SmartHalo: Make your bike more smart than ever

“Everything we love about civilization is a product of intelligence, so amplifying our human intelligence with artificial intelligence has the potential of helping civilization flourish like never before – as long as we manage to keep the technology beneficial.“ –Max Tegmark.

We live in smart age where most of us have  a smart phone, smart watch, some of us also have the smart car. Even you can control all your home appliances by smart phone! Then why not your bike! That's the idea behind "Smarthalo". Smarthalo is a smart biking device or a light-based interface that fits to your handlebars with military-grade locking mechanism and pairs with your smartphone (iso or android) via Bluetooth to help navigate along routes that you’ve planned with the help of CycleLabs app. There are several types of biking gadgets, but this one just blows your mind. It's currently on Kickstarter, and has already reached well over its funding goal and from the very beginning of January 2017 it ships out to buyers.

Main Features of Smarthalo

• Navigation System
• Lighting Syatem
• Alarm System
• Fitness Tracking 
• Assistant

Advanced Feature

Features of SmartHalo

• Get turn-by-turn navigation straight on your handlebar, through an intuitive halo of light. The right side of the circle lights up telling you to turn right, and flashes when it's time to turn. Need to pull a U-turn? The bottom half will flash red and so on. 
• Finding the quickest or safest routes and bike paths via GPS and Maps. It can act like a compass when only destination is matters, but it's up to you how you want to get there.
• Reminding you where you parked your bike via map application if you forget.
• As an assistant it can notify you the incoming calls/text even when your phone battery is down. These notifications will blink directly on your handlebar. That means you will never miss your important calls or text due to street noise.
• Sharing your cycling data with others.
• Seamlessly tracking your cycling metrics and visualizing data in your app like Time, Distance, Average Speed, Elevation, Map and Calories.
• The Smarthalo is intended to be secured to your bike permanently, so it is weatherproof and will thrive under the elements. No matter where you cycle or park your ride, it can handle it. Rain, snow, mud whatever it is.

Lighting System

Smarthalo is smart enough to realize when darkness falls and turns the 250 lumen front light on for you. Like the rest of Smarthalo’s functions, there’s no on-off button, but there is an option to control it yourself within the app. The Smarthalo LED device is secured on your bike permanently with tamper-proof screws, so you don’t have to bike in the dark again and don't need to think of it's security.

Alarm system

The Smarthalo also features a built-in alarm system. Similar to a car alarm, Smarthalo's internal motion sensor detects when the bike is being moved and the device emits a loud noise to warn off thieves. Users are recognised by their smartphones and the alarm is automatically turned off. If your phone battery is dead, you can manually turn off the alarm with a unique tapcode.

Battery System

The Smarthalo team predicts the 2000mAh battery will last for about three weeks of regular riding without a charge. When it does finally die, you can charge it with USB. But you need to keep in mind that heavy usage of the light will drain the battery fast. It may only last a single night on a long ride with the lights on.

Finally...

Unlike other biking gadgets Smarthalo is far smart, but its' mapping system just hart me. Why? because they limit the mapping functionality by force to use only one mapping app. It will be better if the developer able to create offline mapping routes using Open Source maps. Like all other first generation products there is a risk involves, but everything depends on faith. You can buy it only for $179 and can also get $20 off by subscribing newsletter from their website. Oops, I almost forgot, this Smarthalo fits for any type of bike handlebars. So, be smart and make smart.

Zungle Panther : Musical Shades with Multiple Feature

I'm not a fan of sunglasses. But after seeing "Zungle Panther" I kind of can’t resist to have one , although Zungle Panther’s idea is nothing new but modified. We’ve seen physical speakers built into sunglasses before, including in the Oakley Thumps from 2005. You can say it's a good idea come with a bad name "Zungle Panther". A black Panther lives in the jungle with silent but this "Zungle panther" just break your silence with built-in bone conduction speakers and mic. 

I think you already know about this product via various social media and other marketing policies of the manufacturer. If you not then listen-up. Zungle Inc. is a sunglass manufacturer that recently (2016) released a product called the Zungle Panther. Those sunglasses come with bone conduction speakers. These unique speakers deliver sound into your skull through vibrations. You can clearly hear music when wearing the sunglasses – even though there’s absolutely nothing in your ears. It's currently on Kickstarter, and has already reached well over double its funding goal.

Why "Zungle panther"?

