Rocky Mountain Tracking

Daily GPS News

Sports Watch Meets GPS Tracking Device

May 15th, 2013

If you’re a gadget person, or even if you’re not, you’ll have to admit this latest addition to the GPS tracking device market is pretty cool. The Switch series watches for athletes, the newest crossover navigational tool is being premiered in Europe. This handy piece of technology not only tells you where you are and how to get to where you want to go, but also helps you meet your fitness performance goals.

Fitness Watch/Training Tool

This combination watch and GPS tracking device is tailored especially for those who participate in outdoor sports such as running, swimming, biking and other related activities. It’s available through select retailers and, of course, the European distribution network. The Switch and Switch Up watches record performance data for multisport athletes, who may also upload and track their data online using metrics, maps and intuitive charts– all from one spot on the globe.

Stay on Target

Runners will find this crossover watch/GPS especially useful. It includes such innovative features as an “Activity Pacer” which monitors whether the runner is on track with the goal and offers specific targets to get the desired result. As a navigational tool, it allows you to mark and save locations and navigate back to an original spot. You can also configure calories spent based on time, heart rate, speed and distance. Nine customizable sport profiles add to the watch’s appeal.

Bonus Features

If you choose the Switch Up watch, you get a fully loaded product that, in addition to all the features on the Switch watch, also tells you temperature and barometric pressure. Other available accessories include a quick release mount for wrist and bike to allow for easy transition between activities. If you need more than eight hours of battery life, you can buy the optional battery extender pack.

Athlete Friendly

You can tell that this fitness tool is designed for active people: it has an easy-to-read, high resolution display to increase its visibility on the run. The battery’s endurance is eight hours, making its power last as long as the activity. The GPS receiver is highly sensitive so you can depend on its accuracy. Going for a swim, or participating in a triathlon? That should be no problem for the Switch: it is water resistant to 50 meters. It is also compatible with ANT+ sensors, so you can coordinate it with your other technology. This clever sports watch, with its wide range of appeal should be a good fit for many.

GPS on A Bicycle

May 8th, 2013

When one hears the term, “Global Positioning Satellite”, one might typically think of personal vehicle navigation systems or huge dishes floating in orbit thousands of miles above the earth. We all know that we use GPS for quite a spectrum of tasks, it is true. But for the most part, when speaking of using GPS systems in our day to day lives, we tend not to think of much past the bigger and broader applications. That is why, perhaps, it would be strange to some people to think of cyclists using GPS systems on their bicycles. All the same, the addition of GPS units is a growing trend among cycling enthusiasts and includes many attractive features.

Why would it be helpful for a cyclist to have a GPS system on their apparatus? Many bicycle enthusiasts have lauded the GPS unit available to them as indispensable in planning future routes or in planning alternate paths. GPS allows cyclists to save time and potential frustration by cancelling the need for stops to double check map reading. Perhaps best of all the elements made available to cyclists when the add a GPS system to their bike, there is no longer the constant recurring struggle with the question, “Did we just miss the turn back there?”

Route sharing is another attractive feature, allowing cyclists to connect with one another and create groups online. By creating accounts through internet websites, users of bicycle GPS units can upload favorite routes for sharing, learn about unfamiliar areas through the route experiences of other cyclists, and plan events or meet-ups with friends.

And then there is the element inherent in most GPS systems of today; tracking. How often does one hear of a bike being stolen? And how often does one hear a stolen bike being retrieved successfully? GPS units on bicycles have a definite knack not only for planning route to rides with fellow cyclists, but also for tracking a stolen or missing apparatus. GPS systems for tracking can be easily attached to bicycles and do not prove to be any sort of hindrance to the cyclist during regular riding usage.

Be it for route navigation and planning or for retrieval and tracking of a stolen apparatus, GPS systems for bicycles are quickly becoming invaluable to the cyclist of today.

Bike Spike Provides GPS Tracking Security For Cyclists

April 30th, 2013

Bike riding is popular all over the world. It provides great exercise, fresh air and low-cost, environmentally-friendly transportation. In fact, my husband and I just bought ourselves a pair of beach cruisers with our tax return. We love to ride our bikes along the beach and around town. The only reason I don’t take my bike out more often is because I’m afraid it will be stolen. We have bike locks and take precautions, but I’ve known many cautious people who’ve become the victims of bike theft. Some savvy entrepreneurs teamed up and came up with a GPS tracking device for bicycles designed to provide a little extra peace of mind for bike owners like my husband and me.

The device is called Bike Spike and was funded by KickStarter, an online forum for funding independent projects. Anything from music, design, art, games, films and technology can be funded through KickStarter. The only catch is that in order to get any funding, the project must meet it’s goal within the set timeline. According to the site, about 44% of the projects at KickStarter meet their goals. Bike Spike managed to meet their $150,000 goal and are working on making the product available at around $150.

