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Posts with tag Exercise

Purported iPhone Nike+ screenshots found to be fake

by Darren Murph, posted Aug 21st 2008 at 7:57AM

And to think, we actually believed that Nike and Apple were this close to delivering the long-awaited running application for the iPhone. While it was widely reported that these shots were indeed the real deal, AppleInsider is pointing out a chink in the armor: Cupertino doesn't offer iPhone developers a programming interface for accessing one's music, yet this mysterious program clearly showed someone listening to Chris Martin and friends (an unreleased song, evidently) while attempting to make it to 0.02km. The take away? It's still pretty likely that the two outfits are working to create a fitness program for the App Store, but those screenshots ain't it.

[Thanks, Michael]

Screenshots of iPhone Nike+ running app emerge, we're out of breath already

by Darren Murph, posted Aug 19th 2008 at 7:26PM


It has taken its sweet, sweet time in arriving, but it seems the iPhone Nike+ running application is just... about... here. A slew of new screenshots of the application have emerged, and while there are no juicy tidbits to accompany 'em (release date, cost, etc.), we all know how many lines of text a single snapshot is worth. Hang tight runners, the app you've been waiting (and waiting) for can't be far from the finish line now.

[Via MacRumors]

Wii Sqweeze: yet another limited-use Wiimote peripheral

by Darren Murph, posted Aug 18th 2008 at 9:59PM


A Wii Wheel for racing? Fine. A club attachment for golfing. Eh, okay. InterAction Laboratories' Wii Sqweeze? Puh-lease. Recently "demonstrated" by CEO Greg Merril, this goofball peripheral possesses a pair of rubber handles which "allow for shoulder abduction and adduction." Reportedly, the unit was shown off playing some sort of bow hunting game on a PC, though the company promises native Wii compatibility before its 2009 launch. Can we get a show of hands from people who'd actually buy this thing for more than $4.99? Don't make us phone in the quick-lipped auctioneer.

Jinsei Game of Life pedometer makes you exercise to play

by Darren Murph, posted Jul 21st 2008 at 9:23AM


Directly rewarding efforts with results, now that's the way to get someone moving. As we've seen time and time again, providing a clear, undiluted motivator is a perfect way to make fitness a top priority in life, and that's exactly what Takara Tomy is hoping to achieve with its pocket-friendly Jinsei Game of Life pedometer. Essentially, this device is a portable version of the famed Game of Life board game, but users are purportedly not allowed to take a turn unless they take 300 steps first. Additionally, two players can take on one another via the "communication mode," but there's a good chance the most chiseled among you will take home the gold regardless of luck. Out this month in Japan for ¥3,675 ($34).

[Via CScout Japan]

Airun Plus shoes include speed and weight sensors for your mega-intense workouts, dude

by Joshua Fruhlinger, posted Jul 15th 2008 at 9:31PM

Airun Plus shoe
The latest word on effective cardio exercise is that you should go for short, intense intervals rather than waste hours on the Stairmaster. Shorter workouts, you say? Good with us, but what about the gear to go with all that? The Airun Plus shoe is designed for the HIIT exerciser who wants to track his BMI and caloric burn rates all the while controlling shoe weight. The built-in Smart Technology controller records BMI and calorie burn results while the weighted insoles can be added or removed based on your needs. Weight and speed information comes from a sensor in the right shoe, while the entire kick is designed with shock absorption and safety in mind. Ready to buy? If you're serious about your body, these things will run you £112.50 ($224) and they come all the way from England.

Wii Fit already carving up bods, finding use in rehabilitation

by Darren Murph, posted Jun 15th 2008 at 2:36PM


From the get-go, Nintendo's latest console was seen as a dream come true for folks who'd love to lose a few pounds, yet would rather log a few hours on the couch rather than the track. Shortly after the Wii Fit's launch, we're already seeing another wave of dedicated users reporting weight loss, and the trend is even bleeding into the medical field. According to Sue Stanley-Green, a professor of athletic training at Florida Southern College, the Wii Fit and other fitness-related games have "great potential for core strengthening and rehabilitation and may boost compliance with rehabilitation exercises." She also noted that these games were "being used more and more in nursing homes," and particularly with youngsters, titles such as Wii Fit are the only ones that stand a chance at getting them active. We can't decide if that's a positive thing or just downright depressing.

[Thanks, Juergen]

Read - Wii Fit in rehab
Read - Wii Fit weight loss

How would you change Wii Fit?

by Darren Murph, posted Jun 13th 2008 at 6:30PM Featured Story


Okay, so you've had ample time now to shed a few pounds courtesy of Wii Fit. Whether or not you've been diligent enough to stick with it is another thing. Regardless of your level of dedication, we're certain there's a few things Nintendo could have done differently to make the entire experience a bit better. Heck, our own Ryan Block has already chimed in with a few things that he would like to see tweaked, so what's stopping you? Post up your comments while training for bonus points.

Nintendo's Wii Fit gets official, set to launch in just two days

by Joshua Topolsky, posted May 19th 2008 at 8:48AM Breaking News


If for some reason you've been so far outside of the natural world that you were unaware of Nintendo's impending Wii Fit firestorm, this should get you back in the swing of things. Today the big N has made the forthcoming release of the exercise / gaming sensation officially official in the States. The device is available exclusively at the Nintendo World store in New York City starting today, but will hit other shelves on May 21st, will run you a thrifty $89.99, and launches with software containing more than 40 activities. Of course, you'll never get to experience any of those activities, as there's already a run on stock, and if you haven't pre-ordered then you're pretty much left to the whim of eBay sellers and their inflated prices. Thanks Nintendo!

