Pull a gnarly trick on the slopes and you’ll probably regret not having a camera running to record your performance.   That’s where Liquid Image steps in, who has been producing goggles for all types of terrain, even Scuba diving and snorkeling, for sometime now.  At CES 2012 the company added their product line up and introduced Apex HD snow goggles, which boast built-in WiFi and a full HD camera.

Now, to be clear we’ve seen the same camera on their Impact Series cameras.  It’s capable of capturing full HD video at 30 fps, 720p video at 60fps for those who don’t want to miss a frame of action as well as a 12-megapixel shooter.  Now, from what we’ve understood, before this iteration, controlling the built-in camera required skiers to fumble around with a set of buttons directly on the mask.  Hardly ideal when you’re all suited up and ready to go.

As a result, Liquid Image has now outfitted their goggles with built-in WiFi, allowing you to administer settings as well as obtain a live preview of the camera directly on your smartphone.  Alternatively, a fellow skier could follow and change the settings, increasing the frame rate or activating the continuous still shooting mode.  For those without a compatible smartphone there will also be an available remote, though no preview from our understanding.  Last, but not least, the camera’s angle will be adjustable by tightening and loosening a hidden screw in the frame of the mask.  Like previous Liquid Image masks, video and photos are recorded to a microSD card slot and can be uploaded via a USB connection to a computer at a later time.

The APEX HD will be available October, though another version, not designed for the slopes will arrive June.  Expect them to start at about $300.

I know this isn’t really a “gadget” post, or even a “review”, but I made a New Year’s resolution to do more editorials, and more “human interest” pieces – so why not make my first story of the year be something in that vein?  This story started writing itself on Christmas Eve this year, when my sister gave me a gift that just blew my mind.  This gift had such a “cool” and “wow” factor to it, that I instantly had to find out everything I could about the person that made it so I could find out if they did anything else along the same line, and to my pleasant surprise they did.  So what was this amazing gift, and who is this Christopher Nix person?

The gift: a not so simple picture of Pittsburgh Steelers Strong Safety Troy Polamalu, and Christopher Nix is the artist.  This is the story of his works, and a glimpse as to how insane these pictures are.

From a distance, the pictures that Christopher draws look exactly like the persona they’re supposed to; from the other side of the room you literally can’t tell that there’s anything “different” about these pictures.  They all look just like hand sketched renditions of the person or object in question (Christopher doesn’t just do Pittsburgh related things, he also has some other works with a more universal appeal).  It’s when you get close however, that the real magic of what Christopher does becomes apparent.

Each picture is actually a collage of hundreds of other tiny hand drawn sketches, arranged perfectly to create a seamless final image.  From talking to Christopher, I found that he meticulously researches everything he can about the subject of his art, so he can basically draw the person’s life story inside of the picture.  For instance, on Troy’s picture Christopher draws his high school (Douglas High), his zip code, and the fact that Troy has a one million dollar insurance policy on his hair – little facts and tidbits like this are literally littered around the image, and I keep finding more things each time I look at it.

So how did Christopher discover he even had this talent (and if you don’t think it’s a real talent, just go to his website and see, you can zoom in on any of the pictures)?  It’s a touching story of an engineer being short on money for Christmas, and wanting to give something special to a family member.  Christopher drew his first picture for his father, and because of the response it garnered from family and friends he realized that maybe he could be doing this for a living, or at least a supplemental one.  When the company he worked for cut his hours, he was able to spend more time doing this amazing artwork.

Time is definitely something that he needs to be able to make these things though.  Whereas some artists can put out paintings and such in little time, Christopher averages three to four months just researching his subjects, not to mention the 40 to 80 hours he spends actually drawing them.  The result, while time consuming, is absolutely stunning.  I know that this won’t appeal to everyone as the majority of his works are Pittsburgh based (you should see the Penguins logo he has, but it’s not on his site), but there are fans of Pittsburgh sports everywhere (at the one Steelers game I went to this year I met two kids who flew in from California, and a father and son from New Mexico!), and if you happen to know one, then one of Christopher’s prints would be an amazing low cost gift.  Even if not though, things like the four leaf clover, the Canadian maple leaf, the image of a golfer, and the Dale Jr pictures might be more your style.

Christopher also does privately commissioned pieces, of which he sent me two in order to show how they looked.  One was of a baby boy, the other of a young girl (six years old) – and while I won’t post them here because I’m not sure if they’re confidential or not, I will go on record to say that they look impressively like the subjects pictures.  The privately commissioned works are a bit on the pricey side however coming in at $1200, but I would love to have had one as a memento of my son that passed away, they’re just that good.