Bike Spike has developed a GPS tracking device, which doubles as (and is disguised under) a cup holder that attaches to the bars under the seat. The tracking device connects to your smartphone and records all kinds of useful information. Bike riders can record and publish their mileage, speed, route and more. This information can be used to compare with fellow cyclists or simply for one’s own fitness records. Competitive cyclists can use the distance and speed information to better their performance.

The other primary use for Bike Spike is the extra security provided by a tracking device. If you finish lunch, shopping, or a movie and return to the bike rack to find your bike missing, the Bike Spike tracker could help recover your bike. Simply access the Bike Spike smartphone app to locate the GPS device. With any luck, the thief didn’t think to remove the unit. Using security bolts to attach the tracking device will make it more difficult to remove the device should a thief try to remove it.

SkyCaddie Releases 2013 Sport Series Rangefinder Line

April 22nd, 2013

Spring is upon us, and that means a return to the links. If you’re looking to improve your golf game this season, check out SkyCaddie’s new line of rangefinders.

The Sport Series lineup: the SkyCaddie Aire, Gimme, Voice, and Watch. This means you’re sure to find the golfing GPS device that suits your needs whether you’re a beginning or professional golfer, who’ll love the wireless SkyCaddie SGXw.

The Sport Series comes ready to use right out of the box, pre-loaded with SkyCaddie’s complimentary ‘Par’ Membership. This gives users ‘Front, Middle, and Back’ distance data for 30,000 golf courses all over the world that SkyCaddie has mapped on foot. For instance, there are over 3,300 courses mapped in Ireland and Great Britain, which represents a little over 99% of the total number of golf courses.

The managing director in the UK for SkyCaddie, Jacqui Surman, said, “The Sport Series is for golfers who want more simplicity, without compromising on the unquestionable accuracy and reliabillity which comes with all SkyCaddies. With a range of prices starting at just £129, now there truly is a SkyCaddie for everyone.”

The Watch

Lightweight, versatile, and comfortable, the GPS device Watch offers a highly readable interface and intelligent automation, along with auto-distance update; auto-course recognition; auto-hole advance; and training options for running, walking, and biking including calorie counter and odometer. Wear it like your everyday watch as it offers a calendar, alarm clock, and stopwatch.

The Gimme

Featuring a high-resolution 2.2-inch color display that is readable in sunlight, the handheld Gimme features large and bright numbers in a compact-sized package.

The Voice

If you’re looking to play better, try out the Voice. This GPS device provides distance information in a variety of languages. It is small in size, and features a clip to attach it to your visor, belt, or hat. The SkyCaddie Voice will announce to you distance to the center of the green by a single tap. Tap twice, and it will announce front-and back-of-green distances.

The Aire

The Aire is a smaller handheld device, offering the same pre-loaded maps and features as the rest of the series, with included calorie counter and odometer.

Pick up the SkyCaddie GPS Watch for $199.95. The Gimme is available for pre-order for $169.95, as well as The Aire for $129.95. The Voice is offered for $149.95.

RunKeeper for Android Gets Facelift

April 18th, 2013

Do you use the RunKeeper app, whether iOS or Android? The Boston, MA based GPS tracking app company boasts over 17 million users in over 200 countries worldwide, all thanks to the fact they are now offering the Android version of the app in six additional languages – Spanish, French, Italian, German, Japanese, and Brazilian Portuguese.

Their Android 3.2 update brings more than just additional languages to the digital table. The company wanted to freshen up the GPS tracking app “with Android design guidelines and best practices in mind,” according to a company spokesperson.

To that end, the user interface was overhauled to be more pleasing to the eye while at the same time showing you the information you want to see most often, front and center. A new ‘Me’ tab showcases your personal records, progress, and activity tally over a period of time.

Also added to the app: the ability to schedule in your next workout and receive reminders to annoy you into action, in case you feel like skipping out.

The updated RunKeeper Android GPS app added the ability to view your pace per mile, kilometer, or workout interval at any point during your workout. This is definitely a handy feature for the runner looking to challenge their personal best, as it keeps you informed as to how fast you are running and at the same time how fast you should be going in order to beat your record.

Adam Stroud, lead Android developer for RunKeeper, said, “During the development process, we took the opportunity to not only rethink how our app looks, but also to rethink how we deliver it to our users…While refreshing each and every screen in our app, we took special care to ensure that the RunKeeper experience is in line with the overall Android user experience.”

The updated Android RunKeeper app also offers sharing your workout on Facebook and Twitter, as well as the ability to earn badges for RunKeeper Elite users.

GPS Tracking In Rugby

April 6th, 2013

GPS tracking has been used in numerous applications, but the constantly developing technology is now being applied to the sport of rugby. While this may seem rather surprising, a look at the data that coaches can gather by using such equipment makes its value quite obvious.

