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Sony Ericsson hangs ten, launches Xperia Active Billabong Edition

Andrew Munchbach — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 18:15:00 EST

Sony Ericsson is looking to start a bromance with the McTwist-loving, Double-Cork-landing, A-Frame-riding masses jonesing for a new Android device. The handset maker has announced a "global strategic alliance" with Billabong to launch the Xperia Active Billabong Edition smartphone in select markets. The handset will come preloaded with exclusive content, including Billabong screen savers, and bundle several Billabong-branded games and applications. As the two companies tell it, the Xperia ABE is the "ideal smartphone for extreme sports enthusiasts." Accordingly, Sony Ericsson hardware is about to start making appearances at various "major" Billabong events. Unfortunately, this next bit is really going to harsh your mello: the hardware is identical to that of the Xperia Active announced back in June, complete with a single-core 1GHz processor, Gingerbread, a 3-inch Reality display and a five-megapixel shooter. Even with its no-so-extreme spec sheet, we give SE a gnar-lay for effort.

Continue reading Sony Ericsson hangs ten, launches Xperia Active Billabong Edition

Sony Ericsson hangs ten, launches Xperia Active Billabong Edition originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 04 Feb 2012 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GoBandit WiFi helmet cam hands-on

Brad Molen — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 01:20:00 EST

Extreme sports junkies are no strangers to the vast selection of helmet cams just waiting for them to record their wicked shenanigans, so we were expecting to see nothing drastically new when we stopped by the GoBandit booth at CES 2012. There was one thing, however, that stuck out to us as we played with the company's top-tier model, the GoBandit Live: WiFi. And let's be very careful with words here, because these full HD cams don't find WiFi hotspots -- they are WiFi hotspots. This means that not only can you upload your vids to another device, you can broadcast them live. Here's how it works: download the companion iOS app (the company's working to have Android compatibility soon), activate the cam's WiFi and either load your vids or view them live. The model GoBandit had on hand was still a prototype model, so unfortunately we weren't able to put it to the full test yet, though we at least were able to snap a few pics for the gallery below. Available in March, it comes in two flavors: the Live, which offers GPS and WiFi, and the Race, which doesn't. The pair will go for $419 and $319, respectively.

Gallery: GoBandit hands-on

Joseph Volpe contributed to this post.

GoBandit WiFi helmet cam hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Jan 2012 01:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Optrix VideoPro brings extreme data to your mundane iPhone clips

Terrence O'Brien — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 14:46:00 EST

"Extreme" mounts and cases for capturing video with your iPhone are a dime a dozen, but Optrix is offering something a little extra with its VideoPro app. When it becomes available later this month (for $9.99) the iOS video AR tool will lay all sorts of data over recordings of both your exciting and mundane activities -- including speed, lap time and g-force. (The latter very important for when you launch yourself off the couch and towards the fridge.) Optrix has been teasing us with demo clips since early December, but now it seems it's finally gearing up to unleash the app for real... though an actual date would be much appreciated. We'll be back with some hands-on from CES but, until then, check out the PR after the break.

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Optrix VideoPro brings extreme data to your mundane iPhone clips originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 14:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Drift Innovation unveils compact Drift HD, still up for your extreme antics (video)

Dante Cesa — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 00:21:00 EST

Fan of recording extreme death-defying stunts, yet find your current helmet cam just too darn unwieldy? Drift's creatively named Drift HD might fit the bill, as the firm's managed to cram the 170-degree field of view rotatable lens / LCD combo from the HD170, into a 25 percent smaller package. The nine megapixel 1080p shooter also features a bevy of redesigned mounts, a replaceable lens and support for 32GB microSD cards, allowing it to keep chuggin' where lesser cameras would have otherwise called it quits. Connectivity junkies will also swoon at the inclusion of micro-HDMI and a 2.5mm microphone input. We weren't exactly smitten with the HD170, but this $369 makeover might be enough to change our minds. If you're dying to find out for yourself, the Drift HD will be available August 31st, but do us a favor and keep your eyes on the snow -- we wouldn't want you to end up like this guy.

Continue reading Drift Innovation unveils compact Drift HD, still up for your extreme antics (video)

Drift Innovation unveils compact Drift HD, still up for your extreme antics (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 27 Jul 2011 00:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Contour brings viewfinder app to Android, goes with you where we won't

Dante Cesa — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 02:16:00 EST

What do extreme sports, helmet cams, and little green robots have in common? Not much before today, but Contour's gone and changed all that by releasing an Android version of its iOS app -- you know, the one we first got our grubby paws on back at CES. Just like its Cupertino-blessed counterpart, the El Goog variant allows future X Games wannabees to use their phones as a viewfinder for those who possess a Contour+ or ContourGPS. We assume the ability to peep at the camera's battery life and how much memory remains also helps as you shred some epic, radical mountain, bro. If you've got either cam handy and a slab of Android in your pocket, tap the source link and take your cinematic skills to new, gnarly heights.

