Considering how terrible this year’s flu is, odds are good that you’ve already become a languid pile of festering contagions. And in case you’ve managed to evade the virus thus far, get thee a flu shot ASAP, obviously—but then go work out. It may just double your chances of staying plague-free. More »
Everyone’s ears are shaped differently. In fact, often, a person’s right and left ears aren’t even identical. So it’s hard to find earbuds that fit just right. More »
Athletes wanting to motivate themselves with Fitocracy’s game-like ranking system have had to carry an iPhone to get the full experience, at least if they wanted to go beyond the website. They’ve got their solution now that the Android port has arrived. Like before, it lets smartphone owners log their runs and other workouts to earn points, new levels and achievements shared with friends on the social network. Sign-ups are free for the core Fitocracy service; springing for the $50 yearly subscription (or $5 per month) supplies the option to save unlimited routines, grab others’ routines, start fitness duels and test new features early. If you’ve been looking for that extra nudge from your Nexus to get off the couch, hit the source link.
Continue reading Fitocracy arrives for Android users needing an exercise level-up
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile
Source: Google Play
In Insert Coin, we look at an exciting new tech project that requires funding before it can hit production. If you’d like to pitch a project, please send us a tip with “Insert Coin” as the subject line.
Granted, the Garmin Fenix already does decent GPS from your wrist, but there’s a limit to what it can accomplish on its basic little LCD. Enter Leikr: a Gorilla Glass beast with a 2-inch, 320 x 240 display that can throw out a wide range of endurance stats simultaneously or switch to a color navigation mode using up to 8GB-worth of onboard OpenStreetMap data. It’s designed by former Nokia engineers who claim they’ve used their mobile skills to make the Leikr catch a quicker GPS signal, connect directly to a cloud-based, Endomondo-integrated exercise portal using WiFi and Linux-based software, and at the same time stick to a smartphone-like 10mm thickness.
The project’s Kickstarter page has just gone live, with early bird deals still available — at the time of writing, a minimum $229 buy-in is required to lock down a final production Leikr by the summer. That’s hardly cheap, but it’s not at $400 Fenix proportions either, so take a look at the video after the break and the funding link below (scroll to the bottom of that page for full specs) and then, you know, dwell on it.
Filed under: Wearables, Wireless, Mobile
Source: Leikr (Kickstarter)
The idea that Viagra helps out athletes has been around for years now, but is there a scientific consensus on it? More »
Winter is breathing its nasty breath all over your best intentions. You want to keep up your running routine, but the sidewalks are getting slippery with rain, or worse, ice. With just a few adjustments, we’ll teach you how to laugh in Old Man Winter’s hoary face. More »
Got someone in your life who’s addicted to exercise? Someone who proselytizes the active lifestyle? There are so many fitness-related items out there it’s hard to separate the muscular wheat from the sweaty chaff. But we’ve selected a few of our favorite items you could get your fit friend, if you can catch them. More »
In Insert Coin, we look at an exciting new tech project that requires funding before it can hit production. If you’d like to pitch a project, please send us a tip with “Insert Coin” as the subject line.
A lot of us use our phones to track our runs, bike rides and other outdoor activities. You’ve probably also noticed that GPS is not exactly the most accurate way of measuring your exercise (especially if you live in a city with a lot of tall, tightly-packed buildings). And, if you’re less concerned with distance and time than you are with say… elevation, then your iPhone simply can’t help you. A company called EpicSesh is hoping to turn your humble iOS device into a serious 3D sport tracker by packing a bunch of sensors in a sleeve called the XensrCase. Inside the rugged case is a highly accurate gyroscope, accelerometer, barometer and separate GPS module that samples motion data 400 times a second to create smooth records of your jumps, flips and tricks, as well as your distance and speed. There’s also a companion app that pulls in the most relevant data and formats it appropriately for your sport of choice — be it snowboarding or windsurfing.
To get the product off the ground EpicSesh is looking for $100,000 in funding. To claim a XensrCase for yourself you’ll need to pledge $150, though, that deal is only good for the first 100 devices. After they’re gone you’ll need to pony up $170 for one in blue. For now the case is available for the iPhone 5, 4S and 4 as well as the iPod touch. But we’re hopeful an Android version of the same TruMotion tech is in the works. Head on after the break to see it in action and hit up the source link to pledge your support.
Continue reading Insert Coin: XensrCase turns your iPhone into a state of the art 3D sports tracker
Filed under: Peripherals
Insert Coin: XensrCase turns your iPhone into a state of the art 3D sports tracker originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 16 Nov 2012 13:03:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Activity tracking devices are nothing new, but the current offerings have a sporty look, which is expected but may not suit all tastes. If you’re looking for something a bit less conspicuous, check out the Misfit Shine, a new brand of booze security camera night vision goggles wireless activity tracker with a minimalist design.
Unlike the brightly-colored bracelets of current competing devices like the Nike FuelBand or Jawbone Up, the Misfit Shine is a tiny aircraft-grade aluminum disc with a clasp (though there is a bracelet attachment provided). You can attach it to the waist of your pants and no one will notice that you’re obsessed with your exercise stats. Speaking of which, the Misfit Shine can track steps, bike pedals and swim strokes. The idea is to pair it with an iOS5.0+ or Android 4.0+ then set a daily goal from within your mobile device. You can then check how close you are to achieving your goal by tapping the Misfit Shine, which will display a number of lighted dots to provide you with a rough estimate.
Because it’s made almost entirely from metal, it doesn’t work using conventional wireless tech. Instead, you place the Misfit Shine directly on the screen of your mobile device to pair it. I wonder how the pairing system really works.
Pledge at least $79 (USD) on its Indiegogo fundraiser to reserve a Misfit Shine, along with a sports wristband. When you become a backer maybe you can convince the inventors to come up with a more descriptive name instead.
[via Fashioning Technology]
If you’ve been biding your time for a FitBit One all-day fitness tracker, you can stop counting the days and start counting calories — it’s now in stores for $100. The newly minted replacement for the FitBit Ultra brings a vibrating alarm, along with a spiffier splashproof design, black or burgundy colors, and a brighter clock / motivational message display. You’ll also get Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity with the Fitbit mobile app on laptops and handheld devices that support the wireless option, letting you see all your stats or taunt rivals on Facebook. If you’re raring to go, grab it at the source below or check the PR for more details.
Continue reading Fitbit One tracker now ready to wake you up, count your calories all day for $100
Filed under: Wearables
Fitbit One tracker now ready to wake you up, count your calories all day for $100 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 13 Nov 2012 09:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | 
Fitbit | Email this | Comments
This is site is run by Sascha Endlicher, M.A., during ungodly late night hours. Wanna know more about him? Connect via Social Media by jumping to about.me/sascha.endlicher.
