Engadget

Google Health's New Year's Resolution is to cease to exist, countdown begins to save your data

Zach Honig — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 14:56:00 EST

Back in June, Google announced that it would be 'retiring' Health effective January 1, 2012. Now, everything appears to be on-track for the shutdown, with Google sending out a final reminder to Health customers earlier today. You have until the stroke of midnight to access the service or port your data to a competitor -- after which point you'll no longer be able to view information saved to your account, though it'll remain available to download in .zip format for another year. Want to know more? Hit up the source link for the Google Health FAQ.

Google Health's New Year's Resolution is to cease to exist, countdown begins to save your data originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 31 Dec 2011 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wahoo Fitness' iPhone 4S-compatible Blue HR heart rate monitor ships in January for $80

Darren Murph — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 19:02:00 EST

Remember that Wahoo Fitness Bluetooth 4.0 heart rate monitor we showed you last month? Here she is again. The company's proper unveiling of the device will come at CES 2012, linking up exclusively (at first, anyway) with the iPhone 4S and other Bluetooth Smart Ready devices. By tapping into the Blue HR and harnessing your fitness app of choice (a nice touch, we must say), you'll have access to heart rate data, music playlists, phone, maps, etc., all in one place. It'll start shipping in January for $79.99, and we're told that the product will launch with "full support of several of Wahoo Fitness' app partners, who have been working with Wahoo's Open API to support the Blue HR." A few compatible apps have already filtered into the App Store, including MapMyFitness, RunKeeper, 321Run, Runmeter, and MotionX, and the company's expecting even more in 2012. Full PR is after the break, no galloping required.

Continue reading Wahoo Fitness' iPhone 4S-compatible Blue HR heart rate monitor ships in January for $80

Wahoo Fitness' iPhone 4S-compatible Blue HR heart rate monitor ships in January for $80 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 22 Dec 2011 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Oregon Scientific trots out Gaiam Touch button-free heart rate monitors

Darren Murph — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 15:56:00 EST

They're being hailed as the first button-free, touch screen heart rate monitors, with Oregon Scientific and Gaiam teaming up to produce the wearable SE338M and SE336. According to the companies, these things are a scant two millimeters thinner than any competing product on the market, and they've even captured an International CES Innovations 2012 Design and Engineering Award in the Health & Wellness category. Looking more like a watch than a fitness / health tool, the Touch line supports both wrist and chest-worn options, utilizing ECG technology that requires but a single touch of the finger on the monitor's sensor for an accurate heart rate reading. For those eying the strap model, that one operates in digital and analog modes and tracks fat burned, though the strap-free model will also track calories burned and heart rate data. Predictably, you'll also find a stopwatch, zone alarm, clock and calendar, and those itching to find a stocking stuffer this early can plop down $99.99 to $109.99 right now at the Oregon Scientific Online Store, Target, Sports Authority, Academy Sports, MC Sports and Athleta.

Continue reading Oregon Scientific trots out Gaiam Touch button-free heart rate monitors

Oregon Scientific trots out Gaiam Touch button-free heart rate monitors originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 11 Nov 2011 15:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wahoo Fitness bringing $80 BlueHR heart-rate belt to iPhone 4S users

Darren Murph — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 17:25:00 EST

Remember that nondescript heart-rate monitoring belt we peeked back in June? Now you know the company that's tossing out purchase orders for 'em. Wahoo Fitness has just revealed that it'll soon be shipping its own branded version of the product -- dubbed BlueHR -- and at least for now, it'll work exclusively with the iPhone 4S. Why, you ask? The 4S just so happens to have Bluetooth 4.0, and this here belt happens to utilize that very protocol. In a brief demo vid (embedded after the break), the company demonstrates it beaming out vitals to a nearby iPhone, and we're told that it'll be "compatible with all the top running apps like Runkeeper [as well as with] Wahoo's own free app." We're guessing that the outfit will do everything it can to have this guy out by Christmastime, but for now, you can start pinching pennies in an effort to afford the looming $79.99 sticker.