Right now Christopher is working with a NBA player’s fiancee in order to get a picture of him done, but I hope when that’s finished he’ll move back to doing some more football stars (or hockey for that matter…. where’s Mario?).  For now though, the eleven pictures you can get on his online gallery will suffice (if you can manage to get to one of his physical stores, you can also pick up the Penguins and Steelers logos).  For the $30 price, you get the print put on a very high quality paper (not sure paper is the right word though because it’s thick enough to not bend).  You’ll need to provide your own frames, but you can find some really good ones out there for cheap prices that compliment the pictures tremendously.

You can reach Christopher through his online gallery, or through his Twitter and Facebook pages.

Roller skates died along time ago and Roller Blades, while still around and far more practical, are on life support. However, when both of these hit the proverbial scene they were massive. Kids and adults packed into roller skate rinks for birthday parties and Roller Blades, then a brand, was the next big wave since skateboarding. Fast forward to present day, and the chances of catching someone in a pair of skates of either type are just as likely as seeing good old Loch Ness. Okay, we’re exaggerating, but you catch our drift right? So needless to say the industry is ready for something new, right? How about the spnKiK.

Confusing naming conventions aside, these might be the next big thing since the Roller Blades. Scratch that. They might be the next big thing since the Segway, and at a price point of $649, they’re at the very least a gazzilion times cheaper. They don’t seem to boast the same centrifuge like tech found in the Segway, but they could serve up a dose of short distance practical transportation for any of you that live in an urban setting and can’t bear the idea of walking to work.

Each skate straps to your every day shoe and through the use of a hand mounted wireless remote control, you can administer their speed. All the hardware and electronics (battery, motor, etc) are integrated directly into the frame made of fiber reinforced nylon. The remote controls both feet at the same time and for those who have a steep learning curve they’ll include a set of removable training wheels. Max speed tops out at 10mph, which for those not in the know, is a very fast paced jog, if not run. Each battery should last up to 2-3 miles, though your distance will vary with speed and the grade of the terrain.

This spnKiK are a Kickstarter project, so they’re looking to you to throw down $375 if you want your own pair, which mind you is an Early Bird Special and a significant discount over the anticipated retail cost.

There are knives, and there is the Tool Logic’s SL1 utility knife.

The frame is made from Zytel, which is a light weight yet ultra strong thermoplastic polymer.  In short order it can take a licking.  But that’s hardly the shining feature of this multipurpose tool.

There is also an LED flashlight that stays in place thanks to a magnetic bass.  Remove it and it can easily be stuck to the under hood of a car or any place you need to shine some light, provided of course there is a metal object to stick it too.  If need be, it can also help you pick up nuts and bolts or other fiddly metal objects that your banana hands are just too large to pick up.  The 50/50 “razor sharp” serrated blade measures 3-inches long and is forged from stainless steel, meaning it should never rust and probably won’t dull very easily. To boot the whole getup is waterproof, even the LED flashlight and includes an emergency whistle.

Surprising you can grab this bad ass knife from Amazon for just $24.

Word is that skiing fresh powder is unlike any other skiing experience.  However, a major drawback (understatement) is the vastly increased possibility of getting caught in the wake of an avalanche.  Once a skier is trapped beneath a few feet of snow there is no escaping.  The best thing they can do is wait it out and hope that the beacon system they’re carrying, if they are carrying one, leads the rescue team to their location before they run out of oxygen.

Well that just ain’t good enough for Xavier de Le Rue, a free rider who found himself caught and trapped in avalanche four years ago.  After starring face in the death he pushed North Face to develop an airbag system that in concept increases the riders overall mass and hopefully prevents them from getting trapped beneath mounds of snow.

The Avalanche Air Bag Safety system will be available in a backpack and a vest.  Skiers will need to attach a nitrogen tank before setting out and in the event they do get caught in a down pour of snow, they can pull a rip cord located in the shoulder strap that instantly inflates the air bag system.  In addition to this new ABS system, North Face is also introducing two new fabrics: Thermoball and Flashdry.  Thermoball uses small balls of synthetic fiber to create a light weight warmth which can also repel water.  FlashDry on the other hands uses micro-porous particles to wick away water and moisture.

Unfortunately, we won’t see the Avalanche system until sometime late next year, where it will appear in speciality shops.  The price of the vest is unknown, but word is that the backpack will cost a painful $900 and an additional $150 for a nitrogen tank and “starter lever.”  How much is your life worth?

