Hasta La Gadget!

We’re sure that many are wondering what Apple could get up to with its rumored smartwatch, the iWatch as it is tentatively referred to as for now. Last we heard, the rumors have suggested that LG had landed an exclusive deal to provide the displays for the iWatch as well as its battery, but now thanks to a new report from China Times, the publication has suggested that Apple will instead be turning to Taiwan-based touch panel manufacturer, TPK, to deliver flexible displays for the iWatch instead. (more…)

iWatch Rumored To Feature Flexible Display From TPK original content from Ubergizmo.

Plug and Play is co-hosting an event in the wearable computing space with Gizworld and Acommence Advisors on March 6^th, 2014 at Plug and Play Tech Center in Sunnyvale, CA.

Join us for an exclusive first look at emerging Wearable health and fitness startups! Watch rapid-fire pitches from 30 start-ups in the wearable health and fitness space, live demos and network at the Plug and Play wearable health and fitness expo with 50 top VCs, top angels, top corporations (e.g. Samsung, LG, HTC, Sony, Huawei, Intel, Qualcomm, Google, Facebook, Misfit Wearables, Basis, etc.), and thought leaders. More speakers and surprises will be announced.

Since Ubergizmo is a Media Partner, our readers get a 50% discount on the registration fee: write the word Ubergizmo in the comment field on the registration page to get it.
 Of note, right now when buying a ticket you can get a Misfit wearables Shine at a discounted price of $50.

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Plug and Play Wearable Health and Fitness Expo [March 6] original content from Ubergizmo.

One of the features of smartwatches, apart from being able to tell the time and receive notifications, is usually the inclusion of health-related features. What this means that certain smartwatches will be able to track certain parts of your workout, like the distance you have run, the speed at which you have ran, calories burnt, heart rate, and so on. According to the rumors, Apple’s rumored iWatch is said to be packed full of health-related features, which is why a recent report from TechCrunch on how Apple might be interested in acquiring a fitness smartwatch company might not be such a stretch of the imagination.

The company in question is called Basis Science, who has been responsible for the creation of the Basis Health Tracker Watch. According to TechCrunch, the company is apparently actively looking for buyers for its health tracking smartwatch business over the past few weeks, and Apple has been named as one of the companies that might be interested in them. Apple is apparently not alone in expressing their interest as reportedly companies such as Google could be interested as well. With rumors that Google could be looking to launch a smartwatch of their own as well, their interest in the company is also somewhat believable. Apart from Apple and Google, the rumors claim that Samsung and Microsoft could be interested as well. Take these rumors with a grain of salt for now, but we’ll be keeping an eye out for additional details.

Basis Science Reportedly Looking To Sell Themselves To Tech Companies original content from Ubergizmo.

When you think about it, it’s odd that wearable tech makers are so obsessed with wristbands. Most wearable tech products currently focus on fitness, and the most popular cardio exercises–biking, running, swimming–are powered by the lower body.

Husband-and-wife team Jimmy Leu and Beatrice Chu created Flyfit, a fitness monitor that is worn on the ankle, after Chu, an avid cyclist, got annoyed that other fitness trackers weren’t accurately recording her workouts. Several of the bestselling fitness trackers, including the Nike Fuelband, aren’t even recommended for cycling.

Flyfit just launched its Kickstarter page today and wants to raise $90,000 by March 25. The early bird package starts at $89 for the first 200 supporters and includes a tracker and two interchangeable ankle bands. Shipment of mass produced Flyfit bands are scheduled for August, while beta test versions will be sent out in May.

Flyfit is one of the latest entrants to the wearable tech market, but its creators want to differentiate by focusing specifically on measuring different leg movements for cycling, swimming, running, or stair climbing. Plus, it will appeal to people who dislike wristbands, which are meant to be worn all day, but tend to get in the way while typing, irritate your skin, or snag on sleeves.

Chu says that she wanted to create an ankle monitor after realizing that her wristbands did not register movements accurately if she gripped her bike’s handlebars too tightly. For avid cyclists, the Flyfit is meant to be a portable alternative to cadence sensors that are installed on bicycle frames. Leu points out that this is especially handy if you use a bike lending service, like Citi Bike in New York City, or workout at the gym. Like a cadence sensor, the Flyfit lets you track distance, speed, and rotations per minute (RPM).

The app connects to an iOS app with Bluetooth 4.0/LE and lets you see your exercise data in real time, as long as you are willing to keep your eye on your smartphone while working out. Flyfit’s creators are working on an Android app and its development will be speeded up if the project reaches its $150,000 stretch goal. They also plan to open Flyfit’s API, add an online racing game so you can compete with your friends, and perhaps integrate it with other apps like Nike Run Keeper.

The tracker consists of a hardware module that is powered by a rechargeable Li-ion battery and interchangeable bands that are currently available in five colors. It has a simple LED panel that lets you check what activity you are tracking and battery life. The Flyfit claims to have an eight-hour battery life with real-time syncing and can run up to a week in off-sync mode.

The Flyfit may remind some people of the infamous ankle monitor worn by certain celebrities, like Lindsay Lohan, while under house arrest. The Flyfit is small and easy to hide, however, and can be worn over or under socks, so I can definitely see it appealing to people who are intrigued by wearable tech but sick of the ubiquitous wristband.

When you check-in for your flight, the typical process involves walking up to the person behind the desk, giving them your details, having them pull up your records, and then check-in your luggage if you have any. In some cases the process is fast, but in other cases it can take a while as well, which is why Virgin Atlantic has decided to partner up with IT specialist, SITA, to see if there is anything that can be done in terms of improving efficiency and the travel experience of their passengers by introducing wearable technology. (more…)

Virgin Atlantic To Trial Google Glass To Increase Efficiency original content from Ubergizmo.