Continue reading Wahoo Fitness bringing $80 BlueHR heart-rate belt to iPhone 4S users

Wahoo Fitness bringing $80 BlueHR heart-rate belt to iPhone 4S users originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 Nov 2011 17:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Scosche myTrek sends workout vitals to your iPhone, starts shipping now for $130 (video)

Zach Honig — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 21:40:00 EST

With a variety of portable power accessories, most Scosche products are designed to keep gadgets up and running, not to get our own blood flowing. The company's new Bluetooth myTrek pulse monitor pairs with an iPhone or iPod touch to motivate you to keep going and going, however, pumping "inspiring" audio alerts through your headphones during a workout, while also tracking pulse, distance, speed, pace, and calories burned. The arm-strap uses a pair of LEDs, along with a photo sensor and accelerometer to capture vitals as it rests strapped to your forearm, providing five hours of continuous feedback before needing its own boost using the included USB cable. You'll need to have your iOS device within 33 feet of the device to record your workout, so the myTrek may be better suited for trips to the gym than, say, a run through the park in the rain. It's also rather pricey, at $130, but if you're already dropping a grand or two for your gym membership each year, a gadget that lets you elegantly track your progress may be within reach.

Continue reading Scosche myTrek sends workout vitals to your iPhone, starts shipping now for $130 (video)

Scosche myTrek sends workout vitals to your iPhone, starts shipping now for $130 (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 09 Aug 2011 21:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aquapulse heart rate monitor finally ships, misses out on Michael Phelps fervor

Darren Murph — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 00:22:00 EST

It's not often that a product takes two full years to go from announced to shipped, but such is the case with Finis' Aquapulse. For those who weren't exactly paying attention in April of 2009, the aforementioned company busted out a head-mounted device that relies on an Infrared sensor to monitor heart rate via your earlobe. Said rate is then communicated to you in real time through bone conduction technology. Naturally, it's fully capable of heading underwater for swimmers and heavy sweaters, but is understanding just how hard your hardest working muscle is working worth $149.99 to you? Hit the source link once you've made up your mind.

Continue reading Aquapulse heart rate monitor finally ships, misses out on Michael Phelps fervor

Aquapulse heart rate monitor finally ships, misses out on Michael Phelps fervor originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 17 Jul 2011 00:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Google 'retires' Health and PowerMeter, lets you save your vitals through 2012

Zach Honig — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 19:00:00 EST

Remember that Withings blood pressure monitor for iOS that we went hands-on with last week? It integrated with Google Health. The search giant's health management portal also paired with dozens of other services (a heaping handful can be seen in the image above) to aggregate and track all of your data, and share it with family members, friends, and doctors. The service didn't have the widespread impact that Google expected, however, so it's taking Health offline after the clock strikes midnight on January 1, 2012. You'll have another year to download your info, or send it directly to competing services.

Also on the chopping block is PowerMeter, a free energy monitoring tool that pairs with smart power meters and other energy monitoring devices to help users better understand consumption habits and ultimately reduce costs. That project will get the boot from Mountain View on September 16th, but you'll be able to log in to your account to download a CSV file. We imagine Health and PowerMeter are already plotting their trip down south, to get in a few thousand rounds of golf with Video Store at Pebble Beach. Perhaps to be joined by Buzz and Wave, in the not-so-distant future?

Google 'retires' Health and PowerMeter, lets you save your vitals through 2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 24 Jun 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Heart-rate monitoring belt marks Bluetooth 4.0 milestone, stops to rest for Bluetooth 4.0 phones

Christopher Trout — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 19:31:00 EST

Some firsts represent truly monumental achievements. Others, like the world's first production-ready Bluetooth Low Energy heart-rate chest belt, are just a mouthful. This little black belt claims to be the very first of its kind, and promises to "spur the development of a whole new range of... health and fitness apps," by harnessing the power of Bluetooth Low Energy to pump heart rate stats to your mobile phone. Of course, that deluge of new fitness apps will have to wait until a Bluetooth 4.0-compatible phone hits the market. In the meantime, we wouldn't expect the black chest strap to pioneer any new fashion trends.

