Metrics and data analysis are a big part of any sport. Every athlete is always pushing themselves to be faster, stronger, and better, and now even surfers have a way to keep track of their performance when they hit the surf (other than knowing they survived) with the Search GPS watch from Rip Curl.
When it comes to dedicated GPS navigation devices, this seems to be a sunset industry, considering the navigation capability that smartphones and tablets alike these days sport. Well, I am quite sure that it has ended up as a niche market. Case in point, DeLorme has just unveiled their latest generation of inReach devices, calling it the inReach Explorer, which will target stores some time in early May, where it will builds on DeLorme’s award-winning technology in order to ensure that outdoor adventurers, offshore boaters, hunters, aviators, travelers and workers will be able to remain connected regardless of where they go.
The inReach Explorer is not only able to deliver messaging, tracking and SOS capabilities, it is also capable of letting users view, create or navigate routes and waypoints. There is the presence of an easy-to-follow map view that shows off the various routes, waypoints, tracks and messages geo-located onscreen for backtracking or self-rescue. In addition, a built-in digital compass, barometric altimeter and accelerometer sensors will work in tandem to ensure accuracy while providing heading and bearing information, accurate elevation readings, speed and other useful trip statistics.
Apart from that, DeLorme has also announced the launch of Freedom subscription plans for the entire slew of inReach products, where users will need to pay for the satellite service only when they need it, all on a monthly basis. This ought to make it more attractive, being a Pay As You Use model that will not strain one’s monthly financial burdens.
Michael Heffron, CEO of DeLorme, shared, “inReach Explorer is the first personal satellite communicator to bring together the power of navigation with truly global SOS alerting, GPS tracking and two-way text messaging in one rugged, waterproof device. For people whose recreational activities or work takes them to remote locations without reliable cellular coverage, inReach Explorer is a single, lightweight device that can help them navigate, communicate and seek help in the event of an emergency.” The inReach Explorer will retail for $379 a pop if you’re interested.
Press Release
[ DeLorme announces inReach Explorer copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]
Facebook is a powerful tool when it comes to connecting with people that you’ve met, as well as being arguably the most important social networking site on the planet. This can be both good and bad, and while I’m not sure if I want to share my location at all times on my timeline, I’m sure that it could be useful in some cases.
Facebook’s new Nearby Friends feature is disabled by default. It allows you to get alerts when some of your FB friends are nearby. It could definitely makes things easier when you’re out on the town, in the same general area, but have trouble actually locating your friends, something that actually happened to me today.
While I can also see the possible problems of such a feature, when it comes to stalkers, etc, at least it’s fully optional, and defaults to being switched off. The problem is that a lot of people aren’t going to remember to switch back off when they don’t want it running. They’ll just leave it on once they set it and forget it. At least you can choose who you do and don’t share your location with, so that should help some.
What do you think of this feature? Are you going to enable it on your phone?
[via Facebook]
Facebook has added a new feature to its mobile apps, Nearby Friends, allowing users of the social network to find those on their friendslist when they’re nearby, though Facebook is … Continue reading
Self-driving cars may need to show some self-restraint when it comes to their “better than human” reflexes and abilities, the Nokia HERE team working on autonomous vehicle technologies suggests, if … Continue reading
We did talk about the Lechal smart shoes before, charting its beginnings all the way to its emergence in the first quarter of this year. Just to recap, each pair of the Lechal trainers will rely on Bluetooth connectivity in order to guide your way to your destination. This means the visually impaired will also be able to make good use of it, as the shoes emit a discreet vibration in either foot, letting you know the exact moment where you would change your direction.
Lechal Smart Shoes Update original content from Ubergizmo.
Garmin has announced its latest cycling computer for the bicyclists out there looking for top performance and navigation features. The cycling computer is called the Edge 1000 and it has … Continue reading
While the phones in our pockets have been getting smarter and smarter at an alarming rate, bike computers (despite having the word "computer" right in their name) have been lagging way behind. But as sensors, radios, and chips have shrunk smaller and smaller, we’ve seen more and more intelligence come to the handlebars. The new Edge 1000 from Garmin is trying to pack the most in.
Toyota has decided to blur the lines between virtual and real-life car racing, thanks to a brand new accessory for its 86 (which is also called the GT86 and Scion FR-S in select markets) sports car. With the new Sports Drive Logger, drivers are able to record their lap times as well as relevant data, before opting to upload such information to the Gran Turismo 6 video game, so that one can go head-to-head against friends and professional drivers.
This is one fun device to be sure, as it breaks down your performance into a bunch of different metrics. Specially designed to blend real-life track driving with the virtual, you will be able to perform virtual replays of your track runs as you can see in the video example above.
The Sports Drive Logger telemetry recording device would hook up to the ride’s controller area network (CAN) and GPS in order to perform its data collection duties. Among the data collected include GPS information, vehicle speed, accelerator pedal input, steering angles, brake operation signals, shifting data and engine speed, where all drivers have their own style.
Such data, when applied to the PS3’s Gran Turismo 6 car racing game, would allow one to “replay” the run in the virtual world using their real world driving style. Right now, the GT6 Toyota drive logger functionality supports the Fuji Speedway International Course, the Tsukuba Circuit 2000 Course, and the Suzuka Circuit International Course, with plans to add additional courses down the road. [Press Release]
Toyota Sports Drive Logger Replays Circuit Runs At Home , original content from Ubergizmo, Filed in Gaming, GPS, gran turismo, toyota, 
Garmin has announced a new ruggedized navigation device that is specifically made for the motorcycle riders out there. The nav device is called the Zumo 590LM and it has a … Continue reading
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