Wearable Electronics
URWERK compressed-air powered wristwatch
April 16, 2008 URWERK has released the world’s first watch that uses compressed air to regulate the winding system. The UR-202 features a 3-position selector switch that controls the level of air compression generated by its miniature twin turbines, which in turn control the rate of automatic winding. (read more...)
Head-mounted camera for recording special moments
We firmly believe that recording one’s life is a coming trend and will eventually become pervasive – it’s a big statement but recording digital video is now child’s play and storage is getting cheaper all the time and a 24-7 hi-res recording from your Point-Of-View (POV) sure beats snapshots in a shoebox under the bed. Microsoft is working towards providing wearable camera technology, and a recent concept we saw looks quite viable. If you can’t wait for those advanced concepts, there’s now a reasonably priced, high-resolution head-worn camera. (read more...)
The beat-box backpack
March 26, 2008 In the 80's it was the boombox on the shoulder, could the 21st century be the era of the stereo backpack? Not likely, but this hardshell "Boom Boom Backpack" featured by Yanko Design would be ahead of the pack style-wise if the idea ever caught on. (read more...)
Watch with “Titanic DNA”
March 24, 2008 We’re not exactly sure what’s being celebrated with Geneva-based Romain Jerome’s series of watches with "Titanic-DNA" – they’re all very high-end watch integrating real steel from the Titanic and the Harland and Wolff shipyard where it was built. After all, the Titanic’s sinking was one of the worst peacetime maritime disasters in history with 1500 lost souls. The Titanic was the largest passenger steamship in the world at the time of its launching and was touted as both high tech and unsinkable, so its demise caused a massive adjustment in the public’s previous blind faith in new technology.Geneva-based ROMAIN JEROME caused quite a stir last year with the Basel World release of a watch A year on, with its Titanic DNA watches established, there are new models, ranging from diamond encrusted through pink gold and titanium, to our favourite which is appropriately rusted. (read more...)
Zenith Defy Xtreme wrist watch
March 10, 2008 Luxury Swiss watchmaker Zenith’s Defy Xtreme range features a multi-layered dial of Hesalite glass surrounded by a blackened titanium case that is waterproof at 1000 meters, a titanium bracelet with Kevlar inserts and high-temperature resistance, plus a position sensitive gyroscope cage Tourbillon designed to enhance accuracy. (read more...)
The Icelink Snow 6 Timezone Watch
March 3, 2008 Watches with multiple time zones on display are becoming increasingly relevant as telecommunications is conquering the tyranny of distance, which makes Gemwatchmaker IceLink’s patent on watches displaying six time zones a valuable asset to the company. It began making its 6 Timezone watches some time back, but the latest release is special – instead of six time zones it features four plus power reserve plus a “snow zone” - dozens of floating diamonds are suspended in a special IceFuel liquid, so the precious stones swirl delicately with the movements of the wrist. (read more...)
The first commercial Brain Computer Interface
The Computer-Human Interface has a new heavyweight contender technology - brain computer interface technology pioneer Emotiv Systems will have its EPOC neuroheadset to market before Christmas 2008. The lightweight US$300 EPOC is worn on the head but does not restrict movement in any way as it is wireless. The set detects conscious thoughts, expressions and non-conscious emotions based on electrical signals around the brain. It opens up a plethora of new applications which can be controlled with our thoughts, expressions and emotions, including for example, the prospect of live animation using the unit’s facial recognition sensors to mimic a gameplayer's facial expressions in an animated avatar. (read more...)
Cellwatch M500 wrist-watch phone
February 1, 2008 The wrist watch phone is one of those inventions we thought we would all be wearing by now, but despite the appearance of numerous designs in recent years seeking to make the Dick Tracey style communications device a commercial reality, the idea is still a long way from reaching its potential. The latest example to cross the Gizmag desk, and one of the most impressively designed and specced units we've seen to date is the Cellwatch M500. Billed as the world's smallest mobile watch, the M500 incorporates a 1.5-inch (128x160) color OLED touchscreen, 128 MB Memory, 80 hours standby time, plus web-browsing, Bluetooth, MP3 and video playback capabilities. (read more...)