Heart-rate monitoring belt marks Bluetooth 4.0 milestone, stops to rest for Bluetooth 4.0 phones originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 11 Jun 2011 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Polar RCX5 training computer feels your multi-sport pain

Sharif Sakr — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 15:37:00 EST

The French didn't only invent the guillotine. They also bequeathed us something even more painful (though that's hard to prove): "Les trois sports", aka the Triathlon. A swimming-cycling-running succession of pure hurt, which Polar's latest RCX5 training computer seeks to measure using an array of sensors -- much like its rivals the Garmin Forerunner 610 and Timex Ironman Global Trainer. You can buy the RCX5 now for $350 in a basic pack, which includes the watch plus the WearLink+ Hybrid, an amphibious chest-strapped heart rate monitor. Alternatively, you can pick up a pricier bundle containing an extra sensor of your choice. The Bike bundle ($390) includes Polar's CS W.I.N.D. speed sensor that installs on a fork and spoke. The Run bundle ($420) comes with a s3+ stride sensor that clips to your laces. Finally, the top-of-the-range Multi bundle ($480) replaces both those options with a G5 GPS sensor, which ought to work equally well for both both runners and cyclists thanks to our shiny friends out in orbit. Hit the PR after the break for further details or the extra coverage link for triathlete DC Rainmaker's seriously in-depth review.

Continue reading Polar RCX5 training computer feels your multi-sport pain

Polar RCX5 training computer feels your multi-sport pain originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Jun 2011 15:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iPhonECG case monitors your heart rate to make sure you're appropriately excited about CES

Vlad Savov — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 08:19:00 EST

CES isn't just about incrementally thinner or faster hardware, you know. Some people like to bring legitimately innovative ideas to the show, such as this iPhonECG case, which does what its name suggests: it takes an ECG (electrocardiogram) reading of your heart's activity through a pair of electrodes and then communicates its findings to an iPhone 4 it can be attached to. We say it can be attached to an iPhone as communication is done wirelessly, so you'll probably be able to monitor your ticker's rhythm without the Applephone pressed against your bosom. Then again, maybe you like that. It's a free world, we don't judge. We'll be sending out our most hairy-chested editor to give this thing a proper test at the Las Vegas convention next week. Until then, scope out the video after the break.

Continue reading iPhonECG case monitors your heart rate to make sure you're appropriately excited about CES

iPhonECG case monitors your heart rate to make sure you're appropriately excited about CES originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 31 Dec 2010 08:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Biofeedback anti-stress pen: a great idea that's not so great at reducing stress

Michael Gorman — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 02:40:00 EST

We've all known for quite some time that the pen is mightier than the sword, and now science has given us a pen that is mightier (sort of) than the stress of that TPS report your boss needs right now. A student at Delft University in The Netherlands will receive his PhD this week for research that led him to create just such a pen. Based upon the obvious premise that people play with their writing utensils when anxious, the pen uses motion sensors instead of more conventional means of stress detection. When the pen detects stressful movements, internal electromagnets provide corresponding counter-motion feedback to stop your nervous tics. During experiments, the pen did diminish test subjects' heart rates around five percent, but according to feedback none of them actually "felt" less stressed. The pen isn't yet commercially available, and given its dubious value as an actual stress reliever, we would look to more satisfying methods to aid the relaxation process.

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

Biofeedback anti-stress pen: a great idea that's not so great at reducing stress originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 23 Dec 2010 02:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Heart Spark pendant blinks with your heart, automatically gets you into B.E.D. (video)

Darren Murph — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 00:04:00 EST

Not that we haven't been inundated with circuit-related fashion accessories in the past, but if you've already started thinking about what to get that lovely lad (or lady) in your life come February, look no further. SenseBridge, a research group with loads of passion, has just revealed the Heart Spark ($69, on sale now) -- a wearable pendant with an integrated wireless receiver, a smattering of LEDs and a wow factor that's downright heartwarming. The fortunate wearer must also strap a belt around their chest in order to monitor their heart rate, which is then transmitted wirelessly to the Heart Spark; upon receiving the information, the onboard lights will flash at the same rate as your heart, making it easy for the love of your life to see when your heart is aflutter. Video demonstration is just past the break, and yes, it's about as precious as you'd imagine.