The Panther has everything you'd expect from a pair of wireless headphones. There's Bluetooth audio playback, hands-free calling with a built-in mic and audio controls by way of a jog dial. Because the headphones use bone-conduction to transmit audio, they also free up your ears to hear everything your environment has to offer. If I describe all these things you will get bored. So, if you are interested you can find all these feature description in their website.

Inside of Zungle Panther

• Safe listening with open-ear solution
• Superior sound comparable to normal earphones
• Freedom from wires – Wireless Bluetooth
• Phone calls with a built-in mic
• Touchpad Control
• Hidden USB port
• Compatibility to any device
• Replaceable lenses
• Waterproof
• Super light

Zungle Panther Pricing:

• Basic Pack (1 Pair in Any Color): $109
• Double Pack (2 Pairs in Any Colors): $198
• Triple Pack (3 Pairs in Any Colors): $285
• Penta Pack (5 Pairs in Any Colors): $450
• Deca Pack (10 Pairs in Any Colors): $850
• Mega Pack (100 Pairs in Any Colors): $8,000

On Kickstarter, the Super Earlybird and Earlybird packages have both sold out already. Zungle claims the final retail price will be $150. The sunglasses can be shipped anywhere in the world.

Drawbacks:

Like similar headsets, battery life for the Panther isn't fantastic compared to regular 'phones. You'll get around four hours of music playback from the sunglasses before you need to plug them in for an hour to get back to full charge.

Finally....

Zungle did a fantastic job at designing a lightweight pair of high-tech sunglasses without sacrificing the cool-factor. As much as people want the latest and greatest technology, there’s a tendency to overlook innovative gear that makes people look ridiculous. The Panther shades look like a modern version of the Wayfarer and can be personalized with five different color options. You can even customize them further with Oakley Frogskin lenses. The Zungle Panther comes with a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty and a seven-day no-questions-asked return policy.

Never tie your shoelaces again !!!

  In my last shoe related post I reviewed about "Shooz" that believe in one soles with several skins. Today I am talking about shoelaces. Tying shoelaces is one kind of hassle, in a sense it is an extra work we do everyday. To get rid of it "Zubits" come with a new idea that make this work lot easier. Actually "Zubits" is pair of megnets that fasten with laces and replace with bow tie. We can call it magnetic closer.

   I’ve been really impressed with how well the Zubits work! There is no retying to adjust tightness, no shoes getting untied, and no accidental opening. I can take my shoes off by stepping on the heel and popping the magnets apart by tipping my foot forward, then put them back on just by pulling the magnets together over the tongue of the shoe. After I take my shoes off, half the time they’ll magnet to each other, so the pair is easy to find among the shoes in my closet.

What Zubits can Do? / Why you choose it?

• After separate the "zubits" there are three row of shoelaces are disappeared and you get a huge mouth opening to quickly and easily slip into your shoes while in a traditional lace type shoe you need to squeezing, reversing or try to widen your shoes!
• No hassle of tying laces. You just need to pull the magnets together. With using you can step out hands free. In right way of realising shoes zubits create a wide open mouth to slip into next time.
• You can stick your shoes in different places.
• Be comfort in office or home place by pooping the magnets open and wear your shoe loose all day long!
• Zubits magnets are balanced to stay secure during athletic activity, yet remain easy enough to take off with a forceful step on the heel. Zubits magnets bind together with up to 18lbs of force. But Zubits come in three strengths, designed to work with a range of foot sizes and shoe heights, from flats to mid-top (above-the-ankle) boots.
• Don't think of other external metal that can attract by magnets. Because Zubits have a non-magnetic layer of its own that prevents this type of hassle.
• Color choices include basic white or black, pink, blue, brown and gray also available.

Risk Factor:

Although this product is available at amazon.com since 2015 with a good rating and till now it does not have any complain issue in customer review, but there is a risk factor which is explained by its manufacturer. They said "We don't know how Zubits will work on every shoe out there in the world. Heavy or stiff soled shoes like boots could make Zubits pop open incorrectly. Yet sometimes the construction of the upper of these shoes actually helps the Zubits stay closed. Large individuals who make extreme movements might also have problems. Zubits normally work great for most people, but if you are uncertain, we recommend buying stronger Zubits (the next size up), or simply lacing them looser can always work."

Finally....

If tying your shoes does not present a problem or hassle for you, Zubits may not be a good fit. If, however, tying your shoes is problematic in any way, you should give Zubits a look. Customer satisfaction is rather high, with an impressive 4.6-star rating over on Amazon.