Get some geek cred with a Wi-Fi Detector Shirt
January 24, 2008 For those who like wearing their geek credentials on their sleeve – or in this case, chest - ThinkGeek.com has just the thing. Their Wi-Fi Detector Shirt displays the current wi-fi signal strength with glowing bars that dynamically change as the surrounding wi-fi signal fluctuates, thereby saving you and anyone around you the trouble of pulling out the laptop just to check the wi-fi status of your current location. The black, 100% cotton t-shirts are capable of showing signal strength for 802.11b and 802.11g standards and run off three AAA batteries that are concealed in a small pocket sewn inside the shirt. The animated decal is also removable for washing. (read more...)
Vuzix immersive video eyewear - the wearable 62-inch screen
January 17, 2008 The iWear VR920 video visor from Vuzix (formerly Icuiti) promises an "as if you were there" virtual world experience, incorporating 3D technology, head tracking, microphone and audio in a wearable display equivalent to a 62-inch screen viewed at a distance of 9 feet. The company has also announced an upcoming gaming version (the AV920-C) will be added to the iWear range that connects to Xbox360, PlayStation 3 and Nintendo Wii and others for single and multiplayer video games, allowing users to select their half or quadrant and view it on their personal big-screen instead of splitting a single TV video screen 2, 3 or 4 ways. (read more...)
Myvu video eyewear gets a style boost
January 9, 2008 Myvu has unveiled its redesigned line of video eyewear at the 2008 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) with two new models designed to inject a dose of fashion into the wearable, hands-free personal cinema experience: myvu crystal and myvu shades. The new generation Myvu shades feature a glance-down design that allows viewers to maintain true situational awareness and the broad and unobstructed field of view enables new applications and uses that were not possible before. Myvu crystal features an increased resolution from Quarter VGA to VGA quality without sacrificing its sleek, ergonomic design, along with a 35% increase in the field of view over existing myvu models, providing true DVD quality. (read more...)
Arriva's iPod Shuffle headphones
January 2, 2008 While Bluetooth headphones are the hot item for those seeking the convenience of a wireless solution for personal audio players, Arriva have developed a cost-effective, low-tech system for iPod Shuffle users that effectively produce the same result. Using a soft spring design, the Arriva's "wireless" iPod Shuffle stereo headphones support the Shuffle and hold it in place at the back of the head forming a self contained unit and eliminating the need to run wires into a backpack or elsewhere on the body. (read more...)
Belkin SportCommand for iPod
December 20, 2007 Belkin's SportCommand for iPod is a fabric, water-resistant, wireless iPod controller that users can strap on to control an iPod while it's stored safely away in a backpack or jacket. (read more...)
Phosphor watch features customizable E Ink display
December 14, 2007 Clocks and watches are one of the many product groups that stand to benefit from the utilization of Electronic Paper Displays (EPD). The latest example from the world of timepieces comes from Art Technology Ltd, which has embraced the benefits of EPD technology in its new range of Phosphor branded luxury watches. These watches utilize E Ink’s high contrast, wide viewing angle EPD technology to display time in analog or digital formats with the look of electronic paper which possesses much better contrast in high brightness situations than any emissive display. It can be read accurately and instantly from any angle, vastly improving on traditional liquid crystal displays (LCDs) and the use of an EPD allows users to customize the dial by selecting from a range of styles - from the precise detail of full numerals and indices to the simplicity of no markings at all. (read more...)
Jawbone Bluetooth headset uses military grade technology for clearer calls
November 16, 2007 Aliph’s Jawbone Bluetooth headset uses military grade technology called Noise Shield, which eliminates background noise and seamlessly adjusts speaker volume throughout the call to facilitate clear, uninterrupted conversations, even in extreme environments. (read more...)
CERULEAN F1+TX Bluetooth headphone and transmitter for iPod
November 3, 2007 iSkin has bundled its TX transmitter and F1 headphones as the CERULEAN F1+TX, a Bluetooth audio package for iPod that enables wireless control and simultaneous connection to a mobile phone. (read more...)