Continue reading Heart Spark pendant blinks with your heart, automatically gets you into B.E.D. (video)

Heart Spark pendant blinks with your heart, automatically gets you into B.E.D. (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 21 Dec 2010 00:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Garmin updates GPS watch line with Forerunner 210 and 410, data-craving runners rejoice

Tim Stevens — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 11:56:00 EST

Runners love to tell you about their post-workout highs, but they rarely mention the mid-workout delirium that comes when muscles deprive your brain of blood, leading to doubts about how long you've been running, what your target heart rate should be, and indeed how to get home again. Garmin's updated Forerunner 410 (above) can help you out with all those things, and the larger touch bezel means oxygen-deprived cardio hounds can easily scroll through data describing things like pace and heart rate, even when it's raining -- or you're sweating excessively. Once back home and showered this $325 watch automatically syncs to a USB dongle via ANT+, uploading data to Garmin Connect, just like its predecessor the 405. Then there's the $300 210, pictured below, a follow-up to this spring's 110 and providing a more simple display of real-time distance and heart rate without a bunch of other confusing data. Both models will be on display at the upcoming Chicago and New York City marathons before pacing themselves into stores this fall.

Update: The 410 can indeed help you find your way back home thanks to a simple navigation mode that will direct you from one waypoint to the next. Great for finding new routes -- or new tactical insertions.

Continue reading Garmin updates GPS watch line with Forerunner 210 and 410, data-craving runners rejoice

Garmin updates GPS watch line with Forerunner 210 and 410, data-craving runners rejoice originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 04 Oct 2010 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Infrared laser shown to quicken heart rate, gives hope for ultra-small pacemakers

Darren Murph — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 10:41:00 EST

Here's an interesting one. Just years after a researcher in Japan realized that lasers could stimulate nerves, a professor of biomedical engineering at Vanderbilt University along with cohorts from Case Western Reserve have found that the same is true with the heart. By using an Infrared laser on an early embryonic heart, tests were able to show that the muscle was "in lockstep with the laser pulse rate." The crew also found no signs of laser damage after a few hours of experimenting, though obviously more extensive research would be required before any medical agency allowed such a device to be beamed underneath a human chest. The hope here is that this discovery could one day lead to ultra-small, implantable pacemakers, or better still, to "pace an adult heart during surgery." There's nary a mention of when this stuff will actually be ready for FDA oversight, but there's a downright creepy video of it all in the source link. Consider yourself warned.

Infrared laser shown to quicken heart rate, gives hope for ultra-small pacemakers originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Aug 2010 10:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple's Seamlessly Embedded Heart Rate Monitor could turn the iPhone into a new-age mood ring

Tim Stevens — Thu, 06 May 2010 07:44:00 EST

Nike is making millions from its Apple-friendly wares, designed to turned technophiles into fitness freaks. Imagine the possibilities if the iPhone could not only track your running stride but also monitor your heart rate while doing it. That's one of a suite of potential uses for this patent app from Apple, a Seamlessly Embedded Heart Rate Monitor. The design is for a series of electrodes that are, well, seamlessly embedded into the shell of a given device in such a way that they are "not visibly or haptically distinguishable on the device." The device could then, with a touch, measure heart-rate, uniquely identify a user, and even "determine the user's mood from the cardiac signals." Just imagine the new flood of EKG-related apps: iPalpitate, Murmur Maker, Cardiac Arrest... the possibilities are endless.

[Thanks, Staska]

Apple's Seamlessly Embedded Heart Rate Monitor could turn the iPhone into a new-age mood ring originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 May 2010 07:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nike seemingly plans 5G iPod nano-compatible heart rate monitor

Darren Murph — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 21:17:00 EST

One of the new iPod nano features that Apple didn't bother to illustrate much yesterday is the integrated pedometer, and if an updated Nike+ iPod user guide is to be believed, that ain't the only fitness-related extra that the 5G nano will be good for. As the image above so clearly shows, a Nike+ compatible heart rate monitor could be on the way, and it'll function exclusively with Cupertino's only camera-toting iPod. AppleInsider was told that the product launch was actually scheduled for yesterday, but it was held up for reasons unknown and may not ship until 3058. Too bad -- we just know that you were waiting for this very device to start your workout regimen. Ah well, what's another dozen months of kicking back and ingesting Ho Hos, right?

