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Divoom Voombox Ongo: Rugged and bike-friendly Bluetooth speaker
Divoom is getting a name for itself for making inexpensive Bluetooth speakers. While the company is probably best known for the little Bluetune Bean and Solo speakers, they've just come out with a new speaker that adds weather resistance, long playback time, Bluetooth 4.0 and a bike mount to the mix. The Voombox Ongo (US$69.99) appears to have much better construction than the less expensive models, so check it out with this review and then have a chance to win one for that late summer bike riding. Specifications Dimensions: 5.5 x 2.36 x 2.87 inches (140 x 60 x 73mm) Weight: 14.34 ounces (406.5 gm) Drivers: Two 1.5" full-range, 3.5 W output each Bluetooth: 4.0, A2DP Stereo profile support Design Highlights The Voombox Ongo is a boxy little critter, with black speaker grilles and a silicone body band that comes in black, blue, green, red or orange. There's a standard 1/4" threaded mount on the bottom should you have the urge to pop this onto a tripod, and that also works with the included bike mount. On top of the Ongo are four soft buttons, one each for power on/off, volume down, play/pause, and volume up. There's a single blue LED behind the front speaker grille to let you know when the device is on and paired with your iPhone, iPad or Mac. The speaker also comes with a cable for connecting to older non-Bluetooth sources, as well as a USB to micro-USB cable for charging. The device is fully charged in about two hours and capable of 8 hours of playback. The bike mount connects with one bolt to just about any handlebar, and has a 1/4" threaded rod that connects it tightly to the speaker. Functionality Highlights Pairing is fast and simple. You just power up the unit, and if it doesn't discover a device shortly it goes into discovery mode with a fast flashing blue LED. It appeared almost immediately on my iPhone as Voombox-ongo, and paired with a tap. Then came the fun part, testing the sound quality. Fans of the now-defunct TUAW TV Live will be happy to know that the testing was done using the iTunes Radio Supertramp station. For a small speaker that only puts out about 3.5W per channel, the Voombox Ongo is surprisingly loud. The sound quality was very good as well, with no discernible distortion and solid sound in both the low and high ranges. There are no written specifications on exactly how "weatherproof" the Voombox Ongo is, so you'll probably need to make sure it doesn't get dunked into water or exposed to a lot of rain. I'm not sure exactly how well received music blasting from your bike handlebars is going to be -- I'm frankly a fan of hearing what's going on around me when I'm riding. But if you want to have a place to put your speaker when you're riding, then take it off when you get to your destination, then the bike mount makes sense. Conclusion Divoom has made a nice little rugged speaker with the Voombox Ongo, with good sound quality, fun design, and that nifty little bike handlebar mount. It looks like it will take some rough handling, although how the speaker will react to water splashes is unknown. Rating: 3 star rating out of 4 stars possible Giveaway With plenty of time for late summer and autumn bike riding, one of our TUAW readers is going to enjoy listening to music with the Divoom Voombox Ongo. Here are the rules for the giveaway: Open to legal US residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 and older. To enter, fill out the form below completely and click or tap the Submit button. The entry must be made before August 25, 2014 11:59PM Eastern Daylight Time. You may enter only once. One winner will be selected in a random drawing and will receive a Divoom Voombox Ongo Bluetooth Speaker valued at $69.99 Click Here for complete Official Rules. Loading...
As your kid grows, this bike will transform to fit them
Like clothes, children tend to outgrow bikes pretty quickly. But what if there was a way to buy one and have it convert to fit a growing kid? Well, that's just what designer Andreas Bhend has done with the Miilo bike. What starts has a simple scoot along option with no pedals can adapt to fit an older child by flipping the frame and adding pedals. The handlebars and seat are also meant to adjust so that the bicycle can remain an option riders between the ages of 2.5 and 7 -- unless your kid hits a crazy growth spurt, of course. The project was inspired by another training bike that Bhend made by hacking up a pair IKEA stools, and from there, the idea to have a model that transforms began.
A motorized bike will help you survive the apocalypse
When the apocalypse arrives (zombie or otherwise), you'll need to be prepared for anything. Part of said preparedness should certainly involve transportation, and thanks to the folks at Motopeds, there's a legit option. The Survival Bike: Black Ops Edition hits the trail with a compound crossbow, fuel storage, shovel, tomahawk, harpoon, blade saw, climbing gear, lights and a smattering of tools and knives. To keep you on the correct (read: covert) path, there's a handlebar mount for that trusty smartphone or GPS unit needed to navigate. Unfortunately, there's no word on pricing, but the company's regular chassis kit includes everything you'll need minus the 4-stroke engine for $1,999.