World's Smallest 4K Camera with Tilting Screen : MOKACAM ALPHA

As a lonely person I spend my leisure time trawling the internet for new and interesting technology and today my eyes stuck into the Mokacam Alpha. The second generation of Mokacam (Now available in amazon.com). In case you haven’t heard of Mokacam, here’s the skinny – it’s the world’s smallest 4K action camera with dimensions of 45 x 45 x 30mm and a few unique features that make it stand out from the main competitors like GoPro. 

After one year of making Mokacam version 1 , there is new version Mokacam Alpha the 2nd Generation of award winning action camera from Mokacam. They made Alpha smaller and even more powerful with the industry leading Ambarella processor for beautiful 4K video to 120 FPS super slow motion to capture all the action. 

Theye've added a unique dial for more control on the go tilting screen and even a rotating shutter wheel allowing users to change their shutter speed from 1/2000” up to 32”. Actually this 2nd generation Mokacam has two different version, Alpha & Alpha S. Lets have a look into the comparison. 

Compared to GoPro & Hero5 Black

• No Glass in the front of Lens=More Light, Better Image
• No Reflection of Light by Glass=Better Color Reproduction
• Smaller Size=Easier to Wear
• 1/4" Screw Mount=More Flexibility
• Magnet Mount=More Creative

Mokacam α Conclusion

The Alpha and Alpha S are still in the prototype stage, but with full funding already reached, the company anticipates shipping in May. Backers willing to take the risk to help get the prototype going could get the cameras for as much as half off the expected retail price. When all is said and done, Mokacam is an interesting piece of kit with some even more interesting design features. If you’re looking to record your adventures in 4K, you should look elsewhere. However, if you’re looking for a small form factor with innovative design features and a low price tag then the Mokacam is certainly an option for you to consider.

Rethink about your Shoes.

A product that invented for mankind to protect and comfort our feet while we are doing various activities. But nowadays shoes are also used as an item of decoration and fashion. For that reason we all have various types of shoes like one pair for jogging, one for office, one for dating, one for home or relax, etc. If we gather all these shoes, we need an extra luggage and that's why we take only two or three pair of shoes instead of taking all our favorites when we are in travel.

Rethink what a shoe can do

Imagine a shoe that can quickly change the look from casual to dressy, which takes up little space in your bag and suitable both in the city, in the office, walk, travel or home relaxation. Think of that Advanced Commuter Basic Concept (ACBC) design some footwear that improves your commuting and travelling performance. They call it "Shooz". Pretty good idea for modern age. 

How it works actually?

ACBC's innovative and patented modular technology makes it possible to customize, replace and recycle shoe components for optimal use. The shoes consists of two interchangeable parts pocket; an upper portion (skins) and a bottom (soles). By simply changing skins customized shoes for all possible situations.

First, you need to select the soles and then select some skins (for office, home, running, travel, home etc.). Then zip them up. Your shoe is ready for your foot.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

• These shoes are customizable. Mix and match skins and soles to fit any occasion. You can customize your shoe with with a large number of skins for a total of 150 different combinations.
• Also able to store many pairs of shoes in a small space .
• Stop thinking on which shoe to take on next trip. Shooz's skins lay flat and each pair takes the space of a t-shirt.
• Reduce carbon footprint by sharing one sole with different skins.

Minor Cons:

• May have trouble with the zipper. Hope ACBC will think of it and bring a solution. 

Without this Shooz are a unique and pretty good idea that will reduce our many hazards. May be it will be the future of our shoes.

Safer way to run and walk at night : Night Runner 270°

Day by day we move towards a busy life that some of us don't have enough time to workout in day time. Think of that in early February Kickstarter announced Night Runner 270° created by two athletes. In a sense it is a torch light that put on the shoes instead of head. I don't think that Night Runner 270° provides a safer way to run and walk at night. This safety lights, are attached to the shoes and provide 270 degrees of visibility. “Whether you’re night trail running or in an urban environment, you’ll be able to clearly see the path in front of you up to 30 feet. Plus, back-facing red tail lights immediately alert motorists to your location,” states on their about page.
innovative but a cleaver idea. Like me some of us never had any issues with running in the dark if you have a Treadmill. Instead of this everybody must focus on not to get hurt for wrong step in complete darkness.