Filed under: Handhelds, Peripherals

Nike seemingly plans 5G iPod nano-compatible heart rate monitor originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 Sep 2009 21:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Two-mic system detects fetal heart rate anomalies, prenatal beat sampling

Ross Miller — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 16:59:00 EST

Patel Institute of Engineering and Technology's A.K. Mittra and associates have devised a clever and inexpensive early warning detection system for monitoring the fetal heart rate of that bun months-long in the oven. With two microphones -- one placed on the pregnant soon-to-be mother's abdomen and one inside the bedroom -- hooked up to a nearby computer, the two audio feeds are used to estimate and subtract the ambient room noise for a better read on the baby's vitals just before the woman goes to bed. Converted to a wav file, if anomalies are detected it's immediately compressed to MP3 and sent to the doctor for further testing. An efficient plan, to be sure, and we can only hope the baby is healthy and hyper-intelligent enough to give normal heartbeats and start recording his or her first LP.

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

Two-mic system detects fetal heart rate anomalies, prenatal beat sampling originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 30 Aug 2009 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sensor-laden kokoro adjusts playlist to match the rhythm of your heart

Darren Murph — Thu, 21 May 2009 13:40:00 EST

We've got to say, we're guessing both Survivor and Prince would approve here, as this is easily one of the most impressive uses of a heart rate sensor yet. Anaid Gomez Ortigoza, a bright young lass at NYU, has whipped up what she's calling kokoro, which translates into "the heart of things" in Japanese. Put as simply as possible, this prototype project allows for iPod playlists to be shuffled depending on one's current heart rate; if your heart is pumping some kind of fierce, the device will likely cue up a little M83, and if you're at rest, you just might get to hear a smooth jam from the likes of Copeland. Don't believe us, though -- hop on past the break for a demonstrative video.

[Via talk2myshirt]

Continue reading Sensor-laden kokoro adjusts playlist to match the rhythm of your heart

Filed under: Peripherals, Portable Audio

Sensor-laden kokoro adjusts playlist to match the rhythm of your heart originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 21 May 2009 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Space Invaders used to encourage exercising, snag an A+ in EE316

Darren Murph — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 08:11:00 EST

For those of us who haven't moved our fundament in three days, we can definitely attest to the fact that finding motivation to exercise is amongst life's greatest challenges. Not to fear, as Allen, Matt and Doug have decided to provide all the encourage we nerds need with their final EE316 (Computer Engineering) project. By utilizing an Axis network camera, a Bluetooth heart rate sensor and a few intelligent lines of code, they concocted a Space Invaders exercise program that requires the player to physically move in order to stay alive. Talk about incentive. Check the vid and full description in the read link.

[Via Hack-A-Day]

Filed under: Gaming

Space Invaders used to encourage exercising, snag an A+ in EE316 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Apr 2009 08:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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FINIS AquaPulse monitors, communicates heart rate to swimmers

Darren Murph — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 06:17:00 EST

Now that every kid on planet Earth is attempting to mimic the once-heroic Michael Phelps, it's only fair to equip them with the very best in training tools. FINIS, the same firm that's been cranking out bone conducting underwater MP3 players for years on end, has finally branched out a bit with the introduction of the AquaPulse. By utilizing an Infrared sensor, the device -- which straps onto one's goggles and rests on the temple bone -- can continually monitor heart rate and communicate it audibly to the swimmer via bone conduction in customizable intervals. Unfortunately, FINIS didn't think to integrate music playback into this for moments when it's not dishing out vitals, but you could also rock one of its dedicated music players on the non-dominant ear. Olympians-to-be can catch it this May for $139.99. Full release is after the break.