Bike of the future removes the need to shift gears, pedal up hills or pack a lock
Biking in Seattle can be less than mellow with all the hills, traffic and especially that rain. But those things are exactly what inspired the Teague team of bicycle designers to build the Denny bike for the Oregon Manifest bike design project. The model (built by fabricator Taylor Sizemore) sports a minimalist frame, which belies all the tech packed inside. There's an electric motor on the front hub (with a removable battery) to boost your hill-climbing, for starters. That's married with a computer controlled automatic shifter that automatically adjusts to ride conditions for a "hassle-free riding experience." To combat the constant showers, meanwhile, it uses a simple device with rubber bristles to break up the water, rather than a fender.
Solid's vibrating handlebars navigate bike lanes on its 3D printed frame
Just like when you're driving a car, glancing down at your phone while biking the busy streets of your city can be quite dangerous. Thanks to a Portland-based design firm, there's a bike that allows you to keep your eyes on the road while getting those much-needed directions. The folks at Industry teamed up with local builders Ti Cycles for Solid: a Bluetooth-enabled two-wheeler that connects to a smartphone app monitoring bike maintenance and offers vibrating handlebars for head's up GPS navigation. A companion app, My Bike, keeps an eye on burned out lights and other potential upkeep headaches. My City, a second bit of software, serves as guide for blazing the bike lanes of your chosen locale.
Google Maps for mobile now helps bikers avoid steep hills
Summer's in full swing and the weather's nice, so how about ditching your gas-guzzlin' ride for something human-powered? If you do, Google's latest update to Maps on mobile wants to help make biking a little easier. New features for two-wheeled transportation include routes based on elevation so you can avoid any strenuous climbs and, as Android Police reports, there's apparently a tool to compare different itineraries based on elevation as well. Should you to stick to a car for getting around (air conditioning is awfully nice), Mountain View didn't forget about you, either. A handful of voice commands have been added for checking what traffic is like ahead of you, estimated arrival time and next-turn reminders, among others. Unlike the familiar "OK, Google" voice-prompt though, these orders aren't fully hands-free just yet.
AeroVelo is trying to build the world's fastest bicycle
What do you do after you set the record for human-powered flight and bag the Sikorsky Prize by floating around in a pedal-driven helicopter? You break the human-powered speed record, of course -- at least that's what's AeroVelo has planned. The team has made a habit of engineering machines that make the most of the human engine, and their latest project hopes to give mankind the ability to ride bicycles at 87 mph.
Forget training wheels: This bike balances itself
Training wheels are great for getting kids rolling, but they don't really develop the balance required for real riding. Jyrobike takes a different approach to the learning process, providing a more authentic cycling experience while still offering the stability new starters need. That's because it's self-balancing, and though that sounds too good to be true, the technology that makes it possible is actually quite simple. Contained within the front wheel is a weighted, motor-driven disk that gets up to several thousand revolutions per minute (RPMs). This spinning disk, which emits a dull hum when at full speed, exerts a gyroscopic force that pushes against the turn and lean of the front wheel. As the rider tilts towards the point of no return, the front wheel corrects and as a result, nudges the child into a balanced body position. Watching someone ride a Jyrobike doesn't give you a good idea of how stable the thing really is, but we were incredibly impressed by a live demo. With just a small amount of forward momentum, the prototype easily shrugged off sideways slaps with only a slight waver.
Google Maps' bike routing now helps you avoid steep hills
Just because you enjoy cycling doesn't mean you want a challenge every time -- it's not much fun to pedal uphill when you simply need to get to work. You won't have to face those arbitrary hill climbs in the future, though, since Google Maps has quietly added elevation data to its bike routes. Plot your path using a desktop web browser and you'll see both a visual representation of elevation changes and the number of feet you have to ascend (or descend, if you're lucky). There's no word on a corresponding mobile app update, but don't be surprised if you can eventually chart an easier course when you're already on the road. [Top image credit: Cheryl DalPozzal, Flickr]
Here's an electric bike that's easy on your eyes, not just the road
With certain exceptions, many electric bicycles make it all too clear that there's some technology involved: they're big, heavy and otherwise ungainly. You won't have those gripes with the new Vanmoof 10 Electrified. It hides a 250W pedelec (that is, pedal-dependent) motor and batteries in a frame which isn't much bigger than that of a regular bike, and is actually a bit charming with its minimalist (if very PVC pipe-like) design. It's a relative featherweight at 42 pounds, too, and it includes GPS tracking to help catch thieves. The Electrified isn't going to outrace the Specialized Turbo with its almost pedestrian 18MPH top speed, but it also costs nearly half as much at $2,998. That's just low enough that it could be the right e-bike for your daily commute -- especially if you'd rather not give up some style just to get a performance boost.
