Wearable Electronics
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