Why carry one when you can carry two, right?  That surely the question the person who invented the HydraDuo, a water bottle with two chambers that allows you to carry up to two different liquids without them mixing, must have asked themselves.

A dual-lid design lets you access either liquid independently of one and other.  Sad to say there doesn’t seem to be a “mixed” opening, which would be perfect for those on the go boozers.  It can hold up to 16oz of liquid; 8oz per chamber.

The bottle is made from BPA plastic, is completely transparent so you can see how much Jack Daniels you’ve got left in the tank and is dish washer safe.  There is also a “hang hole” for attaching it to a draw string or perhaps even a small carabiner.

Quirky currently sells it for $17.50.  However, only 765 of the 980 people have committed to the product, which means you won’t see it until that latter number is fulfilled.  It also means you won’t be charged a dime until that happens, so you really have nothing to lose if you’re game on a dual-chambered water bottle. Us? We’d rather invest our money in the glass bamboo water bottle.

GoPro has unleashed an updated version of their HD Hero camera, the HD Hero 2.  In now boast a better lens, an easier to use interface, more ports and compatibility with a new line of GoPro WiFi oriented products.

First and foremost, GoPro has improved the glass, otherwise known as the lens of the camera.  It’s now sharper as well as faster, capable of capturing 10 photos in 1 second, compared to the previous HD Hero, which was limited to 3 photos in 1 second.   The field of view has also been expanded to 170 degrees and if need be can be narrowed to 127 or 90 degrees.  Much like the first HD Hero, the HD Hero can record full HD video, but bests it by achieving a variable frame rate that ranges from 30-120fps, though resolution will be sacrificed as it increases.

GoPro has also updated the LCD screen by adding a more intuitive menu (language based vs code interfaced) system, though it still isn’t touchscreen capable.  However, it should simplify and streamline the process of modifying the camera’s features, making it easier to setup up the HD Hero 2 and ensuring that the right shot is captured with the right settings.

The housing, which remains the same in terms of shape, has been updated with a mini-HDMI port, a 3.5mm headphone jack and LED lights on all sides to indicate when the HD Hero 2 is recording.  Lastly, the HD Hero 2 is compatible with GoPro’s line of WiFi products, which allow remote video preview, playback, camera control with a smartphone and WiFi remote compatibility.

The GoPro Hero 2 will go on sale this week and start at $299.99.

In the world today, we’re surrounded by things that don’t fall into the “traditional” school of thought for what is high-tech – they have no computer parts, no wires, and in fact many of these items don’t have any electrical components at all. Despite this, these items are nonetheless high-tech in their own ways from design to function. It’s in this segment that I’ll be doing my best to review all sorts of items in this “High-Tech Low-Tech” category every Thursday. Today’s offering is the Elie Sound 120XE Angler Kayak from Pelican Sports, and boy is it impressive.

The Sound 120XE is a “sit in” kayak (as opposed to a sit on model), which I really appreciated – you see I’m a complete novice at kayaking, and I felt a lot more secure to actually be inside of it.  Being inside the kayak puts you lower in the water as well, which makes it more stable – another serious boon for someone new to the scene.  I’ve heard that angling kayaks are designed to be more stable just because of how they’re designed, and the Sound 120XE really shows that off – when I was completely comfortable with how it was handling, I actually tried to tip myself to no avail.  I managed to tilt to about a 40 degree angle, but the kayak always righted itself with no problems.

Getting the Sound 120XE into the water was easy too as it only weighs 50 lbs (23 kg), and it has two carrying handles.  You’ll need to have another person with you if you plan on using the handles though (or have a 12 foot span with your arms outstretched lol) as there is one places at each end.  When you’re by yourself though, it’s extremely easy just to pick it up by the cockpit to carry it down.  I’ve seen a lot of people have issues with getting in their kayaks once it’s in the water, but I had no such problems with the Sound 120XE – it remained stable throughout the whole process.

Once I got the Sound 120XE away from the dock (I tested it in a lake), and tested how stable it was, I really wanted to see just how fast it could go.  Unfortunately I didn’t have any kind of equipment to measure exactly how fast I was moving, but the thing definitely cut straight through the water.  There was another family on the lake the day I tested in some smaller kayaks, and I asked the husband who was about my build to race.  The Sound 120XE easily outdistanced him every time we went at it – the design and form of it were just too sleek and hydrodymanic for the other kayak to compete with.