I-Garment fire suit to aid frontline emergency communications
October 29, 2007 Perhaps the most critical tool in the face of disasters such as major fires is the ability to maintain communications – but the very nature of these events means that terrestrial systems are often an early casualty (through either overloading of the system or destruction of infrastructure), in turn exposing emergency personnel to an even greater level of danger. The I-GARMENT project is addressing this issue through the development of a full-bodied “smart suit” that combines protective materials with an array of sensors that monitor position and vital signals and wirelessly transmit the data back to base. (read more...)
Seiko's Kinetic Direct Drive wristwatch
October 29, 2007 Seiko has launched a new range of "Kinetic" watches which automatically generate electrical energy through the wearer’s wrist movement. Now entering their third decade, the latest Kinetic incarnation offers a second winding function called “Direct Drive” which gives the wearer the option of winding the crown to power the device. (read more...)
Suunto Core extreme sports wristop computer
October 24, 2007 Outdoor sports instrument specialist Suunto has added the Suunto Core to its range of wristop computers. Billed as the “the ultimate instrument for any adrenaline-packed outdoor activity” the new ABC (altimeter, barometer, and compass) wristop includes a digital thermometer, altimeter, barometer, digital compass and a weather trend indicator incorporating a storm alarm that kicks-in when a rapid drop in air pressure is detected. Features new to the ABC line include a depth meter, sunrise and sunset timer, four language menu and the ability to automatically switch between altimeter and barometer depending on your level of activity. (read more...)
Washable RFID tags to benefit clothing logistics
October 16, 2007 Fujitsu has developed a new way to tag and track rentals and returns of uniforms using radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology. Tagfront uses UHF-band washable, soft linen RFID tags built into the uniforms to facilitate batch readings and enable more efficient real-time tracking of clothing inventories. (read more...)
Latest myvu video eyewear supports wider range of media players
October 13, 2007 Mobile video eyewear supplier Myvu have unveiled their new universal edition, which supports mobile phones, portable DVD players and media players like Archos, Zen, and Microsoft’s Zune. Naturally the myvu universal also supports Apple’s ubiquitous iPod with out of the box support for any fifth generation video iPod and support for the newly introduced iPod touch, iPod nano and iPod classic coming later this fall thanks to an accessory cable that will be sold separately. (read more...)
Citizen displays Earthquake Early Warning watch
October 12, 2007 Citizen has displayed an innovative earthquake warning concept watch at CEATEC Japan 2007. Jointly developed with Rhythm Watch, the device combines an Earthquake Early Warning (EEW) receiver and an analog watch. The Seismic watch functions as an ordinary watch until it receives the EEW, which causes the hour hand to speed up based on the seismic intensity estimation, while the minute and second hands give the countdown time to the earthquake arrival. (read more...)
Reactor launches new action sports watch models
October 11, 2007 Sports watch maker Reactor has announced a new range of watches aimed at the action sports enthusiast. Starting with the "Graviton", a water-sports watch featuring a pre-programmed database of tide information for 275 worldwide locations, the new watches adhere to six key attributes that Reactor calls the “DNA” of the brand: all cases and bracelets are solid 316L stainless steel; all watches have screw-in crowns with crown guards; the bracelet/case interface has a stainless steel screw bar attached with allen-head screws; Swiss Superluminova on markers and hands; a forged caseback; and secure folding clasps on all metal bracelets. (read more...)
BLINGPlayer portable MP3 player
September 14, 2007 For those not content with the dreary white, black, chrome and pastel color choices of most MP3 players, this new potable music unit come hip-hop jewelery from MediaREADY could be the answer. Created in response to the popular (but apparently dull) iPod, the 2 GB BLINGPlayer is further evidence of the very blurry line that now separates personal electronic devices and fashion accessories. (read more...)
Plantronics convertible mono to stereo Bluetooth headset
September 12, 2007 Plantronics have introduced a Bluetooth convertible mono to stereo headset for MP3 Bluetooth enabled mobile phones. The Voyager 855 headset offers a convertible design for listening to calls in mono as well as listening to music in stereo as headphones via a detachable stereo cable. Drop the second earbud or detach the cable and the headset serves as a high-quality mono Bluetooth device. (read more...)
