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sport posts

All-weather Satsports GPS handles navigation duties for snow bunnies, other athletes (video)

by Darren Murph posted Oct 15th 2009 at 2:13PM

Ripxx is already targeting athletes-in-training with its GPS-enabled Personal Measurement Device, but it looks as if that very unit may have a little competition. Satsports GPS claims to be the world's first device to combine "true real time interactive navigation for skiing, snowboarding, golfing, running, cycling and automotive enthusiasts in a portable, all-weather device." Granted, it's not like you couldn't get your hands on a rugged navigator before, but the software here is what takes things to another level. It promises athletes real-time routing and data logging, and after your runs are through, you can sync the data with Google Earth to get a good look at what all you just accomplished. As for specs, you'll find a 2.7-inch touchscreen, 400MHz Samsung processor and a microSD expansion card. Oh, and if you're not down with dropping $490 on this, you can opt for the Satski, Pocket Caddy and / or Sports Log apps for WinMo and Android. Check the details in the press release and demo vid after the break.

Gallery: All-weather Satsports GPS handles navigation duties for snow bunnies, other athletes (video)

Continue reading All-weather Satsports GPS handles navigation duties for snow bunnies, other athletes (video)

Video: TOTO robot catches tennis balls, hopes for a deeper purpose in life

by Darren Murph posted Sep 30th 2009 at 10:41AM

Fido conked out for the evening? Your youngster not really into "playing catch" at age 14? Enter TOTO -- a brilliant robotic contraption conceived at Reinhold-Würth University -- that can absolutely act as a suitable replacement. Short for Tracking of Thrown Objects, the camera-equipped system views and tracks incoming objects, and once said object is within catching range, it clamps down in order to grab hold. Eventually, the inventors would love to see the machine have an impact within a manufacturing facility, but considering just how effective conveyor belts have been over the past few scores, we'd say it has its work cut out for it. Video's after the break, and it's worth checking out.

[Via PlasticPals]

Continue reading Video: TOTO robot catches tennis balls, hopes for a deeper purpose in life

Ripxx debuts Personal Measurement Device for exercise nerds and Olympic athletes

by Darren Murph posted Sep 23rd 2009 at 6:49PM

If we're being candid, the Ripxx Personal Measurement Device (or PMD, as the hip kids call it) looks a lot like the original SPOT with the addition of a display. But aside from the physical likeness, there aren't too many similarities between the two gizmos. Launched this month, the handheld fitness tool is apt to be a surefire winner for any competitive athlete, not to mention competitive individuals in general who just need a statistical way to track their dominance. Essentially, an integrated GPS tracker pumps out ten tracking signals every second during, let's say, a ski run. That information, coupled with data gathered from a trio of accelerometers and gyroscopes, is used to record your location, orientation, speed, vertical drop, rolls, spins, turns and just about any other movement you make. Once you're done, those points can be plotted on a map for review. We're told that the U.S. Olympic team is already using a prototype to train for the 2010 winter games, though mere lay people won't be able to buy one until mid-December for $329.

Canon's PowerShot D10 adventure cam shot with a bazooka in this in-depth review

by Joseph L. Flatley posted May 8th 2009 at 12:33PM

The gang at Photography Blog have got their hands all over the PowerShot D10, and it looks like Canon didn't fare too badly with its first "adventure camera." Even if the reviewer didn't really drop it from a helicopter or shoot it with a bazooka (as we had originally hoped) the unit was found to be as intuitive, sensible, and dependable as the company's other point-and-shooters. Of course, a device with this robust of a design is going to suffer in a few areas, and the 3x, 35-135mm zoom lens and 2.5-inch display can easily be considered "rather hum-drum" for a camera in this day and age. That said, the lens is "quite fast," great for underwater use, and the display is bright enough for all of your spelunking needs. The verdict? If you're going to be dropping from airplanes or scavenging sunken treasure (actually, make that "reading on the beach" and "taking the kids snorkeling") this summer, you could do worse than shell out $329.99 for this bad boy. Hit the read link for the usual exhaustive review.

Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 10 lands in June, comes with MotionPlus

by Darren Murph posted Apr 21st 2009 at 3:26PM

Say it with us now: "Phew!" When Nintendo announced that its Wii MotionPlus dongle would be hitting US shelves on June 8th, we all wondered why Wii Sports Resort (Nintendo's first MotionPlus-enabled title) was set to ship over a month later. Now, EA Sports has relieved worries that early adopters would have no software to use with their new toy by announcing that Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 10 will hit North America on June 15th. Better still, the Wii version will be available with a MotionPlus add-on bundled in for just $10 more than the standalone title (which will run $49.99). As great as all this is, Europeans still come out better, as they'll also see Grand Slam Tennis ship in June with a MotionPlus packed in. Ah well -- it's just a peccadillo, we'll let it slide this time.

Canon's new PowerShot D10 is rugged, bulbous, and waterproof

by Joseph L. Flatley posted Feb 26th 2009 at 1:57PM

Well, we dug up some hands-on pics of that new waterproof Canon PowerShot D10 we've been hearing about recently. Obviously, since it's aimed at the "sport" set it has to be available in "camouflage," and since it's waterproof it has to be sort of bulky. As for the stats, this guy rocks a 12.1-megapixel sensor, DIGIC 4 processor, 3x zoom, image stabilization, and a 2.5-inch PureColor LCD II display that's said to be twice as bright as the company's standard LCD II. In addition, the camera is waterproof up to 10 meters, shock resistant, and the display sits behind a 2mm shield -- if you should happen to drop this off the roof of an evil genuis's high-tech lair (or into a pitcher of beer), no worries. Going for about $329, available at the end of April. Hit the read link for the pics.

Ask Engadget: Best rugged, waterproof point-and-shoot camera?

by Darren Murph posted Feb 21st 2009 at 4:04AM

In the spirit of winter, we felt that Ben's recent question about a camera fit for the slopes was just perfect. And if you'd like to toss out a warm and fuzzy question of your own, just send one to ask at engadget dawt com and keep tuning in.

"I'm going skiing over spring break, and I've been reading a lot on some of the newer waterproof, rugged cameras. There are just so many out there to choose from, I was wondering what you guys thought about some of the better ones."

So, what camera should Mr. Ben procure in order to have worry-free shooting days at the slopes? He probably wouldn't mind one that withstands minor bumps and bangs either, 'cause we all know what inevitably happens the first time down a new double black.

Cheetah Ultra Sports reinvents the snowboard, wants $1899 for it

by Darren Murph posted Jan 25th 2009 at 5:47AM

We've already seen the skateboard get re-engineered this year, so why not its most closely related, snow-loving cousin? Cheetah Ultra Sports has apparently developed the Whip F-117 after four solid years of research, development and taking oodles of time off to hit the slopes. In short, it's dubbed the Lamborghini of snowboards, promising to make riders go faster, feel lighter, turn quicker, edge harder, carve sharper and be broker. Yeah, we're just kidding on that last one, though the $1,899 price tag may just disagree. The board is only available in limited quantities due to the hand built nature, and obviously you'll have a difficult time trying one before you buy. So, what say you? The next big thing in boarding, or the next piece of hype sure to flame out in short order?

[Via BeSportier]

Totally blow out the big game! Part IV: Super Bowl XLIII

by Darren Murph posted Jan 22nd 2009 at 1:00PM

Considering that Pittsburgh already nabbed "one for the thumb," it's safe to say they're just going for history now. The Steelers and Cardinals didn't meet during the regular season this year (a shame, we know), but you can bet both clubs are ready for what's coming when February 1st rolls around. In fact, the only question remaining is this: are you? If you've suddenly found yourself shocked and unprepared, follow us past the break for our guidance on blowing out Super Bowl XLIII.

Continue reading Totally blow out the big game! Part IV: Super Bowl XLIII

Arsenal fans could catch replays, live action on Sony's PSP

by Darren Murph posted Jan 21st 2009 at 3:58PM

As we're confident that you know, one of the biggest downsides to catching an event in-stadium is the inability to see instant replays. Oh sure, a few venues play back sequences for the fanatics in attendance, but you'll still get a much better angle from the comfort of your own couch. English soccer club Arsenal is hoping to remove that obstacle from fans' minds by testing out an instant replay system with Sony's PSP. In theory, at least, a Sony-developed application would enable patrons to "watch live streaming video of a game, along with data and statistics, and provide the ability to watch near-instant replays." 'Course, we've already seen Bluetooth added to venues and a similar system as this installed at Safeco Field, but we still envision this being a hit if it's really rolled out within 18 months as planned.