Gallery: FINIS AquaPulse monitors, communicates heart rate to swimmers

Continue reading FINIS AquaPulse monitors, communicates heart rate to swimmers

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets, Wearables

FINIS AquaPulse monitors, communicates heart rate to swimmers originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 21 Apr 2009 06:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nokia N79 Active to come with heart rate monitor, guilt

Chris Ziegler — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 13:23:00 EST

We knew something was up with these Bluetooth heart rate straps from Polar, and sure enough, Nokia has announced a partnership to get serious fitness monitoring integrated with its products. The first to take advantage will be a special version of the N79, creatively dubbed the N79 Active, which will include 4GB of onboard memory the requisite strap right in the box and sell for about €375 ($494) when it ships "soon" in "select territories." Of course, the new hardware isn't any good without new software, and it just so happens that the N79 Active will include a new version of Nokia's Sports Tracker app for keeping tabs on workouts. We'd heard that other Polar accessories like cadence sensors for biking fanatics were in the works, so this could end up developing into a whole franchise.

[Via All About Symbian]

Filed under: Cellphones, Handhelds

Nokia N79 Active to come with heart rate monitor, guilt originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 Jan 2009 13:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nokia N79 Active to come with heart rate monitor, guilt

Chris Ziegler — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 13:23:00 EST

Filed under: Handsets, Nokia, Symbian, GSM, EDGE, HSDPA, UMTS

Nokia N79 Active to come with heart rate monitor, guilt originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 Jan 2009 13:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Polar's Bluetooth heart rate monitor (for Nokia?) gets FCC approval

Chris Ziegler — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 18:47:00 EST

Huh, wonder what's under that white sticker! Don't suppose it could be a "Polar for Nokia" logo, could it? We're betting it is, which means fitness freaks with Finnish phones banded to their arms should be able to start tracking their grueling 20-mile jogs through San Francisco before too long. We know it's Bluetooth, we know it straps to your chest, and we know the all-too-sparse draft manual identifies the pod as the WearLink+, but that's about all we know. Anyone stoked about this?

Filed under: Nokia, Accessories

Polar's Bluetooth heart rate monitor (for Nokia?) gets FCC approval originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 13 Jan 2009 18:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nokia hooking up with Polar for fitness monitoring?

Chris Ziegler — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 14:23:00 EST

Nokia's been pushing its exercise logging solution, Sports Tracker, for a while now -- but compared to dedicated fitness computers from companies like Suunto, Garmin, and Polar, it's not quite as useful since you can't automatically record your heart rate. For serious health nuts, that's a deal-breaker right there, but rumor has it that Nokia has now teamed up with Polar (another Finnish company, coincidentally) to deliver everything the average runner needs to start sending vital stats straight to their phones. It gets better: besides Bluetooth chest straps, we're hearing there'll be compatible cadence sensors (for bikers) and barometer / altimeters, too. The whole initiative is apparently in the final stages of development, so we wouldn't be surprised to see it officially announced either at CES or MWC. Ugh, this means we no longer have an excuse not to get off our lazy asses and jog, doesn't it?

Filed under: Peripherals, Nokia

Nokia hooking up with Polar for fitness monitoring? originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 21 Dec 2008 14:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fujitsu's in-car safety tech senses drowsiness, reacts to wake you up

Darren Murph — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 10:13:00 EST

Not that we haven't seen similar technology from other outfits before, but we'll take as many in-car safety advancements as we can get. It's bruited that Fujitsu is conjuring up a sophisticated sensor system that can actually detect when a driver gets drowsy or begins to sink into a deep, dark wonder-world of sleep. Put simply, the system would detect specific changes in the motorist's heart rate via the steering wheel, and once it determined that you weren't exactly "with it" any longer, the car could then roll its own windows down, blast the stereo or jolt the wheel in order to get your attention. In our minds, the biggest issue here is to not cause an accident by spooking a sleepy driver out of their slumber, and we presume that's exactly what the company is working on in its R&D labs.

[Image courtesy of MetroHealth]

Filed under: Transportation

Fujitsu's in-car safety tech senses drowsiness, reacts to wake you up originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 07 Nov 2008 10:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ASUS Vito W1 wireless mouse keeps watch on your heart rate

Donald Melanson — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 15:02:00 EST

Watches that monitor your heart rate may be commonplace these days (because, you know, they're actually useful), but a mouse that keep watch on your ticker -- well, that's something you don't see everyday. ASUS seems to think that's a shame, however, and it's set out to rectify things somewhat with its new heart-monitoring Vito W1 wireless mouse. Apart from an apparently really simple heart-monitoring application that comes with it though, this one looks to be about as standard as wireless mice get, with it boasting a 1,200 dpi resolution, a 2.4GHz USB receiver, five programmable buttons and not much else. No word on a price just yet, nor is there any indication of a planned release 'round these parts.