 

  Feature of  Night Runner 270°

Light Type – Night Runner shoe lights come with two ultra-light LED light units that fasten securely to shoelaces. Each light is low angled, 75-lumen LED beams highlight hazards provide up to 30 meters of visibility. The patent-pending, bi-lateral winged design features 270° of visibility. They can be on low to conserve light for longer runs or when the ground is more simple, high for the most light, and blinking when you just want to use them to be seen. There is also a back light that is red that is kind of wrapped around the side to add to your road visibility from behind.

Weatherproof – The ultimate night running gear lights built to survive in all weather conditions, whether it is heavy rain, extreme heat, or even the coldest of winters.

Battery Life – They have an estimated battery life of 4-8 hours which I would assume is 4 hours on high and 8 hours on blinking or low. There is a really cool USB Y cable that makes it so you can charge two at once from one USB port. As nice as it is to never need batteries that’s also one of those things that gets at me a little since you can’t change the batteries if you grab it and realize it’s dead.

Asset of  Night Runner 270°

• –  Ultra-lightweight LED units (weighing only 1.5 oz. each)
• –  Secure, multi-position shoelace clips that won't fall off
• –  Water-resistant, high-impact casing
• –  Long-lasting 4-hour battery life
• –  Sleek, unobtrusive "wing" design
• –  Rear-facing red tail lights to grab motorists' attention
• –  Li-ion rechargeable battery with micro-USB charging port
• –  150 total lumens for bright night running
• –  30+ feet of hands-free illumination
• –  270 degrees of visibility guaranteed

Drawback of  Night Runner 270°

• –  Sometimes it could be took off from the shoe laces. 
• –  As far as these are plastic molded and having possibility to get scratched. 
• –  if you forget to charge you can’t swap batteries.
• –  You can feel them while running.

Instead of these drawbacks this product is pretty cool but it will not long lasted in the market. It needs some better modification and placing with some extra feature like charging with friction, night direction connected with GPS etc. 

EVERLAST : A notebook that can be reused endless of times

We live in the age of computer where everything is done by a electronic device connected with laptop or other computer related products. But today we talk about a simple product, unexceptionally almost everyone needs one, in fact, we use it since the moment we learnt to hold a pencil. Yes, I talk about "NOTEBOOK". Going back to the past, a notebook contain some pages, simple bound using with owners pen or pencil that have no relation with laptop or computer related products, small enough to carry around, for note taking, sketching, ideas brainstorming, diaries, memorandum, etc. After completed all the pages we bought another one. Sometimes we had different notebook at a time for different subject. Yap , that was the grand father or mother, whatever you say, of today's notebook. 

Today's notebook is little bit different from old one brought to you by Rocketbook-Kickstarter. They call it "Ever-last" like their previous version "Wave Smart Notebook". Designed for the information age, The Everlast Notebook is a smart pen-and-paper notebook that can be reused endless of times. It is cloud connected where you can send those old unused notes to cloud, and wipe them away instantly and magically with just a few drops of water or microwave woven, or blending (!!).

The notebook works with pens from the Pilot Frixion line, a special formulated classic pen with thermochromic ink that disappeared when heated. However unlike its counterpart, Everlast does not designed to withstand high temperature so heating is not recommended. It is made of waterproof synthetic polyester blend, where you can use a moist paper towel to wipe off the content perfectly with no old fainted ink.

Everlast notebooks are compatible with the Rocketbook app. Download their free Rocketbook app on App Store and Google Play. Over the app, configure the destination of each symbols (7 total) to popular cloud services such as Google Drive, Dropbox, Evernote and more. When you have finish writing the content, mark any of the 7 symbols located at the bottom of each page, and scan the pages with Rocketbook app to auto-capture the image. 

Everlast notebooks come in two sizes with a letter size 8.5″ x 11″ notebook with 32 pages are a smaller executive size with 6″ x 8″ pages with 36 sheets in the notebook. Both versions have a dot grid pattern and are made in the USA.

Finally some minor drawbacks. The creators are honest about the fact that if you’re left handed and tend to drag your hand along what you’re writing, you’ll probably smudge it, since the Frixion ink takes several seconds to bond to the “paper.” And if you leave the ink on the page for more than 2 months, Rocketbook suggests do not let the ink sits on notebook for more than 1 month it’ll leave a faint trace. 

The Everlast Notebook isn’t going to change the world but this is a cool way to do the analog-digital thing without actually using any paper.

Travellers' Satisfaction : Smart Travel Bags

Now-a-days everyone seeks a easier life that focus on our regular usable things even when we travel different places. Frequent travelers and luggage geeks can be hard to please when it comes to travel gear, and convenience and quality. Modern travelers want products that add multiple features in their mobile lifestyles. Think of a luggage that has zipperless entry for faster access, USB charging, a built-in measuring scale, and location tracking. Ok. you don't need to think of it. because it has already in the market places. There are different companies who trying to develop these kind of travel bags and some of them brings these out in marketplace. 