As I said before, the Sound 120XE is primarily an angler’s kayak, and though I didn’t actually fish when I had it out, I can definitely appreciate the features it has.  For starters, it comes with a nice locking holder for your rod.  The holder slips in to a hole on the kayak (the hole has a rubber bung to cover it when not in use), and allows you to set the angle that your rod rests at so your hands are free.  Another nice feature for the fisherman is the watertight storage compartment – in there you can put whatever you want, and it’ll still be dry when you head back in.  Perfect for a lunch on long treks, or a change of clothes if you’re going out in the rain.

The Sound 120XE has an extremely comfortable cockpit with knee pads, adjustable foot pegs, and the “Ergoflex seating system”.  The Ergoflex is definitely the center of attention in the cockpit, and once you sit in it and paddle, it’s easy to see why.  The backrest actually flexes with how you move when paddling, giving support no matter how you move.  You won’t have any hot spots in your rear or thighs either, because of the EVA padded seat.  The coup de grace of the cockpit though?  The cup holder that a luxury vehicle HAS to have.  Yes, even though it has a perfectly good bottle holder in the center of the seat, Pelican chose to go above and beyond with luxury stylings, and add an actual cup holder.  Next to the cup holder is another small watertight compartment for something like a cell phone or camera, which comes in handy when you’re going on a long voyage.

Along with the Sound 120XE, I was sent a Symbiosa Carbon Fiber paddle to test out which performed above my expectations for a paddle.  It splits in two when you need to break it down for storage, and can adjust its length extremely easily in order to accommodate people of varying arm lengths.  The Symbiosa is also light as all hell (as should be expected with carbon fiber), and pushes a lot more water than I thought it would.

Now if you really want that “high-tech” edge from this baby, how’s this on for size – the Elie Sound 120XE Angler (and in truth, all Elie kayaks) are made using a process called twin-sheet thermoforming.  They are the only polyethylene kayak manufacturer that uses this technique, and while I don’t know exactly how it all works (I’m not a science major), the result is a kayak hull that it is stiffer than other polyethylene boats.  That’s what makes it handle so well in the water.

Editor’s Rating:

5 out of 5 stars

Perfect

The Bottom Line: The Sound 120XE is the perfect kayak for novices and experts alike, with enough in the way of comfort to make sure you’re not sore after a long day on the water – all for less than a comparably equipped competitor.

Pros:

• Extremely lightweight makes it really easy for one person to transport to and from the water
• Even though I tried, I wasn’t able to capsize the kayak, which means that it shouldn’t happen during normal use
• They threw in pretty much every feature you could possibly want in a kayak

Cons:

• I know there’s an accessory you can purchase for one handed carrying, but a small handle by the cockpit would have been nice
• It might have been that my center of balance was off, but I was tracking slightly to port over long straightaways
• I had to really tighten the screw on the paddle as it kept wanting to slip apart – not sure what happened there

You can pick up a Elie Sound 120XE Angler Kayak from your local dealer, or online from the Appomattox River Company for $749.99

You can get the Symbiosa Carbon Paddle from Reed’s Sporting Goods (or also at your local dealer) for $149.99

I know the following video looks funny, but I was using a DRIFT cam, and had the lens rotated the wrong way – it at least shows how well the kayak tracks.

Finally, I know all of the images online show the Sound 120XE Angler as only in a grey color, and mine came yellow – I’m not sure what happened there or how I got the color.  I know the standard Sound 120XE comes in yellow, but I assure you that mine IS the angler model – hopefully the yellow color will be available for everyone next year. **Update** The nice yellow color is for the 2012 model.

Burning calories is just a question of dragging your lazy ass off the couch.  But tracking them, and understanding how many you need to burn in order to get in shape is a different saga all together.

The Fitbit, which we reviewed a few months ago, tracks your steps, how well you slept, calories burned and packs it into a game like website for you to compete with other Fitbit members, or perhaps even friends.  The slim and light weight device syncs wirelessly to your computer and the website is packed with fun colors and graphs to help you stay up to date on your progress.  The whole service is free, but for more in depth analysis, you’ll have to throw down $49.99 a year.  However, the device did have a few shortcomings, which have now been addressed in the form of a new iteration, the FitBit Ultra.

The FitBit Ultra adds a clock and stopwatch to its display, as well as a new color option and a personal greeting feature, which will all but give you a hug in the morning.  But the biggie is the stair tracker.  In other words it’s got an altimeter, so you can track how many steps you’ve traversed throughout your day or perhaps even your workout, provided you’re that daring.  It’s a pretty handy feature, and now looking back in retrospect we’re kind of surprised they didn’t include this on the first device.

Yes, we’ll have a review soon, so hang tight.  If not, you can buy on for $99.95 starting today.

