gustin, founder and CEO. “With mobile technology, manufacturers can deliver arcade quality experiences at incredibly affordable price.”

By combining mitt trainers with a mobile app users can punch away and make a real game of it! Video after the jump

Wello There!

There are plenty of fitness trackers on the market, but the Wello Health Tracker is much more. It is designed to provide reliable information about your body, and can provide instant feedback while watching your patterns that help users better manage their lives. It can monitor blood pressure, heart rate, blood oxygen levels, temperature and even lung function and ECG without the need for special equipment or wires.

Wello Official Website

Get Insight

There are plenty of fitness monitors on the market, but BSX Athletics is looking to bring out the Insight, which it has billed as the first ever all-in-one wearable sensor that can pair with a sports watch. It includes lactate threshold technology, heart rate monitoring, cadence tracking, and can monitor pace and calories burned.

The Insight can sync at the same time with both ANT+ and Bluetooth 4.0, and thus provides greater flexibility to uses. BSX Athletics has launched a Kickstarter project to bring the Insight to market. Video after the jump

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

Allo Allo!

The Allo promises to be the world’s first bike mount-speaker combination, which can provide riders with a safer way to access a smartphone while riding. The Allo features a built-in speaker that can allows users to listen to music, navigation and even make phone calls without having to take their hands off the handlebars and without the need of headphones.

“I’m passionate about biking and music and saw there was no safe product out there that let me combine the two,” said Benji Miller, inventor of the Allo. “After seeing many cyclists illegally and unsafely use their earbuds or phones while riding, I wanted to create a way for people to use their smartphones while still being safe, which is when I first started designing and creating the Allo. With design experts on the team, they fine-tuned the concept to what it is today.”

Miller launched a Kickstarter project earlier this month to help produce the Allo. Video after the jump

Get Pumped Up

BlueAnt is looking to pump it up with its new wireless multi-sport headphones that promise to deliver unrivaled HD audio in what is billed as an “Aussie design.” The PUMP HD Sportbuds are IP67 waterproof certified and can be immersed in up to 3 feet of water for up to 30 minutes. The Bluetooth earbuds further features a military-grade, rugged design to protect the premium audio components – which include 12.5 mm diameter drivers, Mylar composite diaphragms, Neodymium magnets and overhung voice coils – from rain, dust, debris, sweat and can be rinsed off post-workout without fear of damage.

These were developed in Australia over a three year period in coloration with extreme athletes and performance fitness enthusiasts. The result is the PUMP, which promises deep, thumping sound that is designed to let the beat set the pace.

BlueAnt PUMP Official Website