 

  1. Trunkster Luggage

A couple from New York have invented these kind of features and Judging by the overwhelming response to this Kickstarter campaign, it is the invention that travelers everywhere have been waiting for.

• The Trunkster suitcase is constructed with a combination of 100% polypropylene and airplane grade aluminum for lightness and durability. The finish is matte and debossed for scratch resistance. Moreover it is also have drop and impact resist ability.
  
• The zipperless entry rolling door is made of compression panels that help withstand rough baggage handling, unlike traditional bookstyle suitcases. This entry is also easy to operate one-handed and is securely locked via the custom TSA-approved combination lock. 
• The aluminum telescopic handle is strong and full width and can be gripped in any position and still let you handle the bag easily. The telescopic arms are positioned at the corners, so they don’t interfere with the packing space inside.
• The inside of the suitcase is completely lined and there is a hidden sleeve pocket for organization of your travel accessories.
• The digital scale is built into the top carry handle of both suitcases. The sensor activates just by lifting the case and you can switch between pounds and kilograms. It is a heavy duty scale and is water resistant.
  

• Even if you become separated from your luggage, you’ll always know where it is so you can get it back easily. You can track your bag through an app or any web browser without even a subscription. You initially get 3 traces and you can buy more after that. Through blue-tooth, you can monitor your bag whenever it is in close proximity, like on the conveyor belt.The tracking device is removable if you don’t need it. The tracker’s battery lasts over 15 days if fully charged.
• With the USB charging feature on the carry on bag, you get a removable 10,400 mAH battery with 3 amps charging output, two integrated USB ports and a charging cable. You can upgrade the power bank whenever you want without replacing the entire suitcase. The one you get here is capable of charging up to 8 iPhones.

2. Space Case One

Space case one coming from planet travelers. "We believe luggage doesn’t have to be boring. With an assortment of colors, textures, and patterns, Planet Traveler has set out to design the most fashionable smart luggage in the world. Inspired by our heritage of award-winning design, the Space Case 1 is an extension of your personal style." said planet travelers. 

• Light Weight: The ultralight Space Case 1 outer shell is made of polycarbonate. With its light weight and practically indestructible properties, it can withstand exposure to UV radiation and is resistant to heat and cold ranging from +125° down to -100°C / +260° to -150°F. Another distinctive feature of this innovative material is its tremendous flexibility, the suitcase shell yield to pressure but immediately returns to their original form when pressure subsides. Quality that can give you a peace of mind.

• Signature Wheels: The Space Case 1 glides on smooth multi directional 360º wheels. Our signature designed wheel hub holds a 2.25” diameter rubber wheel providing smooth and stable motion.
• Zeeper & expansion: The Space Case 1 has high quality waterproof zippers with polyurethane covering that will withstand exposure to the elements, protecting your belongings. In addition The Space Case 1's spacious main compartment expands 2" to add 25% extra packing capacity.
• Digital bio lock: Unlock the case with the touch of your finger print through biometric scanner or through use of the Planet Traveler app!
  
• Global Tracker: Never worry about losing your luggage again! Know the location of your luggage at all times through our Global Tracker application.
• Digital self scale: You never need to worry about overweight fees again. Our Digital Self Scale weighs your suitcase even without you lifting the case! Incredible innovation and design has led us to build the sensors into the wheels so you are hands free and the weight is visible on your Planet Traveler app.

• Power bank: Charge your phone over 7 times or more with 15,000 mAh of power! 2 external USB charging ports and a USB charging port in the front pocket, this massive power bank will keep all electronic gadgets alive on your travels.
• Bluetooth speakerphone: Work on your computer and relax while talking to friends in the privacy of your hotel room with our handsfree speakerphone or listen to your favorite tune with our high quality speaker system. Truly amazing!
• Anti-theft: Receive a text when your luggage arrives at the carousel! A proximity sensor let's you know when your suitcase is in your area or leaves your area. With our Anti-Theft feature you can arm your suitcase and in the event it leaves your area you will receive an alert to your phone along with the case sounding an alarm.
  
• Personal concierge: See if your flight is on time? know your gate number? status of car rental and hotel. Even book flights and car rental all through the Planet Traveler app. Virtual concierge!