If Batman owned a jet ski motorcycle we’re pretty confident this is what it would look like.  Say hello to the EXO, an electric water toy that will blast you across the water’s surface at up to 27 knots.

This EXO’s body comes in two flavors: ABS plastic and carbon fiber.  Clearly the latter is the winner in the cool category, but if you’re business is hocking kayaks and other assorted water sports toys you’ll probably opt for the plastic version since it’s more economical and will still draw the same awe inspired looks thanks to the radical design.

Its engine is entirely electric so there is no noise pollution, little maintenance and it won’t spew oil back into the Earth’s precious eco system.   Power ranges from 3.5 to 7Kwh, which means that the lower end version can achieve up to 17 knots, while the more expensive propulsion system tops out at the already mentioned 27 knots. Up to 6 batteries can be squeezed under its carbon fiber hood providing 2.5 hours of fun in the sun, though that number can be seriously diminished with aggressive acceleration and speeds.

To ride the EXO, you lay belly down while your feet drag behind you in the water.  Sort of a caveat in our mind, because it requires good weather, otherwise you’ll freeze from the constant flow of cold water.  We can only hope that the above video doesn’t do the craft justice in terms of speed, since it looks no more speedy than a weakly powered surfboard.

Pricing starts at around $10,000, so you’ll need not only a silver lined bank account, but a penchant for savings the Earth one overpriced toy at a time.

Football season has officially commenced! It’s time for fantasy football, Saturday college games and hanging with the boys (or die-hard football chicks who know what’s up). But best of all, it’s time for some tailgating! Whether you more of a college football fan or a die-hard NFL devotee, it doesn’t get any better than going to a game and getting your pre-game party on. To help make your tailgate celebrations even better, we’ve compiled a few things that every party should have!

7. 12 –Volt Oven

The ability to cook using your car’s cigarette lighter socket is a genius idea, which makes oven the perfect tailgate companion. It’s a great accessory for when the BBQ is packed and you need to heat up something or even for after the game when you want to grub on some left over food.

6. All-In-One Beach Party Chair

As a chair that has it all, you’ll never want to loan this baby out to anyone! Not only can you sit on it, but it also functions as a cooler and has wheels so you can carry your seat and your beer wherever you party.

5. Portable Gas Powered Blender

When beer gets old, mix up your favorite drink with the portable gas powered blender. Whip this baby out, fire her up, and control the mixing with the twist grip throttle to make one hell of a margarita!

4. Brennwagen Grills

Anything on wheels is better, which is what makes this grill your go-to BBQ for all your tailgating needs. But not only is it portable, but Brennwagen Grills are also very study and features high-end luxuries like isolated drawers for meat and drinks, stainless steel construction, integrated thermometers, drum brakes, and height-adjustable grill units.

3. Tundra Midnight Rider Tailgater

Tailgating is fun, but packing all the necessities to do so isn’t, which is what makes the Tundra Midnight Rider Tailgater so awesome! It’s packed with everything you need to get the party going like a 42-inch flat screen, Kicker sound system, an electronically operated tonneau cover and a pull-out Grill N Chill which features a cooking space with countertops, infrared barbeque, beverage tap and ice chest.

2. Dish Network Tailgater Portable Satellite

While you’re tailgating, you’ll gonna want to keep up on the other games, which is why Dish Network came out with their Tailgater Portable Satellite. Thanks to them, you’ll never have to miss a live broadcast of a game since this thing travels with you.

1. Cruzin’ Cooler

Not only does it store all your beer, but you can also ride this Cruzin’ Cooler! It’s light-weight, comes in various sizes and colors and is available in electric models, with up to a 10 mile range on electric models and 30 miles on the gas models.

How’d you like to get shot 120 feet into the air and land in the drink?  Vooray, a clothing company sponsored this event that included an apparatus that they dubbed the “human sling shot slip and slide.”  Skeptical? Watch the video below and you’ll surely agree.

To accomplish this feat of wonderment, they lined one side of the pond/lake with a slippery material comparable to a slip and slide.  At the end of the run was a ramp designed specifically to accomodate an inner tube, which is “shot” into the air by an ATV towing a line on the opposite side of the pond.  There is a great shot of the winch system drawing smoke, which is surely a testament to the amount of torque that went into slinging its riders.

According to the film’s producer, Devin Supertramp, he wasn’t paid for the production work or the filming.  Noble, since 3 people passed out after hitting the water.  For the record, the diameter of the pond is just 150 feet.  Some riders flew up to 120 feet in distance, so perhaps they passed out from the fear of almost hitting the ground, not the impact of the water’s surface.

