extreme sports
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Apple may launch a rugged Watch for extreme sports
Apple is reportedly planning to make a Watch version with a rugged casing designed for extreme sports and weather.
Discover new adventures with Adidas Outdoor Magazine
If your idea of an outdoor adventure is riding your bike through the park, or taking a long leisurely walk then Adidas Outdoor Magazine app is not for you. This free iPad only app appears in your Newsstand and presents you with real adventures in paragliding, mountain climbing, slack lining, kayaking, and loads of other adrenaline rushing activities made for the true extreme outdoors enthusiast. Adidas Outdoor Magazine is published four or five times a year. Each issue contains about a half dozen in-depth articles detailing specific adventure activities plus interviews with professionals and other everyday adventure seekers like yourself. Users will find some wonderful photos and thrilling videos with each article. The videos are often worth a look just on their own. Additionally Adidas runs brief articles promoting some of its product line. The current October 2014 issue contains stories about a variety of climbing expeditions. You will find a story about a mountain climbing adventure in Oman and an article revealing the sense of happiness a couple felt after scaling a 2800 foot stone wall that climbs straight up out of the Brazilian jungle into the bright sunlight, plus others and a column by experienced mountaineer Reinhold Messner detailing his attempts over the last four decades to climb some of the world's most difficult and dangerous peaks in the middle of the winter while facing rocks covered in snow and ice, 50 mph winds and temperatures that hovered around forty degrees below zero. The Adidas Outdoor Magazine app also has a library of back issues. Users get free access to all the issue back to early 2012. In these issues you will find even more exciting adventures detailed in words, pictures, and video. So what if you aren't a big time thrill seeker who can't wait to be walking over a single line anchored a thousand feet over a gorge or to be rushing down a raging river with nothing to protect you but a thin shelled kayak and your own skills. I certainly fit into that category but I found the articles and pictures contained in this app to be fascinating. The Adidas Outdoor Magazine app articles are well written and bring an element of the excitement the adventurers feel right to the readers and as I mentioned before the photos and videos are top notch. Adidas Outdoor Magazine app is worth a look so you can live vicariously through the adventures of others. One point to note though. While some of the content downloaded quickly, others were very slow and some stopped during the download. I received a server error message a couple of times so it might have been a server issue the day I checked out the app.
Open-world skiing game Snow drifting to PS4, Oculus Rift
Swedish developer Poppermost will bring its open-world skiing game Snow to PlayStation 4 as well as PC, which gets additional Oculus Rift support. Snow arrived on Steam's Early Access service in October and is expected to move into a closed beta phase by the end of the year as a free-to-play game. The game is console-exclusive to the PS4. Those that want to check out the Early Access version on PC can pick up founders packs with alpha passes and in-game items, ranging from $15 to $60. Poppermost crammed eight square kilometers of open space and alpine terrain into its first game, which is powered by Crytek's Cryengine. In Snow, players thumb through hundreds of items in the game's catalog to equip their riders with 11 pieces of gear simultaneously before hitting the slopes to perform tricks. [Image: Poppermost]
A surfboard attached to a firehose is a... hoverboard?
A few years ago, JetLev developed a jetpack that let users float in mid air, so long as they were on the water. Using that same principle, French jet ski champion Franky Zapata developed the Flyboard, which let you follow behind a speedboat with a set of water-powered rocket boots. A few years later, and Zapata is back with the Hoverboard, which does the same job, but attached to a board with a single nozzle hanging out back. Now, aquatic daredevils and perform tricks and stunts to shame nearby surfer dudes. If there's one downside, it's that you'll spend the better part of $6,000 on one of the units -- not to mention owning or having access to your own speedboat.
Syrmo teaches you to skate better, captures your sick tricks
Skateboards have seen their share of electronic add-ons lately, but most are designed to take the effort out of cruising around. But leveraging some tech to conquer 360° kickflips and other tricks sounds far more interesting, especially when failed attempts pile up and you could use a helping hand. A trio of skaters armed with hardware and software skills have finally tackled the problem, and their solution is Syrmo. It's a device that fits under your board's trucks and adds motion tracking, Bluetooth and internal memory to your otherwise low-tech deck, so you can sync with the companion app. The software aims to capture 3D-rendered replays of tricks coupled with stats on height, air time and distance -- letting you see if that ollie was really as high as you thought. In addition to skimming through the day's progress, it plans to provide social, geo-location and automated video editing features. Those high-drama moments when the board's in mid-flight can be automatically enhanced with slow-motion effects and trimmed into easy-to-share video clips. The Kickstarter page is live if you want to cruise on over to show your support. Who knows, Syrmo may just take some of the pressure out of learning to land those flips.