The Sport

Rugby is a very physical sport. Although similar in some ways to American football, rugby has a number of differences. Most obviously, rugby players wear no padding and little or no headgear. Instead of the separate offensive, defensive, and special teams of American football, rugby players must quickly switch between offense and defense. Teams are only allowed a limited number of substitutions per game. If a player is injured after the team has used up their substitutions, they must play shorthanded. Another difference is in the guidelines for ball movement. The rules of rugby do not permit the ball to be passed forward (toward the goal). This means that the ball must be advanced primarily by players running with the ball. It is obvious from this brief overview of the game that physical fitness and conditioning is very important for players of this sport.

How GPS Helps

Through the use of GPS tracking, coaches are able to gather valuable data to help them make decisions both during training and in the actual matches. Each player wears a small GPS device that records his location and speed throughout the competition. The device also reports the athlete’s heart rate at any given moment. By evaluating this data during practices, coaches can assess how much effort a player is expending, his level of physical conditioning, and whether he is improving or declining. This allows the coach to tailor the training program to the needs of each athlete. In a match, the coaching staff is easily able to recognize when a player is tiring or his play is declining, requiring a substitution. In addition, the tracker even helps them evaluate the severity of a collision between players.

An Example

Recently, the national rugby sevens team in Kenya has announced that they will be utilizing this technology. They are hoping that the data provided by this equipment will enable coaches to make educated decisions on the field and ultimately improve their overall play.

The use of GPS tracking in rugby certainly seems to be a valuable service. The data gathered by these devices is quite accurate and comprehensive. It will be interesting to watch for application of this technology to other team sports in the future.

GPS Sports Watch With Added Features Enhances Athletes’ Workouts

April 5th, 2013

What do engineers previously employed at Nokia who are also workout warriors do with their time? Design one of most advanced GPS tracking sports watches to date, apparently. Featuring a detailed screen two inches wide and composed of Gorilla Glass, the Leikr displays its maps in color. Besides the given workout regimens and statistics options, the Leikr GPS sports watch also provides users with connection to the Endomondo web athletic community, Wi-Fi, a proprietary designed of-the-moment GPS tracking system, and an exceptionally long battery life (for the hard-core, long distance athlete).

Sports Watches’ Enhanced Quality Make Training Easier than Ever

As with many previous GPS sports watches, the new generation will maintain many of the usual features including workout route mapping, speed, direction, and altitude, and comparative statistics like best personal record, best lap time, and fastest pace to date. But, unlike the watches that are geared mostly toward running and triathlon athletes, this one will encompass cycling, hiking, and, because it will be not only water resistant but also significantly waterproof (level IPX8), swimming. Testers of the new sports watch technology are confident the Leikr GPS watch will even eventually support swimming stroke recognition because of its included “3-D accelerometer.” In addition, the new GPS sports watches differ from previous models in that, instead of the standard two to eight hours or so of battery power, their batteries are designed to last at least six hours before any post-release upgrades and provide as much as 24 nonstop hours of GPS accessibility.

The color screen will be backlit, so even in the most intense noon day sun the watch’s contrast resolution should adjust automatically. The choice mapping system used is Openstreet, free and downloadable, so users will not only have worldwide access to maps for route planning but will also be able to design or download their own customized ones. The creators of the GPS sports watch are designing it with the intention of Bluetooth connectivity as well as to other similar technologies. As mentioned before, the Leikr GPS sports watch is set to accommodate Wi-Fi, specifically uploading to the Endomondo platform, and will support .TCX files, enabling export compatibility with almost all like training electronic equipment.

GPS Navigation by Vibration

April 4th, 2013

Bicyclists are part of a growing group of users of GPS navigation systems. However, a new device developed by the University of Amsterdam may change the way in which cyclists utilize this technology.

The Problem

Using a GPS to navigate unfamiliar territory on a bicycle is typically a somewhat complicated process. First, the cyclist must input his destination into his smartphone, then he must attach the device to the handlebar of his bicycle. As he sets out on his ride, he must refer often to the screen of his smartphone to learn the direction he should take. This frequent checking distracts the cyclist from his primary focus on the road, which can result in accidents or near misses. In addition, the glare of outside light obscures the screen of the smartphone, and traffic noise makes hearing the voice of the GPS system nearly impossible.

A Potential Solution

Recognizing these problems, Dutch researchers at the University of Amsterdam set out to develop a device that would enable cyclists to keep their focus on the road ahead and on the environment around them. This device, called a vibrobelt, is designed to be worn around the rider’s waist. Once the cyclist selects his destination using the GPS navigation system of his smartphone, he does not need to refer to the screen again. Instead, the vibrobelt at his waist guides him along his route by providing directional nudges just prior to each necessary turn. This guidance enables the rider to keep his head up and aware of his surroundings and eliminates the frequent checks of his smartphone.

