Hasta La Gadget!

For those of us obsessed with chasing the proverbial white ball, accurate stats are tough to come by — unlike the pros who have every drive, chip and putt scoped to the nearest inch. That inspired Golf Game, a system that pairs NFC with current golf tech like GPS and motion sensors to track your every duff. It uses NFC-equipped tags that pop into the end of each club and a hip-mounted “GYG” device to collect the data with a battery life of two rounds (about 8 hours) — and no need to pack a smartphone or tablet onto the course. The golfer then “tags” his club against the hip-worn device prior to taking a lunge, and every shot from a 300-yard drive to a 5-inch putt is duly noted.

After the round, all that info can tell the story of your game via an iOS, Android or web app, displaying stats like driving distance, greens in regulation and putting. You’ll also be able to create competitions among friends through the Game platform, and brag (or cry) about your play via Twitter, Facebook or email. The system’s been backed by top-ranked players Lee Westwood and Graeme McDowell, and is now on Indiegogo where the creators are seeking $125K to get it off the ground. A minimum $149 pledge will get you a Game Golf device by July (estimated), though if you’re willing to pony up $500 for a limited edition autographed by the above pros, you could see it as early as May. Hit the PR or video after the break for more, or tee up one of your own at the source.

Filed under: Wearables

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Source: Game Golf (Indiegogo)

Dedicated GPS navigation devices have been around for quite some time already, although there is the very real and present danger of such a niche market to go out of vogue with the plethora of devices these days (smartphones and tablets, especially) that already come with their fair share of built-in GPS navigation capability, hence doing away with the need for a dedicated GPS device. Still, companies like TomTom and Magellan are still around, and the latter has decided to expand the worldwide availability of their Magellan Switch Series of crossover GPS watches across the pond, specially targeting athletes who run, bike, swim or participate in a wide range of outdoor activities. The Magellan Switch and Switch Up watches will be made available from this month onwards from select retailers and via Magellan’s European distribution network.

In order to offer more support for their European users, Magellan has decided to expand its Magellan Active website (active.magellangps.com) by throwing in more languages such as French, Spanish, German, Italian and Dutch, and of course, the mainstay, English. Magellan Active makes it a snap for multisport athletes who want to record their performance data on Magellan’s Switch Series, as it is easy to upload and track data online using intuitive charts, maps and metrics, all from a single location.

The Magellan Switch Series of crossover GPS watches will include some more innovative features including an ‘Activity Pacer’ which will tell runners should they be on target with their goal, while offering specific targets in order to attain the desired result. There is the Switch GPS watch which was specially designed for runners, and remains as a powerful fitness training device that has been packed with innovative features which will include nine customizable sport profiles, easy-to-read high resolution display, eight hours of battery life, a high sensitivity GPS receiver, 50 meter water resistance, and compatibility with ANT+ sensors.

The Magellan Switch Series will be available as of now from Magellan’s European distribution partners serving UK, France, Germany, Turkey, Spain, Italy, Austria, Switzerland and Benelux.

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[ Magellan GPS watches arrive in Europe copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Beyond its free price, users of Scout for the iPhone have an extra reason to smile today as the navigation app now supports location sharing. More specifically, users will be able to share their current location or future destination via either text message, email or Facebook. By leveraging Telenav’s HTML5 navigation system, recipients can take advantage of the company’s browser-based, turn-by-turn directions by merely clicking the sender’s enclosed link. As another nice touch, Scout also now supports automated notifications, which allows users to provide estimated arrival times via text message to chosen contacts whenever they depart for a specific destination such as home or the office. For a peek at the new features, in addition to a quick introduction of the new Things To Do menu and revised My Dashboard, be sure to check out the video after the break.

Filed under: Software, Mobile

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Source: Scout (App Store)

TomTom has just launched their GPS for motorcycles named TomTom Rider. In a press release from Amsterdam, the company introduced design and features of the GPS device: “With TomTom Rider, bikers can not only choose where to go, but more importantly how they want to get there,” said Corinne Vigreux, Managing Director of TomTom Consumer. “We listened to feedback from motorbike communities to create a device that was customized for the way they want to ride. We found that the overwhelming majority of bikers use their motorcycle for recreational purposes and many actively seek out routes that offer fantastic scenic touring experiences. TomTom Rider gives bikers the ability to find and ride the best scenic routes in the world.” (more…)

By Ubergizmo. Related articles: Moveo Electric Scooter Is Foldable, No Parking Spot Required, Car Pedestrian Collision Sensor Limits Injury Risk,

It isn’t quite street riding season in the NE but come spring, TomTom’s Rider GPS for motorcyclists will help navigate you to your intended destination. More »