[Via Coolest Gadgets]

Filed under: Peripherals

ASUS Vito W1 wireless mouse keeps watch on your heart rate originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 07 Aug 2008 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Serene scenes on HDTV no substitute for nature

Darren Murph — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 10:20:00 EST

Ruh roh. Seems you can't use the "it's good for my health" excuse to watch just one more hour of Sunrise Earth, as a recent study has shown that watching serene scenes on HDTV just doesn't have the same calming effect as does watching a similar scene in nature. The University of Washington-based study discovered that heart recovery rates in people exposed to minor stress were the same when viewing peaceful imagery on a plasma or starting directly at a blank wall. Yeah, a blank wall. It was also noted that heart rates dropped more quickly when these same folks viewed a calming scene through a window, suggesting that technology may not be ready to replace reality just yet in this particular case. We just have to wonder if they were using true HD signals on the display -- nothing gets our heart racing like a bad episode of Pool Watchers in SD.

[Thanks, Ben]

Filed under: Misc, Plasma

Serene scenes on HDTV no substitute for nature originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 17 Jun 2008 10:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nury Tec's THP2 Training System makes the Wii Fit seem a bit childish

Paul Miller — Wed, 14 May 2008 15:40:00 EST

Sure, there's something to be said for turning a workout into a game, and the Wii Fit has that in spades, but there's also perks to a system that tracks every aspect of your for-realsies workouts at all times. The THP² Personal Training System from Korea's Nury Tec combines a GPS pod, body fat scale and chest strap hear rate receiver to track your well being during and after a workout. All the gadgets transmit wirelessly to a watch controller, which in turn transmits to a PC receiver to download all your stats to an included program. It's like Nike+ on steroids (minus the steroids... don't do drugs kids!), and with a projected price of $180 when this hits the States this year, not a bad alternative on price either.

Gallery: Nury Tec's THP2 Training System makes the Wii Fit seem a bit childish

Filed under: GPS, Wearables

Nury Tec's THP2 Training System makes the Wii Fit seem a bit childish originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 May 2008 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Polar offers up RS800G3 multisport training system

Darren Murph — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 14:11:00 EST

Polar's RS800, which was originally introduced last September, is getting one-upped this fall by the RS800G3 multisport training system. Essentially, this acts as a GPS upgrade to the wristwatch, which "enables athletes to measure speed and distance for a variety of outdoor sports." The entire system now consists of the RS800 wrist unit, Wearlink W.I.N.D. heart rate transmitter, ProTrainer 5 software and the G3 GPS Sensor, and those who already plunked down for the watch last year can purchase the G3 GPS sensor separately. The sensor itself packs a SiRFstarIII chipset, is water resistant and can last around 15-hours on just a single AA battery. Price wise, athletes (or athletes to-be) can pick up the entire RS800G3 bundle for $499.95, while the standalone G3 will run you $139.95.

[Thanks, SK]

Filed under: GPS, Wearables

Polar offers up RS800G3 multisport training system originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 12 Oct 2007 14:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sportline's Solo 960 watch packs heart rate monitor, pedometer

Darren Murph — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 12:23:00 EST

Although there's plenty of options out there when scouting a relatively ugly, GPS-enabled timepiece, Sportline is claiming that its Solo 960 is the "world's only heart rate watch and accelerometer combination." This fairly decent looking wristwatch includes a pedometer (which utilizes the motion-sensing accelerometer), the firm's own "3Beat Sensor and One-Touch technologies for ECG accurate heart-rate measurement," an EL backlight, five alarms, dual time zone display, and oh yeah, it actually tells the current time of day, too. Not too shabby for $99.99, we think.