ICEdot crash sensor notifies your loved ones after you eat it, tells them where to find you
Between powered gear shifters, electric motors and BMX-mounted mixers, bicycles just keep getting better -- but no amount of technological augmentation can sidestep the old adage: safety first. Yes, the helmet is a classic and necessary accessory for cyclists, snowboarders and more. ICEdot and SenseTech hope to take the traditional brain bucket to new heights next year with a Bluetooth equipped crash sensor. Take a spill? The ICEdot sensor will take note of the impact and start a countdown on its companion app. If the rider doesn't stop the timer before it reaches zero, ICEdot will notify emergency contacts with the user's last known GPS location and data on the severity of the accident. The accessory doesn't have a firm release date just yet, but it will make an appearance at the Interbike trade show later this month. Smartphone augmented safety will set you back about $200 when it launches next year. Check out the sensor's teaser video after the break.
How would you change the GoPro Hero HD 2?
You can strap the GoPro HD Hero 2 to any number of things to document your extreme adventures in high definition. However, for all of the improvements in the second version, we found it to be distractingly heavy, difficult to mount and with audio that left plenty to the imagination. Still, a few days of testing, even with some aerial combat thrown in, can't match constant use over the last six months. So, why not tell us how you've found using this thing on a daily basis and if you could, what would you change about it?
Sony Ericsson hangs ten, launches Xperia Active Billabong Edition
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.
GoBandit WiFi helmet cam hands-on
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.Joseph Volpe contributed to this post.
Optrix VideoPro brings extreme data to your mundane iPhone clips
"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.
Drift Innovation unveils compact Drift HD, still up for your extreme antics (video)
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.
Contour brings viewfinder app to Android, goes with you where we won't
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+ helmet cam goes official, bringing 1080p video with wider viewing angle
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.]
ESPN lays out X Games 16 coverage via online, HD & 3D formats, including in-car 3D cams
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.
Funcom receives grant to create extreme sports MMO
In between navigating the sometimes-choppy waters of Age of Conan and working toward the launch of The Secret World, Funcom is having a busy year, but it looks like they are adding one more project to the pile as well. Funcom has been given a grant worth NOK 1.5 million -- $262,000 US -- in order to create a new extreme sports MMO. Funcom's Director of Communications Erling Ellingsen says "Yes, I can confirm that Funcom is working on a new project called Board with the World. This will be a free-to-play social MMO focusing on the world of extreme sports. [...] First and foremost we will be focusing on snowboarding, with the possibility of adding different sports later. We also want this to be a social world rich with different types of media content and pop-cultural elements such as music, video and even fashion. It is definitely exciting, and we look forward to revealing more on this later." Work on the project is expected to begin in January 2010, and we can expect more details as it progresses.
Rugged, waterproof Predator VX360 wearable camcorder destined for X Games
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]
Ask Engadget: Best headphones for the extreme sports enthusiast?
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!
Apple patent filing shows off activity monitor for skiers, bikers
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.
ESPN presenting X Games 3D the Movie this summer
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.
Arena players say they can't compete with Death Knights
A Korean Arena team named Kill e A has dropped out of the upcoming Extreme Masters tournament and claimed that they just can't compete with Death Knights in the Arenas. "Due to recent balance changes resulting from the 3.0.9 patch, we believe that it is no longer possible for the Mage and Rogue character classes to remain competitive in a high-level PvP setting," says the statement posted on the ESL's site. They go on to say that "our testing has shown that it is now impossible for other classes to compete effectively with the Death Knight." Since they don't have a DK player and their team's strategy is based around using a Mage and Rogue, they're out, and another team from SK Gaming is in. The SK Gaming team will be running with a DK, and they say they're certain they won't be the only ones.And Kill e A isn't the only team dealing with the power of the Death Knight. Gotfrag has an interview up with Rumay "Hafu" Wang of Fnatic/Orz, winners of two big tournaments last year. She too says Death Knights are a force to be reckoned with, though the recent changes might bring them down a notch. Plague Strike, as even the NPC Death Knights say, is a Lifebloom-killer, and Hafu says that as a Resto Druid in the Arenas, she can't match them.Blizzard will definitely be watching during the upcoming Arena tournament -- if Death Knights are as overpowered as these players claim they are, we might see some PvP-based nerfs in their future.
