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Under Armour launches Armour39 performance tracking system, we go hands-on
Under Armour has always touted the scientific underpinnings of its sports apparel. From moisture wicking to heat trapping and everything in between, the company is quick to assert that it isn't just another athletic clothing company. But, performance enhancing shirts and pants have their limitations and, arguably, performance monitoring is a far more interesting and burgeoning field. In 2011 it dabbled with E39, a compression shirt with a space to insert a "bug" that included and accelerometer and heart rate monitor. Today, at an event in beautiful, chilly New York City, it officially unveiled the next evolution of that toe-dipping, Armour39. While there may be a shirt in the future, for now the system consists of a traditional chest strap, an iPhone app and an optional watch for those that don't like to carry their expensive smartphone with them on runs.
Motorola 'Stadia' trademark application hints at device with gaming / fitness features
It's not exactly a ton to go on, but a trademark application recently filed by Motorola for the word "Stadia" has at least opened up a few interesting possibilities. While the (as yet nonexistent) device in question is seemingly phone-related given the goods and services Motorola is hoping to have covered, the application also specifically mentions a "game device in the nature of handheld units for playing electronic games for use with external display screen or monitor," along with a number of fitness-related functions like heart rate, speed, and calorie monitoring. That latter bit is further backed up by a separate "Stadia" trademark application filed by Motorola back in November, which specifically covered "fitness monitoring devices." What does it all mean? If we had to guess we'd say it's some sort of fitness accessory designed for use with a phone (possibly with some game-like features). Unfortunately, guessing is about all we can do at the moment.
Hitachi 'Life Microscope' promises to track your every movement
Sure, there's plenty of devices like the Fitbit that can track your movement and report on your general level of activity or laziness, but only Hitachi has what it's dubbed a "Life Microscope." That name apparently comes from the fact that the device is able to track your activity with more detail than other fitness monitors -- including, it seems, the difference between sitting and sleeping, and even the difference between eating or playing video games. That data is then naturally able to be transferred to a PC, and it also sounds like the Life Microscope could be incorporated into actual watches as well -- if it ever moves beyond the concept stage, that is.