Meet Skylock, the smart bike lock that can save you after a crash
There are plenty of smart bike locks that warn you about thieves, and some will even let you share your bike if you're the generous sort. However, their utility often stops when you start riding -- which is where Velo Labs' new Skylock comes in. The security system compares its own motion sensor data with that of your smartphone to tell if you've been in an accident. If you tumble off and don't respond within a set time frame, Skylock will alert emergency services that you're in trouble.
Schwinn's CycleNav bike navigation system points cyclists in the right direction
When you're in a car, it's easy enough to keep an eye on your navigation without moving your hands away from the ol' 10 and 2 positions, but how do you manage your trips when you're on a bike? Enter Schwinn's CycleNav bike navigation system, a $60 Bluetooth device that clips onto your handlebar. The idea is pretty simple: Download the product's iOS or Android app, put in your destination, choose the best route and then let the CycleNav point which way to go, using one of three LED arrows. After your journey comes to an end, the app records fitness stats for you to track (such as distance, calories burned and duration). Fortunately, it doubles as a headlight for your bicycle as well. The navigator will be available at Walmart beginning in March, but you'll be able to grab the CycleNav starting January 15th.
Copenhagen Wheel turns any bike into an electric hybrid, ships early 2014 for $699 (video)
We can't fault you for dismissing the Copenhagen Wheel as vaporware -- it's been nearly four years since the pedal-assist bicycle accessory made its debut at the 2009 UN Climate Change Conference. But, we finally have pricing and availability to share, and if all goes to plan, the MIT-backed project could make its way to your doorstep in Q1 2014. Superpedestrian, a Boston-based start-up, is making the Copenhagen Wheel available for pre-orders beginning today. The $699 device snaps onto a standard 26-inch bicycle wheel, converting your ordinary bike into a powerful hybrid electric version that can cruise along at 20 miles per hour. The Wheel, which sports a range of 30 miles, is powered by a 48-volt rechargeable battery. It's designed as an entirely self-contained unit -- instead of adjusting your speed using a throttle or button, you'll simply pedal faster, just as you would while riding a lesser-equipped bike. The device will compensate with additional power whenever needed, and it locks when you walk away, providing a bit of additional security (though with a $699 sticker price, you'll probably want to yank the removable battery, too). It can also communicate with the Superpedestrian mobile app, which tracks distance and calories burned. If you have the cash to spare, cruise on down to the pre-order link just below.
Lock8 thwarts every kind of bike thief through GPS and smart alarms (video)
Many attempts at smarter bike locks, well, aren't -- they won't last long against thieves with the right tools. If Lock8's new security device ships, however, those ne'er-do-wells won't have it so easy. The smartphone-controlled lock includes the GPS tracking you'd hope for, but it also includes sensors that trigger alarms and notifications for just about any kind of theft attempt. A smart cable warns if someone tries a bolt cutter; an accelerometer can detect drills and saws, and there's even a temperature sensor to fend off blowtorches. Owners can rent their rides, too. Lock8 is crowdfunding the technology, with pledges starting at £69 ($111) for those who want a lock and six months of free GPS service. If the company meets its £50,000 ($80,340) goal, bikes worldwide should be much safer by May 2014.
Insert Coin semifinalist: MYBELL is an extremely loud and customizable electronic bike bell
Say what you will about the cavalier bike messengers that give cyclists a bad name, but it doesn't change the fact that pedaling your way to work is better for both your health and the environment. Unfortunately, biking (especially in New York City) can feel a little, well, dangerous at times. MYBELL isn't magically going to keep you from getting doored while flying down Broadway, but the extremely loud electronic bicycle bell should make you a little harder to miss. Inside this little box is a powerful audio amplifier that plays custom sounds at up to 96dB -- your average mechanical bell tops out at 70dB. It also includes LEDs that can be programmed to flash in a pattern unique to you. Of course, none of that is going to keep careless motorists out of the bike lane, so you'll still your wits and quick reflexes, in addition to MYBELL. You can see all of the Insert Coin semifinalists here.