The Test

To try out their idea, researchers had twenty volunteers navigate unfamiliar routes using both methods — the vibrobelt and a standard GPS display on a smartphone mounted on the handlebars. Both approaches enabled the cyclists to successfully reach their destinations, but there was one major difference. After their ride, the volunteers were asked questions about the landmarks they had passed along their route. Those who used the vibrobelt had observed significantly more of their surroundings than those who referred to their smartphone display. This difference seems to indicate that the vibrobelt achieved its goal of keeping cyclists focused on their environment rather than on their handlebars, thus improving their safety. This new technology may be an important advance in the field of GPS navigation.

Bryton Incorporated Chooses u-blox GPS For Sports Monitoring Equipment

March 22nd, 2013

Bryton Incorporated, the Taiwan-based manufacturer of GPS devices designed to monitor select sports (cycling, outdoor adventure, fitness, and athletic training), has announced they’ve chosen the UBX-G6010 GPS single-chip manufactured by u-blox to bring location-aware features to their devices.

Wolf Lin, President at Bryton Incorporated, said “At Bryton, we understand the mindset of sport enthusiast, and know exactly what they are looking for when they shop for electronic equipment to enhance their exercise experience: it must be smart, small, attractive, accurate, dependable, and packed with interesting and useful features that make their workouts more fun and informative.”

Why u-blox? Lin said, “u-blox’ extremely small GPS chip solution requires very few external components, meaning we don’t need to allocate much space in our products to achieve state-of-the-art, extremely sensitive GPS positioning capability. Another primary feature is long battery life. Thanks to u-blox’ low power chip design with sophisticated power saving modes, the GPS receiver, which must be active much of the time, requires only a small fraction of the device’s power.”

Prior to choosing u-blox’ GPS single-chip solution, Bryton scrutinized top GPS technology vendors using four criteria: small size, high sensitivity, low-power consumption, and upgradability.

The company’s products fall into two categories: rider, a line of waterproof computers built for bikes that aid in navigation while at the same time keeping track of GPS location, elevation, route history, distance, heart rate, and calorie usage; and cardio, a line of sports watches for runners that rely on GPS technology to monitor pace, time, stride, distance, lap information, and more.

Ski Goggles Incorporate GPS Tracking to Gather User Data

March 13th, 2013

British-Columbia-based company Recon Instruments is using GPS tracking to take designer ski goggles to a whole new technological level. The goggles use “heads-up display” instrumentation, which includes sensors and GPS receivers, to gather statistical data for serious skiers like velocity and slope descent information and is run by a controller attached to either the wrist or goggle’s strap.

Oakley Airwaves

This set looks sleek, and it probably should, considering the $600 price tag; the Airwaves allow skiers to hit the slopes to measure rate of speed and distance; the lenses are protected to prevent fogging over and keeps skiers’ eyes shielded from up to 100% UV rays. Other features of the “heads-up display” (which shows on the lower right of the inside lens) include altitude /downhill measurement and hook-up to a smartphone to receive text messages or phone calls and play music (for instance, from iTunes).

Smith I/O Recons

Smith’s goggles contain much of the same features as the Airwaves and cost around $650. In addition, the Recons allow for the swapping out of multiple lenses depending on sunshine or cloudy skies and, on the non-distracting “heads-up display,” include a time-telling feature on the lens screen.

Zeal Optic Z3s

Costing around $550, the Zeal Optic Z3s are reportedly the best functioning, most reliable of the three but do not have the large array of measuring statistics the others do. Unlike the Oakleys, the Optics cannot hook up to smartphone technology. They do however have lenses with a “Polarized Automatic” element which adjusts to outdoor light levels automatically.

Weighing in on the Verdict–Are the Goggles Worth the $450+?

One author (and serious skier) tried all three models. His conclusion? Very faulty equipment for the price. The Oakleys, even after rectifying his experience with the manufacturers, would not charge up for days on end and gave him cryptic error messages, nor would the device allow the controller to close out an initial program (even forcibly) or restart the goggle software. In short, he wasn’t even able to use the GPS technology on the goggles. The Smiths after a few days wouldn’t exit out of the tutorial program for hours and contained other errors in the GPS program. The author had few problems with the Zeals, until the time came to transfer the goggle-GPS-recorded data to his online account, for instance recording the wrong (previously set) date and the wrong distance skied for various days.

The data doesn’t justify the price for the usage you get from it, and the information gathered doesn’t really help improve performance (unless, perhaps, you’re an Olympic skier). But with all the bugs worked out, the future GPS technology goggles will be a cool gadget for hardcore skiers.