Topgolf’s new driving range tech tracks ball trajectory just like they do on TV
Using the same technology shown during PGA tournaments, Topgolf's Toptracer ranges are looking to make the driving range a more modern practice and party facility by offering statistical insights, along with plenty of games for more casual fans. Birthday parties will never be the same.
The world’s most eco-friendly shoes are made of algae, cork, and bison fur
The Jasper Wool Eco Chukka claims to be the world's most eco-friendly shoe. Designed as a collaboration between Sole and United By Blue, the shoes use recycled wine corks, foam made from algae, bison fur insulation, and other recycled materials, which has earned them more than $100,000 on Kickstarter.
Volkswagen offers a pair of cool scooter designs for zipping around town
Volkswagen has unveiled a couple of nifty scooter concepts for zipping around town. The smaller, sleeker Cityskater can reach speeds of 12 mph and has a range of 9 miles, while the heftier Streetmate can hit 28 mph and travel 21 miles. Both designs will be shown off at this week's Geneva Motor Show.
This zippy electric trike is about to join the ridesharing revolution
Electric rideables that we share with others are changing the way we get around cities. Bikes and scooters are the main options offered by app-powered services like Lime and Jump, but a lesser-known outfit based in South Carolina is about to add nifty little trikes to its fleet.
Google Maps adds Lime bike and scooter feature to more cities globally
Google Maps recently added a feature that helps you find Lime bikes and scooters more easily. Following a limited launch, the company has rolled it out to more than 80 cities globally. The feature also offers information such as how long it’ll take to walk to the two-wheeler, ride cost, and journey time.
This tent is versatile enough for ground, air, and water
The Tentsile Universe is finally available, giving campers a true "all-terrain" tent that allows them to camp on the ground in traditional fashion, in the air suspended from trees like a hammock, or floating out on the water. The Universe runs $1800 but is large enough for a small family to use comfortably and safely.
Lime scooter fault can cause sudden excessive braking when going downhill
Lime has acknowledged a serious fault with its electric scooters that has caused a small number of them to suddenly brake while going downhill, in some cases causing injuries to riders. The company is urging users to ride with caution as it continues to roll out a software fix to Lime scooters around the world.
This feature-packed parka includes a Wi-Fi hot spot to keep you plugged in
The Norrland Parka is a winter jacket that comes with a ton of features, including a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, a USB port, a battery pack, and dedicated pockets for smartphones and tablets. It also includes water- and wind-resistant fabrics, YKK zippers, hand-warming pockets, a pocket for sunglasses, and much more.
SeaBubbles’ new electric hydrofoil boat is the aquatic equivalent of a Tesla
What do you get if you combine Tesla-style electric vehicles, flying cars and a cool sleek water-going vessel? Probably something a bit like SeaBubbles, the French 'flying' boat startup which offers a distinctly 21st-century electric take on the classic hydrofoil. Check it out.
High-tech but low-key, these are the amazing materials inside your outdoor gear
From Gore-Tex to Primaloft, we take a comprehensive look at some of the best and most popular materials that are used in the construction of outdoor gear. These fabrics, insulators, and other items are integrated into our favorite outdoor gear, keeping us warmer, dryer, and more comfortable in the harshest conditions imaginable.
With Ariv ebike, GM cycles into a new market
When General Motors launched a public campaign last year to name its new ebike brand, many wondered if Bikey McBikeface might win out. But it didn't. Instead, it's called Arīv, and the two bikes are up for pre-order this week. One is foldable and one isn't, and each has a range of about 40 miles.
The Naseka electric snowmobile is built for kids, but you’ll likely want one too
The Naseka electric snowmobile claims to be the first to its kind. Designed for kids, the vehicle includes a snow blade in the front and a single track in the back, allowing riders to travel at speeds up to 9 miles per hour thanks to its 800-watt motor and rechargeable lithium battery.
These wireless earbuds use an A.I. to get you moving faster
The new Blade wireless earbuds from Soul deliver good sound and battery life while also offering the ability to track your heart rate during a workout without the need for a heart rate sensor. The earbuds also offer A.I. coaching to improve running form and fitness in general.
Keep the rain away and the bugs at bay with this hybrid camping hammock
The new Kammock Mantis hammock is a lightweight all-in-one solution that includes a rainfly, built-in insect netting, onboard storage, and tree-friendly straps, to create a complete and comfortable camping system that is lightweight, easy to set up and very approachable for beginner and experienced backpackers alike.
Uber’s bikesharing service is eating into its regular business
A bikesharing service acquired by Uber nearly a year ago is causing riders to take fewer car journeys with the company. It is, however, part of the plan as Uber looks to offer an urban mobility platform that offers an array of integrated transportation options via the Uber app.
Skullcandy turns to action sports with the Vert Bluetooth earbuds
The Skullcandy Vert is a new Bluetooth wireless device that allows action sports athletes to listen to music while outdoors. The device pairs with any smartphone, can use any earbuds, and clips to a helmet, backpack, or belt to provide up to 12 hours of audio playback on a single charge.
Tokyo 2020 is on track to create Olympic medals with recycled electronics
The committee behind the Tokyo 2020 Olympics has revealed that it is on target to be able to forge all winning athletes’ gold, silver and bronze medals from recycled electronics waste, consisting of discarded and obsolete electronic devices such as smartphones and laptops.