FlyKly's Smart Wheel snaps onto your bike for 20MPH pedal assist
In retrospect, lower Manhattan probably wasn't the safest place to try the Smart Wheel for the first time. Thankfully, the prototype wasn't operating at top speed when I hopped on, for that very reason. The sensation's a bit weird for those unaccustomed to riding with a pedal assist, kicking in only when you actually start pedaling and gradually reaching the speed you've entered in the app. In its final version, that speed will max out at 20 miles an hour, for up to a 30-mile range. The motor weighs about nine pounds, snapping onto the rear wheel of most bikes without much in the way of installation. Also of note is the ability to remotely lock the wheel using the app to prevent someone from riding off with the bike -- and if they do, you can track the thief on your phone. All of this is still early stages. The motor you see above is still a prototype. The final version will be offered in a number of different sizes and colors, assuming the company is able to hit its $100,000 Kickstarter goal. A $550 pledge will get you the Smart Wheel, along with FlyKly's Smart Light (which you can get as a standalone for $49). The light holds and charges your phone (via USB), while leading the way in the dark with an LED bulb. The company will also be opening up the app's SDK for use with additional hardware like the Pebble smartwatch. Check out a quick video of the above after the break.
BitLock offers a bring-your-own-bicycle approach to bike sharing
Unless you're an enraged motorist, there's plenty of good to be found in the current push for big city bike sharing programs. BitLock is certainly in keeping with the spirit of such initiatives, albeit on a much more localized scale. The proposed product is essentially a standard bike U-lock that communicates with Android and iOS devices -- get within proximity and click the unlock button on an approved handset and the BitLock opens up for you. The device is, thankfully, weather-resistant and has a battery that should last up to five years, according to claims (and you'll get a notification on your phone when it's finally ready to shuffle off this mortal coil). What's more interesting here, however, is that the device is being couched as a form of low-entry bike sharing, as you can have multiple users sign up for a single lock. The app will note where the bike is left on a map, so you or a pal with access can locate it later -- and GPS also gives the app some health-tracking capabilities, which are all the rage. The locks, not surprisingly, won't be cheap -- the base Kickstarter pledge to get your hands on one is $89, and the proposed retail price is $140. That's $55 more than an annual Citi Bike membership, for you New Yorkers keeping track.
Bike+ is a security alarm and fitness computer for bicycles (hands-on)
Bike thieves are a resourceful lot. No matter what form of lock is used, given the time and the inclination, such n'ere-do-wells will snatch up your two-wheeled transportation. Wi-MM, a start-up based in Santa Clara, CA, aims to make it harder for them to steal your cycle with its new product Bike+, a combination alarm system and cycling computer. The device itself is what you see in the photo above that can be mounted with some specialty hardware (to make removal difficult) on the down tube of any bicycle. Inside, there's a Verizon-compatible 3G radio, GPS, Bluetooth, altimeter, accelerometer, a 1,300 mAh rechargeable battery and enough flash memory to hold all your data from a year's worth of rides. All told, Bike+ weighs about seven ounces (so it won't add too much heft), and is slated to be available before the end of the year for "under $200" according to company president Kevin Fahrner.
Bicycle turn signals get the Ben Heck mod treatment (video)
Ben Heck's devised hacks for everything from console mashups to wheelchairs, and now he's turned his attention to the humble bicycle turn indicator -- something we've seen reinvented from time to time. Heck's take on the device uses a LilyPad Arduino and a backpack modified with an array of lights in the shape of two arrows. Merely pick a direction by jabbing one of the satchel's shoulder pads with your chin, and the appropriate lights will blink for 20 seconds. Sure, the existing contraption is slated for a giveaway, but the build process will be detailed on the next Ben Heck Show this Friday. To catch a glimpse of the construction in advance, mosey past the break for a quick video preview.
Meet Magura's eLECT, an electronic suspension fork for tech-savvy cyclists
If you're looking to trick out your bike, Magura's eLECT might be the electronic suspension system you crave -- if you're willing to sacrifice optimal reaction time. Using a 3D accelerometer, the eLECT analyzes terrain with a 0.2 second window to adjust to how bumpy or smooth your ride is. At first glance, 0.2 seconds seems impressive, but it equates to a distance of 3.6 feet when traveling at 12.4MPH. Indeed, on challenging trails, a lot can happen in 3.6 feet, and eLect's reaction time might be a touch on the slow side. While the system isn't quite perfect, it does offer some sweet options. For example, cyclists can toggle between automatic and manual control of the compression damper using the accompanying Bluetooth remote. Magura's eLECT isn't the first of its kind -- RockShox and Fox both have their own e-suspension systems -- but it's one of the lightest; the combined weight of the damper and remote is a mere 0.2 pound. There's no word yet on availability or pricing, but you can check out the results of Bike Radar's test ride at the source.