Contour brings viewfinder app to Android, goes with you where we won't originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 20 Jul 2011 02:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Contour+ helmet cam goes official, bringing 1080p video with wider viewing angle

Richard Lai — Thu, 12 May 2011 06:36:00 EST

Remember that Contour Plus helmet cam teased by a cheeky cyclist last month? Well, this is it, though it turns out the name's actually written as Contour+. Like the ContourGPS, this new imager captures 1080p video at 30fps, and also packs built-in GPS plus Bluetooth v2.1 -- the latter's for the wireless viewfinder app on iOS and, eventually, Android. The difference between these two cameras? Well, ignoring the colors and the extra 3mm in length, the Contour+ does indeed come with a mini HDMI-out port alongside the microSD slot on the back. Better yet, you'll also find an HDMI cable in the box to get you going. And of course, let's not forget the new super-wide lens (still rotatable) that does 170 degrees for 960p and 720p recording, or 125 degrees for 1080p. Both modes best the camera's predecessor, though the trade-off is the lack of dual-alignment lasers. If this isn't a problem for you, then feel free to shell out $499.99 when it launches on May 18th.

Update: We have PR after the break.

[Thanks, Daniel H.]

Continue reading Contour+ helmet cam goes official, bringing 1080p video with wider viewing angle

Contour+ helmet cam goes official, bringing 1080p video with wider viewing angle originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 12 May 2011 06:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ESPN lays out X Games 16 coverage via online, HD & 3D formats, including in-car 3D cams

Richard Lawler — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 16:41:00 EST

We're just a couple of days away from the beginning of X Games 16 in Los Angeles, and beyond just the high flying acrobatic stunts, it should be also be a broadcasting technological showcase. Just two years removed from making its HD debut, this year's summer X will get 31 hours (up from 20 last year) of dedicated HD coverage on ESPN & ESPN2, 27 hours of simulcast coverage + 10 hours of exclusive video on ESPN3, 28 hours of live video on the ESPN Mobile platform, a YouTube channel plus daily updates on Facebook and Xbox Live. As for that newly launched 3D network? Expect eight hours of live coverage from 14 native 3D cameras (including the "3D Mega Mo" ultra slow motion camera) including men's and women's Super X racing, the Big Air Skateboard competition, and rally car events featuring the first live use of wireless 3D cameras mounted in the car. Even more details are in the press release after the break.

Continue reading ESPN lays out X Games 16 coverage via online, HD & 3D formats, including in-car 3D cams

ESPN lays out X Games 16 coverage via online, HD & 3D formats, including in-car 3D cams originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Jul 2010 16:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rugged, waterproof Predator VX360 wearable camcorder destined for X Games

Darren Murph — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 02:50:00 EST

Had your daily dose of Sal Masekela? No? Shame on you! Though, we have to say, if this here wearable camcorder takes off, you could very well hear that very fellow doing color commentary over some pretty sick footage. The Predator VX360 is a rugged, waterproof wearable video camera that's engineered to withstand abuse from the elements while popping 1080 kickflips on the halfpipe, and unlike many head-worn alternatives, this one has its recording module (complete with a built-in LCD) strapped to an armband. The "eyeball camera" is still meant to cling tightly to your dome, but details are scant when it comes to resolution and the like. It's available now for daredevils in the UK, though the £549.99 ($892) sticker is apt to keep most of 'em at bay.

[Via I4U News]

Filed under: Digital Cameras

Rugged, waterproof Predator VX360 wearable camcorder destined for X Games originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 Sep 2009 02:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ask Engadget: Best headphones for the extreme sports enthusiast?

Darren Murph — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 21:41:00 EST

We know you've got questions, and if you're brave enough to ask the world for answers, here's the outlet to do so. This week's Ask Engadget question is coming to us from Ryan, who's trying to be all humble about his ability to stick a kickflip 1080 while gnawing on a burrito.

"I'm looking for a pair of quality headphones that aren't seemingly made of glass. The issue is I'm an avid BMXer which causes me to frequently bash on any type of technology that joins me for my daily riding. I've been through the higher quality headsets in the Skullcandy line as these are supposed to be built for "abuse," which is disgustingly laughable. I cant wear earbuds or canal buds, as my large ears seem to have a repelling property upon anything that sits in them. Wired or Bluetooth doesn't really matter, but I need something that can hold up to taking a few hits every now and again. I'm trying to keep 'em under $150. Thanks!"