[Image courtesy of Panstadia]

Sky says 2012 London Olympics could be in 3D

by Darren Murph posted Dec 18th 2008 at 2:19PM

Europe still isn't the place to be for limitless HD content, but London in particular could be a 3D extravaganza come 2012. The host city for the next Summer Olympics may be coming to your living room like never before, as Brian Lenz, head of product design and innovation at Sky, proclaimed that "there is a very good chance you'll see the London Olympics in 3D." The satcaster has already confessed to filming events in 3D, and given that the wide distribution of the 2008 Beijing Olympics in HD was all the rage, we suppose the third-dimension is the next logical step forward. Mirroring our own hopes and dreams, Lenz stated that what it really wanted was "glasses free technology." Here's hoping we inch closer to that at CES 2009.

[Thanks, Ben]

Digitally Assisted Billiards makes everyone a pool shark

by Darren Murph posted Dec 11th 2008 at 9:12AM

There's cheating, and then there's out-thinking the room. Georgia Tech's own Justin Needham and Matthew Straub are clearly headed for great things, as their Digitally Assisted Billiards is reason enough to give these guys a degree in our eyes. Using an array of low-end kit -- just an eBox 2300 embedded computer, Logitech webcam, 4- x 3-foot mirror, a VGA projector, pool table and a few extenders -- the two were able to concoct a system for visually displaying the expected trajectory of all possible shots based on the location of the balls still on the slate. For a much better idea of what we're hinting at, check the demonstration video after the break.

[Via Hack-A-Day]

Continue reading Digitally Assisted Billiards makes everyone a pool shark

Live NFL broadcast to air in 3D as "proof of concept"

by Darren Murph posted Nov 24th 2008 at 12:13PM

As the NFL gobbles up even more market share in the United States, it follows logic to see the next big in-home entertainment push side with it in order to garner attention. With every company and its third subsidiary twice removed trying to shove 3D into the home, we'd say starting with the NFL is a brilliant move. In a closed-to-the-public "proof of concept" demonstration, next week's matchup between the San Diego Chargers and the Oakland Raiders will air live in 3D to select theaters in Los Angeles, New York and Boston. Third-dimension mainstays 3ality Digital and RealD will play critical roles in the delivery, though it remains unclear what exactly the NFL and 3D backers in general plan to do afterwards. If you'll recall, this isn't the first pro sporting event this year that was beamed in 3D to nearby theaters, but we can't think of anything more appealing than 300-pound gentleman crushing each other just inches from your retinas.

[Thanks, Jesse]

Sprint prepares to phone-cast entire NFL games, starting tonight

by Darren Murph posted Nov 6th 2008 at 8:10AM

The National Football League and Sprint have been tied up in one form or fashion for years now, but the relationship is finally rounding third and heading for home. All mixed analogies aside, what we're saying is that the feature you've been clamoring for has finally arrived, and beginning tonight, select Sprint subscribers will be able to watch the entire Cleveland Browns vs. Denver Broncos tilt on their handset. Obviously, you'll need a Sprint TV-capable handset and an Everything Plan (or a $15 per month add-on) in order to tune in, but tonight's game -- which kicks off at 8:00PM ET on the NFL Network -- will be the first of eight games (televised solely on that network) to air via Sprint. Whether or not The Now Network can keep up with the action, however, remains to be seen.

Toshiba's decade-old automated volleyball bot resurfaces: where's ours?

by Darren Murph posted Oct 26th 2008 at 5:13AM

If this here press releases didn't have a date of February 1997 on it, we'd swear this was some sort new fancy new development. Sure, robots have been playing sports for ages, but seeing this here creature revived begs the question: why don't we all have one or two of these laying around the house by now? The prototype seen in the video linked below can recognize spoken commands, react to incoming spheres, identify actions of nearby humans and spike volleyballs in your grille all day long. In all honesty, Tosh probably converted this into some sort of elderly assistant bot that didn't catch nearly as much press, but we're still holding onto a sliver of hope that this thing is just about ready for commercial release.

Read - Volleyball robot video
Read - Original volleyball robot press release