The footage was shot with a Canon 5D Mark II and a Canon T3i.  The lenses included a Canon 16-35mm F/2.8 L series lens, Canon 70-200 F/2.8 L series lens and Canon 10-22mm EF-S.

It’s been an interesting week in the tech world! To sum up everything for you, we’ve compiled some of the coolest tech videos and products for the week so that you don’t have to scour the Internet looking for them. Enjoy!

4. CAT-LIFT

Cats have a mind of their own, which makes this Cat-Lift contraption even more hilarious. Fully operated by the cat, the tiny elevator allows for easy outside access and is fitted with a special “infrared catflap.”

3. GRAPPLING HOOK LAUNCHER

Homemade stuff is the best! This grappling hook launcher video shows a very Batman-like gadget that you can make at home.

2. BILLABONG V1 FLOATATION WETSUIT

Billabong has created a wetsuit that’s equipped with a floatation device so that surfers (or anybody, really) won’t drown when they become fatigued out in the water. Patent is still pending though, but it’s a cool concept!

1. BIONIC HAND

Chole Homes lost her fingers as a toddler when she suffered from septicaemia after contracting chickenpox. But now at 15, she traded in her prosthetic hand for some bionic fingers, making for one hi-tech hand!

4. Sony NEX-7 DSRL CAMERA

Sony has officially taken their compact cameras to the next level with its NEX-7 DSRL model. While it features things that other compact cameras have (HD video and pictures, 24.3 megapixels, etc.), the camera now has interchangeable lens that allows you to take pictures like a pro without having to carry around bulky equipment.

3. HEX CODE WALLET FOR IPHONE 4

Someone has finally created a stylish wallet that also functions as an iPhone case! Not only does it secure your phone in place, but it also holds a select number of credit cards so that you don’t have to overload your pocket.

2. OLYMPUS PEN E-PM1 CAMERA

Olympus has finally released info on a release date for it’s latest camera. It’s actually the smallest and lightest of the PEN series, but can still do loads of cool stuff like capture HD video and photos and works with Olympus’ interchangeable lens system.

1. CINESKATES

A tripod with wheels? Yup, that’s exactly what CineSkates is. Although it looks a bit strange and robot-like, it was designed to be used by everyday people to achieve professional dolly-like shots.

Some say that drowning is the most painless way to go out.  Others say it’s the worst.  We’re gonna have to agree with the latter and that’s probably why we’d sport Billabong’s V1 wetsuit from here on out, provided of course we actually surfed.  Hell, we might actually consider wearing this in the pool next time just to see how fast we can eject through the water’s surface.  What the hell are we talking about?

In 2010 Big Wave surfer Shane Dorian almost met a watery demise.  He wiped out on a massive wave and was pulled under twice over, long enough to almost drown.  As a result Shane picked up the phone and called Hub, Billabongs westsuit designer asking if he could invent a wetsuit with a built-in life jacket.  With skepticism he agreed, but despite his apprehension within 6 months Billabong had a prototype that contained an air bladder that could be deployed at the pull of a rip cord.  Incorporated into the suit is a one time use carbon-dioxide cartridge that inflates the floatation device.  According to Shane it’s powerful enough to save even the most fatigued surfers, though keep in mind you have to be conscious to activate the floatation device.

While the V1 hasn’t been mass produced (at least as far as we know), and the patent is pending, Shane has since tested the device in a real world surfing scenario where he took a wipeout and depended on the suit’s built-in lifevest to carry him to the ocean’s surface.  However, given the suits obvious life savings benefits, we’d expect these to be on sale sometime in the very near future.  Unfortunately, no word on a price or actual launch date.

Anyone can wander into the woods and capture HD video of their surroundings.  But to achieve that Discovery Channel like look you’ll need not only a keen eye for detail, but equipment that allows you to zoom in on some of nature’s most allusive of creatures.  While we probably wouldn’t waste our time watching birds flutter around, there is inevitably a market for this kind of stuff and Sony seems to think so too.

Yesterday, the company unveiled the DEV-3 and DEV-5, two binoculars that capture full HD video (and photos) in both 2D and 3D.  The higher end DEV-5 boast a 20x optical zoom, while the DEV-3 is limited to just 10x.  Switch into 3D video mode and that zoom is chopped in half for each respective model.  But that seems to be a worthwhile sacrafice since you can finally use your 3D compatible LCD TV for all its worth.

