Weather forecasters know that the surest bet is to predict tomorrow; in most cases, it's going to be more or less like today with a few things changing. Only in rare cases will today be snowing but tomorrow be in the 70s. The further out you go, the more likely things will be different. But tomorrow? A lot like today. Technology forecasters know that what you predict for … [Read more...]
Kapture Records The Sounds Around You
Do you go through your day thinking, “Wait! What just happened”? Want to preserve baby’s unexpected first word? Something amazing your friend just said? Something you overheard a stranger saying? Take a look at Kapture, a wristband that continuously records your audible world in 60-second loops. A tap on the band and the last loop is saved. Send it to your smartphone and, … [Read more...]
What the Misfit Purchase Means for Wearables Startups
Misfit, which began life as a Kickstarter and became one of the best known wearables companies, was bought yesterday by a big public watch company for $230 million. That was probably its best possible end as an independent company. Misfit, over its four years of life, had raised $63 million in three rounds of funding. The products are beautiful and have a loyal following. … [Read more...]
Push Band Tracks Weight Training
Professional and amateur athletes have a lot invested in the level of their physical performance and fitness, and more athletes are looking to wearable technology to help them reach and remain in peak shape. One such product is Push Band, an armband that tracks and analyzes an athlete’s weight training program. The Push Band retails at $189, tracks sets, reps, and power, … [Read more...]
NYTimes Apple Watch Review: Rough and Revolutionary
We suspect that the New York Times jumped the gun this morning by publishing a full-on review of the Apple Watch, [UPDATE: other outlets have been publishing reviews today, too] even though Apple won't even start taking orders for it until Friday. On balance, though, we don't think Apple will complain too much. Tech columnist Farhad Manjoo pretty much ratified Apple's aims … [Read more...]
Microsoft Expands Distribution of the Band
Microsoft, which seemed to be using the first round of shipments of its Band wearable as market research, says it's expanding availability of the $200 device. Starting today, you'll be able to get the Microsoft Band at BestBuy, Amazon, and Target -- though the company says it'll be ramping shipments to them over the next few weeks, so don't freak if there's backorders. The … [Read more...]
MWC Day 0: HTC Wristband Driven by UnderArmour
HTC makes very nice smartphones that somehow never quite find traction in the United States and now they're entering the health tracking business, joining the UA Record ecosystem. The water-resistant (1 meter for 30 minutes) Grip uses a curved 1.8-inch PAMOLED display and will last more than two days using normal tracking tools. When the integrated GPS is turned on, battery … [Read more...]
Yes, It’s a $150,000 Wearable. No, We’re Not Sure What It Does
There is, apparently, a $150,000 self-charging tech wristband from the luxury fashion house Christophe & Co. The Armill Apollo is reportedly designed by Pininfarina and customized to each wearer -- we should certainly think so -- and includes such decorative details as precious stones and leather. It doesn't have a screen, and it's not a watch, but does include a button … [Read more...]
CES: Lenovo VB10 Wearable Unveiled
There were reports in October that Lenovo (the Chinese company that first bought IBM's Thinkpad line, then most recently swallowed Motorola's phone business) was coming out with an activity monitor. The company officially announced the product today at CES. The Vibe VB10 is essentially a notification device that features an e-ink display, which helps with seven-day battery … [Read more...]
CES: Misfit Gets the Swarovski Crystal Treatment
What fitness trackers apparently need is some bling, and Misfit and Swarovski will give it to you. The companies announced today a new line of Swarovski Shines: a clear crystal model and a violet one that can do solar charging. (Misfit Shines, it should be noted, use watch batteries and run for the best part of a year.) You can pre-order now at misfit.com; retail sales … [Read more...]