Seiko Slimstick keeps tabs on your exercise routines

by Darren Murph, posted Apr 27th 2008 at 2:54AM


While there's a smattering of products out there meant to log your running miles, Seiko's looking out for those who'd rather do a few sit-ups or handle some heavy lifting rather than placing a beating on their knees. The adequately minuscule Slimstick (15-grams; 2- x 6.4- x 0.89-centimeters in size) is meant to reside in the pocket of a given exerciser and track calories burned along with an "overall workout value," which can be benchmarked against one's goal. To do so, it packs a dual-axis accelerometer and a decent amount of fairy dust, and yes, it promises to do all the things your paltry (or lazy, as it were) pedometer simply won't. Your next fitness buddy is available now for just ¥5,775 ($55), or ¥6,980 ($67) with a presumably supreme "strap set."

[Via technabob]

Nike+ SportBand gets reviewed

by Darren Murph, posted Apr 16th 2008 at 11:09AM


For those breaking into a sweat trying to decide whether or not the Nike+ SportBand is really worth your hard earned dollars / euros / pounds / Schrutebucks, simmer on down. The runners over at the Stuff offices have snapped one up and tossed out their two pence. Summarized as a "Nike+iPod system without music," the unit was given fairly high marks all around. It was noted that calibration was highly recommended before taking on the London Marathon, but that setup was a real lesson in simplicity. Design wise, most everything was kosher save for the detachable face (Link USB drive) that may not fit perfectly in slim laptops sitting flush on a table and the non-backlit display that proved difficult to see at night. Believe it or not, critics still found the SportBand to be a joy to use despite the aforesaid quirks, but given the drawbacks, we'd certainly recommend trying out a pal's before throwing down for your own.

Nintendo confirms: May-bound Wii Fit priced at $89.99

by Darren Murph, posted Apr 15th 2008 at 12:27PM


Nothing like a little reassurance on tax day, right? We already knew that GameStop was gearing up to offer Nintendo's Wii Fit for $89.99, but now the Big N has stepped in to affirm said price point. Beginning on May 19th here in the US, Wii Fit, along with the bundled Wii Balance Board, will be sold together for a penny under $90. And for those located near New York City, you can score a sweat rag, er, Wii Fit t-shirt if you're one of the first 1,000 to lay down a $5 deposit at the Nintendo World store between April 18 - 20. Bonus points if you run there, we swear.

[Via Joystiq]

Nike+ SportBand purchased early, unboxed for all to see

by Darren Murph, posted Apr 9th 2008 at 3:31PM


Nah, it's not April 10th just yet (in most of the world, at least), but one particular bloke managed to score one of Nike's new SportBands at a London marathon exhibition today. The going rate on that side of the pond was £40 ($78), but we wouldn't mind that dreadful exchange rate too much if you're curious about eventual US pricing. Nevertheless, feel free to tap the read link to peep the unit fresh out of its packaging, but be forewarned, there aren't any surprises.

[Thanks, Terry]

Nike+ SportBand, Coach gets official

by Darren Murph, posted Apr 2nd 2008 at 12:31PM


Right on cue, Nike's making things official with its oft-rumored (and still unpriced) Nike+ SportBand and even had the time to toss in details about Nike+ Coach, too. The band, which opens up features at the NikePlus website along with enabling runners to check out distance, pace, time and calories burned, is indeed marketed as a standalone device for those who'd prefer not to have a DAP flanking their arm when exercising. Moreover, the outfit's online Nike+ Coach system will allow runners to have the information they need to appropriately train for long distance events or achieve customized goals. Get those kicks cleaned up prior to April 10th -- after all, that's the day you'll be sprinting out to pick this thing up, right?

Apple patent apps reveal plans for iPhone as "lifestyle companion"

by Donald Melanson, posted Mar 27th 2008 at 11:50AM

While it doesn't exactly come as much of a surprise, it seems that Apple has plenty more goodies in mind for the iPhone (and, presumably, the iPod touch), with a recent batch of no less than six patent applications revealing some of its plans to turn the device into what it describes as a "lifestyle companion." In this case, that rather vague term refers to what is effectively an upgrade to the Nike+iPod system, with the iPhone's accelerometer and other built-in capabilities also coming into play in addition to the usual external sensors. It doesn't stop with workouts, however, with the patent applications also indicating plans for a diet coach of sorts, which could even make use of the iPhone's camera to scan bar codes on products. Those components would also of course all work together, with the system able to suggest workouts based on your diet and physical condition and vice versa. Of course, these being patent applications, there's no indication as to when we might actually see such a system, but it sure seems a good deal more likely than some of Apple's other ideas.

Nike's SportBand ready for April launch?

by Darren Murph, posted Mar 15th 2008 at 10:42AM


Make of it what you will, but Germany's own Mac Life has apparently grabbed hold of a few more details concerning that SportBand we saw sashay into the FCC's database late last month. Reportedly, the unit isn't meant to replace the Nike+iPod system; rather, it's an alternative for runners who'd prefer not to have earbuds in and a DAP on their person when logging their treks. As expected, time, speed, distance and calories will all be tracked, and each run can be captured and stored on the outfit's website after you thumb a ride back home. We're told to expect said device in April for €59.95 ($93), but only time will tell if that's an accurate assertion (and true worldwide).

[Thanks, Susanne]
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