We have all ideas at least a few readers get out of the house every now and then (don't let us down here, okay?) and jump on the bike / board / etc., so hopefully those who abuse their cans in a similar fashion can explain which ones hold up. And... go!

Filed under: Ask Engadget

Ask Engadget: Best headphones for the extreme sports enthusiast? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 Sep 2009 21:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple patent filing shows off activity monitor for skiers, bikers

Laura June — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 14:46:00 EST

Fans of more extreme sports will probably be stoked to hear that Apple just might be developing a device with them in mind. Apple Insider's discovered a recent patent filing that could possibly signal the development of a monitoring device (much like Nike+) which can detect, track, and display a visual and quantitative measure, for instance, of a skier's speed and air time. The device looks like it would contain one or more loft sensors (in one photo it is shown installed in a snowboard) and a microprocessor subsystem to determine loft time. There are of course, no guarantees that a product like this will ever see the light of day, but we sure hope so: runner favoritism must end. One more page of the filing after the break.

Continue reading Apple patent filing shows off activity monitor for skiers, bikers

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

Apple patent filing shows off activity monitor for skiers, bikers originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 11 Jun 2009 14:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ESPN presenting X Games 3D the Movie this summer

Richard Lawler — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 13:27:00 EST

The X Games haven't even been HDTV broadcasts that long, but this summer they'll make the jump to 3D with X Games 3D the Movie. Coming as a part of Disney's Digital 3D push, it will include footage from multiple X Games events including skateboarding with Danny Way, Shaun White snowboarding and Travis Pastrana rally car racing, calling itself the first sports-themed 3D movie. 3D definitely brought something extra to the BCS National Championship Game, so while extreme sports may not be our most logical next step, we'll be checking this one out too.

Filed under: Misc, Sports

ESPN presenting X Games 3D the Movie this summer originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 23 Apr 2009 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Simpel Session '08 streamed live in HD for first time

Darren Murph — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 06:42:00 EST

Unfortunately, the partners involved in streaming Europe's largest BMX and skateboarding event to 118,000 online onlookers in HD waited until after the event to brag about how well everything worked, but hey, at least we've got reason to believe that next year's shindig will be handled similarly. Reportedly, the three-day Simpel Session '08 was streamed live in high-definition over the web on Freecaster.tv for the "first time in the event's seven-year history." Also of note, it seems the team is now getting set to migrate all of its H.264 content to the new Flash 9 player, which should indeed allow it to "reach the widest possible audience with its state of the art action sports content." First we get the X-Games in HD, and now this -- life's pretty good for extreme sports fans, eh?

Filed under: Industry, Internet, Sports

Simpel Session '08 streamed live in HD for first time originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 01 Feb 2008 06:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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RUSH HD delivering HD documentary on downhill skiing

Darren Murph — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 04:07:00 EST

Nah, RUSH HD's forthcoming documentary won't be the first high-definition program dedicated to taking a look at downhill skiing, but what better way to get you all jazzed up about the onset of winter than a fresh look at "the original extreme sport?" Okay, so maybe the Yule Log in HD takes the cake, but we're still slotting this in for second. Scheduled to air this Saturday night at 10:30PM EST (7:30PM PT; 9:30PM C), The Thin Line: Life on the Edge takes a look at what has fueled the sport over the years and includes interviews with some of its most notable figureheads. Additionally, there looks to be quite a few nasty spills crammed into the 90-minute feature, and if you're desperate for a taste a few days early, click on through for a look at the trailer.

[Thanks, Erik M.]

Continue reading RUSH HD delivering HD documentary on downhill skiing

Filed under: Sports

RUSH HD delivering HD documentary on downhill skiing originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 13 Dec 2007 04:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HangTimer stopwatch gives you bragging rights in the traction ward

Evan Blass — Mon, 02 Apr 2007 10:35:00 EST

'Extreme' sports like snowboarding, mountain biking, and full contact shuffleboard are all about taking it to the max, but how do you know whose 'max' is the, um, maximum max unless there are a clearly delineated set of criteria and properly-calibrated tools to measure them with? Enter the HangTimer, a souped-up stopwatch with built in tri-axis accelerometer that calculates how much 'air' you've gotten off a jump, and provides several tracking tools to gauge your own progress and/or pwnage of your friends. Users simply clip the small device to themselves with the built in carabineer (extra security is possible using zip ties), adjust the sensitivity settings based on activity, hopefully say a prayer, and then hurtle down whatever snow or rock covered hill they're poised to lift off from. So far the $100 HangTimer has recorded an impressive 3.02 second snowboard jump during testing, according to company VP Ted Griebling -- a mark that will certainly fall once we take one of these on our next skydiving adventure.

[Via Gizmag]

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

HangTimer stopwatch gives you bragging rights in the traction ward originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 02 Apr 2007 10:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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