Both units boast the ability to automatically focus on their subject, and use finally tuned tech to discern between your subject and a tree branch.  Much like their digital cameras and camcorders, they’ve packed in their image stabilization, “Exmor R” CMOS sensors with BIONZ image processing, and a macro mode that can focus within a half an inch, though that figure is deminshed to 32-inches when recording in 3D mode.    And no bird watching would be complete without a GPS tracking system to log your location, though that feature is only available in the DEV-5 model.

Both models ship this November with a 3 hours rechargeable battery (2D mode only), a USB plug, lens cover, finder cap, large eye cups, a carrying case and neck strap.  Cost to you is $1,400 and $2,000 respectively.

Press release below if you’d like to indulge a bit further.

SONY INTRODUCES WORLD’S FIRST DIGITAL BINOCULARS WITH HD VIDEO RECORDING, ZOOM, AUTOFOCUS AND STEADYSHOT IMAGE STABILIZATION
Share the Thrill of Discovery, Easy-to-Find, Never Lose the Subject; New Models Enable 2D and 3D Image Capture/Playback with Stunning Resolution, High-performance Features

SAN DIEGO, Aug. 19, 2011 – Life’s “can’t miss” moments are now easier to observe and capture with the world’s first digital binoculars to record in AVCHD™ 2.0 format, from Sony. The new models, DEV-3 and DEV-5, are ideal for nature/bird watching, they can record Full HD video with stereo sound at the touch of a button, and even add a 3D mode that records scenes as thrilling stereoscopic video footage for playback on most 3D HDTVs.
“Now consumers can watch birds, wildlife, sports action and more in steady, sharply-focused close-up views, while capturing their subjects in crisp Full HD,” said Andy Bubala, director of the camcorder business at Sony Electronics. “These new models add entirely new levels of flexibility and convenience to viewing, recording and enjoying your favorite images and scenes.”
Users can select the variable zoom on both models to scan a wide area at low magnification before zooming in seamlessly to pinpoint a subject, such as birds in a field. Turning on the digital zoom at magnification settings over 10x boosts the DEV-5 model’s total magnification range from 0.9x up to 20x digital (image quality is reduced when digital zoom is on and recording 2D video at magnifications higher than 10x), rivalling many high-powered conventional binoculars. The DEV-3 model pulls wildlife, sporting subjects and architectural details closer with a maximum magnification of 10x optical. In 3D mode, the binoculars’ maximum magnification is 5.4x optical.
Unlike traditional binoculars, electronic autofocus keeps moving subjects sharply in focus at all times. A comfortably positioned dial allows fingertip adjustment of manual focus – ideal for focusing selectively on a subject, rather than overhanging branches or other obstructions in the field of view.
Electronic autofocus allows both binoculars to focus cleanly on subjects less than half an inch away when recording in 2D (minimum of 32 inches when recording in 3D).
Separate images for left and right eyes are captured by a matched pair of precision G Lens optics by Sony with “Exmor R” CMOS sensors and powerful BIONZ® processors. Independent electronic viewfinders provide clear, detailed images for left and right eyes, offering a stereoscopic viewing experience that’s comfortable, natural and highly immersive.
The DEV-3 and DEV-5 digital binoculars feature Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilization (Active mode), the optical stabilization system that’s found on Sony Handycam® camcorders and Cyber-shot® cameras. Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilization helps keep images clear and stable, even when viewing at high magnifications. The binoculars can be connected via HDMI® to a Sony BRAVIA® HDTV or any HD television with HDMI input for viewing images (cable sold separately). 3D videos can be enjoyed on virtually any 3D-compatible TV, including Sony BRAVIA® models. There’s also a USB connection for transferring video clips to a PC for storing, editing and sharing.
The binoculars feature a “stealth” design that eliminates distracting buttons or external details that could reveal a user’s position to wildlife.
Both binoculars feature an ergonomic grip area that’s coated with an elastomer material for sure handling and stable operation. Top-mounted controls allow easy operation with gloved fingers, while dual buttons are provided to start recording instantly with either hand.
The DEV-5 model includes an on-board GPS receiver that automatically geo-tags video clips and photos. Tagged images can be viewed after shooting in online maps (requires compatible software).
Both binocular models come with a high-capacity rechargeable battery pack (NP-FV70) that allows up to approximately three hours of 2D recording on a single charge. Remaining battery time (minutes) is displayed in the electronic viewfinder.
The DEV-3 and DEV-5 models also include a battery charger/adaptor, A/V connecting cable and USB cable for PC connection. In addition, the DEV-5 binoculars are supplied with lens cover, finder cap, large eye cups, a carrying case and neck strap.
The new DEV-3 and DEV-5 digital recordable binoculars from Sony will be available in November 2011 for about $1400 and $2000, respectively, at http://store.sony.com, Sony retail stores and other authorized retailers nationwide. For images and information, please visit www.sony.com/news.