Filed under: Wearables

Sportline's Solo 960 watch packs heart rate monitor, pedometer originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 12 Sep 2007 12:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Microsoft researchers unveil Fone+, MPTrain mobile applications

Darren Murph — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 19:11:00 EST

Joining the growing list of up and coming software touched by Microsoft is a number of wireless applications showed off at a summit in the firm's hometown. Most interesting was Fone+, which was described as a "product that lets users connect their mobile phones to a TV, a keyboard, and a mouse" in order to convert their set into a web browsing portal. Of course, we North Americans would probably just tether our mobiles to a laptop to enjoy big screen surfing, but this device will be aimed at nations such as a China "where PC penetration is still quite low but mobile phone ownership is high." Next up was MPTrain, which wed a heart rate sensor with a tempo analyzer to allow runners to "use music players in their mobile phones to set their workouts." Granted, it's not like we don't already have similar alternatives, but this method removes the need for a certain DAP to be on your person in order to tune your workout. As expected, no release dates for these ideas were noted, but hopefully they'll end up a bit more convincing than prior attempts.

Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless

Microsoft researchers unveil Fone+, MPTrain mobile applications originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 17 Jul 2007 19:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Microsoft researchers unveil Fone+, MPTrain mobile applications

Darren Murph — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 19:11:00 EST

Filed under: Handsets, Peripherals, Software, Others, Misc

Microsoft researchers unveil Fone+, MPTrain mobile applications originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 17 Jul 2007 19:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video game follows your movements, adapts to your heart rate

Joshua Topolsky — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 17:01:00 EST

Sure, your heart keeps busy, pumping blood, beating all the time, and constantly making sure you don't die, but the researchers at the University of Udine in Italy have a better use in mind: making your video games more challenging. Using a "pulseoxymeter" sensor, users can control games by physical movement, while the difficulty and speed of the game are adjusted to the heart rate of the player. The system is meant to be used for maintaining the appropriate level of exertion during exercise, based on a physical response. Of course, all the exercise in the world won't make that bad looking knock-off of Breakout any more fun. Check the video after the break.

Continue reading Video game follows your movements, adapts to your heart rate

Filed under: Gaming

Video game follows your movements, adapts to your heart rate originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 25 Jun 2007 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Daring DIY'er devises homegrown heart monitoring device

Darren Murph — Tue, 20 Feb 2007 04:11:00 EST

While there's already a plethora of safe, proven methods to monitor your heart rate, there's just no satisfaction in buying an off the shelf BioShirt when you know you possess the skills (and spare time) to craft a system of your own. Interested in making his own mark in biomedical engineering, a crafty individual set out to build his own electrocardiograph for nothing more than fun, but rather than keeping his homegrown work all to himself, he busted out a set of instructions in order for us less inventive souls to replicate the process. Aside from creating an ECG board, reading results with LABView, and having the nerve to actually strap leads to your body and hope that you don't electrocute yourself, there's still a good bit of coding and behind the scenes work necessary to pull this off. So if you never got around to going to medical school, but you know you've got the DIY skills to operate a heart monitoring system in your home office, be sure to hit the read link and read that blurb about "destroying your nervous system" real carefully.

[Via MAKE]

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

Daring DIY'er devises homegrown heart monitoring device originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Feb 2007 04:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mainnav kicks out Bluetooth-enabled MW-705 GPS watch

Darren Murph — Sat, 17 Feb 2007 21:55:00 EST

GPS watches certainly aren't new 'round these parts, but a timepiece that sticks up around 1.1-inches off your arm has to set some sort of unwanted record. Hot on the heels of the company's MG-920 Bluetooth GPS receiver, Mainnav is offering up a GPS wristwatch with built-in Bluetooth and a SiRF Star III LP chip that could probably double as a weapon in a fistfight. Aside from sporting an unnaturally large design, the Taiwanese device can track your current position, operate as a standalone GPS receiver, and also handle heart-rate monitoring, speed and distance tracking, and sense the temperature whilst frolicking in the great outdoors. Unsurprisingly, this beast can handle underwater excursions without a hitch, and the built-in Li-ion cell should keep things humming along for a good bit before needing a recharge. As of now, it doesn't look like Europe nor the US will ever see the behemoth on their shelves, which seems fairly smart considering the fashion sense most of western civilization holds dear.

[Via GPSGazette, thanks Dimitris]

Filed under: GPS, Wearables

Mainnav kicks out Bluetooth-enabled MW-705 GPS watch originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 17 Feb 2007 21:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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