Strava joins Slopes to record your ski and snowboard stats
Fitness-tracking app Strava joined forces with ski and snowboard app Slopes to track a user's metrics while on the hill. The collaboration allows Strava-loving skiers and snowboarders to not just measure their speed, distance, and vert, but it also creates 3D maps of each run.
Shark attack: Drone-based research may help ease swimmers’ fears
Researchers in Australia used drones to learn more about what kinds of sea creatures come close the shore, and their findings may go some way to easing the fears of swimmers worried about shark attacks. Fact is, that mysterious creature you saw glide by is far more likely to be a dolphin.
Puma’s self-lacing sports shoe gives Nike’s Adapt BB a run for its money
Puma has unveiled a self-lacing shoe to take on Nike's Adapt BB. The fit can be adjusted via a smartphone app or the Apple Watch, with additional changes possible via a small touchpad on the top of the shoe. Puma's "Fi" footwear launches with a $330 price tag, $20 cheaper than Nike's offering.
Bank robbery suspect uses Jump scooter as getaway vehicle, gets caught
A man accused of robbing a bank reportedly fled the scene on an electric scooter operated by Jump. Trouble is, the suspect used his regular Jump account to rent the two-wheeler, making it a whole lot easier for cops to track him down. Uber, which owns Jump, is believed to have helped in the investigation.
Hydro Flask’s Journey backpack can keep your water cold for hours
The Hydro Flask Journey is the first hydration pack that was designed to keep your water cold and fresh for hours on end. The pack was designed with mountain bikers in mind and features insulated fabrics, a specially designed hydration reservoir, and reflective insulation.
Is Uber planning to put its self-driving tech into bikes and scooters?
Uber may have its eye on building autonomous e-bikes and scooters for its two-wheeled rental services. A rider could summon a bike or scooter with an app, with the vehicle also able to return by itself to a depot for recharging. The tech could also be used to make vehicles safer via obstacle sensors.
Nike’s Adapt BB shoes let you tighten your laces with an iPhone
The new Nike Adapt BB shoes use self-lacing technology to connect to a smartphone, giving users the ability to not only tighten their laces using an iPhone but also set different levels of tightness based on situations occurring during a game, tuning performance and comfort as needed throughout the competition.
Cyberfishing Smart Rod Sensor transforms normal fishing rods into data recorders
The Cyberfishing Smart Rod Sensor, on display at CES 2019, upgrades normal fishing rods into smarter versions of themselves. The device, which is easily attached through couple of heavy duty rubber bands, will work with a companion app to record data, including fishing hotspots and trophy fish details.
This iceless cooler looks like a Mars rover, keeps beer cold for a week
Furrion's Rova uses lithium-ion batteries and a compressor to keep beverages cold for up to a week with no ice, meaning you can skip the 7-11 run and cut straight to camping. It also charges gadgets and looks like it came straight from a Halo game.
North Face’s new waterproof fabric makes Gore-Tex look downright primitive
The North Face has taken the wraps off of a new material called Futurelight that it says is the most waterproof, breathable, and eco-friendly fabric ever created. So breathable, in fact, that it reportedly eliminates condensation in a jacket or tent altogether, keeping the user drier and more comfortable as a result.
Artificial intelligence helps Callaway shape a better golf club
When Callaway decided it was time to create a new driver for golfers, it did away with traditional design methods in favor of using artificial intelligence. The result was a new head shape unlike anything they had seen before, but it came with more power and distance, giving golfers as much a 5 to 10 percent more range.
Nobody asked for an Alexa-powered bicycle, but Cybic Legend built one anyway
Amazon Alexa goes mobile this summer as part of the new Cybic Legend smartbike. The bicycle comes equipped with the digital assistant, which can not only answer questions but will also provide updates on traffic and navigation via a 3G always-on cellular connection. The bike will be exclusive to the U.K. for now.
Google’s new Street View backpack offers better imagery in a lighter package
Higher-quality imagery is coming to Street View thanks to a new design for Google's Trekker backpack. The kit, which enables Street View to capture imagery from more places, now has better-quality camera sensors and is lighter than before. Google rebuilt the kit after listening to feedback from users.
Google Maps makes it easier than ever to find a Lime bike or scooter
Google Maps has added a new feature that helps you find a Lime bike or scooter in just a few taps. It also lets you know the estimated cost of your trip and the approximate time of arrival. The feature currently works in 11 U.S. cities served by Lime, with more coming next year.
Puma revives its classic 1986 smart shoe, complete with high-tech heel hump
More marketing stunt than serious effort to dominate the smart shoe space, Puma is about to re-release its classic RS-Computer Shoe. The high-tech footwear from 1986 was a breakthrough at the time, allowing runners to measure time, distance, and calories expended, before uploading the data to a PC.
Forget pumps. This innovative filter purifies H2O in 8 seconds flat
The Grail Geopress is a quick, easy, and efficient water purification system that can create 24 ounces of clean drinking water in seconds, removing 99.99 percent of all viruses, bacteria, and cysts. The system can purify up to 5 liters per minute, making it an indispensable companion for travelers.
Lime’s dockless electric bikes land in London, but its scooters aren’t allowed
Lime has landed in London with its dockless bikesharing service. The pedal-assisted electric bikes are unlocked using Lime's smartphone app and can reach speeds of 15 mph. It plans to have 1,000 bikes on the streets of the capital before the end of the year, with more planned for 2019.