Garmin’s no stranger to the cycling world, which can be attested to by the release of the Edge 500 and 800.  However, both of those options are pricey, costing $250 and 450 respectively.  So the budget minded cyclist, the one that simply can’t justify spending a few thousand on a bike, probably has already negated the aforementioned units since they’re probably the equivalent price of a new frame or all together new bicycle.

So we’re not too surprised to see Garmin introduce a budget minded version, the Edge 200.  When it goes on sale in the next few weeks it will cost just $149.99.  Course, you won’t get a color touchscreen or ANT+ tech that connects it to a heart rate monitor or cadence sensor.  But we feel as though that’s a worthy sacrifice seeing as it still boasts the same ruggedness as the higher end version, enabling riders to expose it to even some of the most harshest of elements, including rain and probably some colder weather.  The high-sensitivity GPS receiver with HotFix satellite prediction should translate into very little wait time to find your location and the ability to track distance, calories burned and distance completed.

Much like most, if not all of Garmin’s products, riders will be able to share their data on Garmin Connects website (they’ve got a massive 70 million users), allowing them to face off against a virtual partner, track their workouts and find new routes no matter where they are in the world.  They just need to plug it into a computer and upload their data.

There are a myriad of options when it comes to monitoring your workouts.  Garmin is often regarded as the 500lb gorilla in the space.  But now there is a new contender on the scene.  Who you ask?  Scosche.

They’ve long produced Apple accessories, so it was no surprise to see their version of a workout monitor arrive in the form of an iPhone accessory.  From a hardware standpoint it involves a Bluetooth enabled armband.  It allows you to control your iPhone’s music wirelessly, incorporates a 5 hours rechargeable battery and dual LED/optical sensors to measure your heart rate.  Generally speaking, comparable product offerings call for a bulky chest strap, so it’s refreshing to see a device that incorporates both audio controls and heart monitoring in one.  How effective the optical/LED tech is over the standard heart monitor is anyone’s guess at this point, but we love the idea of not having to wriggle into a chest strap before heading out for a run.  On the other hand, carrying one’s iPhone during a run is unappealing considering its bulk and weight.

The accompanying iPhone app can track your heart rate, calories burned, distance traveled and the total time of your workout.  Much like Garmin’s offering, it allows you to review your workouts over a set period of time, though they seem to be lacking the online community component like the aforementioned company.  No matter.  Garmin doesn’t offer the iPhone connectivity, at least not as far as we recall.

Design wise the hardware leaves something to be desired.  In fact, it looks rather old school. But hopefully its bulky aesthetic translates into durability, and by that we mean tumbles, spills and rain.

What do you think?  Will you be getting this, a Nike Run or stick with the good old, reliable Garmin?

You can by the Scosche myTrek today for $129.99.

A water bottle is paramount when hiking the long and windy trails of any mountainous range.  Fold in a doggy in tow and you’ll need to lug along a separate apparatus – dogs can’t chug like us humans – to make sure you pooch stays well hydrated.  That is until now.

The K9 H20 water bottle is BPA free and comes in sizes ranging from 9.5oz to 25oz.  There are also a variety of colors to choose from, ranging from black, to purple, to yellow, to green and more.  But the mainstay of this product is the patented lid, which is specifically designed for a  dog’s natural drinking style; tongue lapping.  The bottle is designed to fit cup holders, bicycle water bottle mounts and other apparatuses.

The K9 H20 water bottle can be bought directly from the manufactuer for $17.95 – $19.95.

Just when we thought the home water slide, otherwise known as a “slip and slide” in the late 80s, couldn’t get any better, well, it just did.  The Banzai Aqua Blast Dual Racing Slide lets you and a friend race to the finish, which features a finishing flag.  The first to grab it wins.  Included are two inflatable body boards to increase the speed and hopefully the experience.  It features dual water-spraying tunnels and splash pool with water-filled rim.  Summer fun costs just $24.99.

FishEyes Rod & Reel with Underwater Video Camera lets you see what’s happening underneath the water’s surface as you fish.  While it probably won’t make catching the fish all that much easier, you’ll be able to see if there is any prey within the vicinity to justify your continued exploration, what kind of fish there are and if your bait is still intact.

A small, waterproof camera, complete with LED light transmits the video back to the reel’s color LCD screen via a 25 foot cord.  Checkout the gimmicky video below for a live viewing of it in action.  You can purchase the FishEyes Rod & Reel with Underwater Video Camera for $80.

Read