AT&T has announced that it will provide wireless service for Exmovere's Exmobaby pajamas, which bring a unique twist on baby monitoring. The pajamas integrate a number of sensors, tracking an infant's vital signs, such as heart rate and skin temperature, along with environmental factors including humidity and movement.
Tagg the Pet Tracker is the first product from Snaptracs, a new Qualcomm subsidiary devoted to using advanced GPS and wireless technology to keep pet owners abreast of where their pets are, with automatic notification if they leave a pre-defined zone. Powered by a rechargeable battery intended to last 30 days, the durable device attaches to a pet's collar and features a "trip" button so that pets can go on walks or rides without sending an alert.
James Associates has launched a new version of its GPS syncing and viewing software for the Mac, MacGPS Pro 8.4. The application is designed to interface between GPS receivers and the Mac, providing users with a real-time on-screen display of their current location and speed, and transferring information such as routes, waypoints and track-logs. In the latest update support has been added for the Garmin Oregon GPS receivers, along with U.S. Forest Service 24K Topo Maps.
Security company BlackLine GPS has introduced the Seeker, a GPS-based vehicle tracking device designed to help recover a vehicle if it is stolen. The device constantly monitors the vehicle's location relative to a GPS security perimeter. If a thief moves the vehicle outside of the perimeter, the owner receives a SMS alert message while the company's Recovery Service works with the police to help find the vehicle.
Nike recently unveiled the Nike+ SportBand, confirming earlier reports that the company would release a "sans iPod" version of its fitness tracking system. According to MacLife, the SportBand functions similarly to the iPod combination set, where it can measure time, speed, distance, and calories consumed. The system supposedly writes this information to a USB memory stick for upload to a computer. Nike will sell the SportBand for €60 (~$95), and will ship in April.
Samsung and Adidas are teaming up to compete with Apple and Nike's Nike+iPod program, and have today introduced the miCoach workout tracking system. The miCoach system combines the miCoach phone with a heartrate monitor and stride sensor to provide accurate feedback about workout activities. Pricing was not announced, but the miCoach system will be available in Europe mid-March.
Nike and Apple are refreshing their Nike+iPod offerings this summer, by working with Life Fitness, Precor, Star Trac, and Technogym, with the goal of making exercise equipment compatible with the workout tracking system. Users will be able to attach their iPod nano directly to a number of different treadmills, elliptical trainers, stationary bikes, and stair climbers, and utilize the same statistic and objective tracking that is offered by the stand-alone kit.
Security tracking software designed at Waikato University aided in the recovery of a stolen iMac, which was taken from the home of a computer support group worker. Stuff.co.nz reports that the software took pictures of the thief when the iMac was set up again, using the built-in iSight, and was able to pinpoint the machine's location to within 100 metres. The Police were able to arrest the man who stole the computer, and he is now facing a court hearing.
Pharos Science and Applications today announced a new geologging hardware product called Pharos Trips and Pics, which is designed to interface with any digital camera. Trips and Pics allows users to do a photo catalogue of their travels for personal or professional purposes. By using the iGPS-500 receiver with a pocket battery unit, users can upload the post-trip data to their computers through USB, where Trips and Pics presents a step-by-step set of download instructions. Pharos Trips and Pics will be available for purchase at major retail outlets in January for $90.
