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Nike just launched its Nike+ SportBand. This band shows you your distance, pace, running time, and calories burned when mated with a Nike+ running shoe. Unlike GPS based units this one can be used indoor also.This latest version is water resistant, easier to read display and comes in many colors. This device also links to iPod Nano, Touch or iPhone to hear your data as you run. This is nifty for a mere $59.00.
QIO Systems is now offering textile touch pads for fashion fabricators. Using Elektex and SOFTswitch technology, and is completely fabric. That means that it can be washed and dry cleaned. Even though it is washable, it is rated at up to 100,000 keypresses.
Next to the fabric keypad QIO Systems offers a wide range of electronic modules with control functions for the iPod, Bluetooth cell phones, wearable radio, Push-to-talk solutions and complete solution for integrated heating and integrated lighting into garments and soft goods.
Celio comes out of the gate with this trendy tech suit. The Celio Club Suit is an iPod enabled suit using QIO Systems SOFTSwitch. The controls are inside the breast of the suit and and the dock is discretely located. For $277.00 you can get the jacket alone or add $92.70 for the matching pants. Fancy.
The Voltage iPod Messenger Bag is a high quality connected bag. These sharp looking bags have Fibretronic CONNECTEDwear controls built in and can control both iPods and iPhones. Featuring Fibretronic’s new controls in its shoulder strap, it now has a click feel to the push.
The five button controls on both bags include the functions: On/Off/Play/Pause, Prev/Next and volume Up/Down. The new Voltage bags work with all 30-pin iPods including iPod touch and iPhone. Currently the Voltage bag controller only operates the iPod part of the iPhone and does not allow to make/answer calls, something that would be on my ‘must have’ list in a next version. Colors are Black/Red, Orange/Pistachio and Beige/Blue. Pony up that $119.00 and get one.
These BoomBags come in two styles, Walkman and boombox. All you have to do it connect the 3.5mm jack to your device and drop it in the pocket. There are no batteries or anything required. BoomBag measures 11.8×5.9×3.9″ and is $39.79, the Walkman is 5.9×4.3×2″ and costs $19.84. Both are available at ShinyShack.com.
Xara iPlay iPod Warm-up Jacket is a nice addition to you sport gear collection. This soccer brand has created a logically designed affordable jacket. With sleeve mounted iPod controls, smart cord managment, and a $99.99 price tag, you cannot go wrong. Available in Mens or Womens.
UK retailer Republic has released its Crafted iPod Jacket. This bomber jacket is made of metallic yarn and has a crushed look. Sleeve mounted controls and iPod pocket are integrated nicely. The softswitch technology is from Fibretronic and utilizes their CONNECTED-wear module.
The jacket is washable and all vital electronics are removable. Sadly only available in the UK for $109.40.
Fibretronic has released a new series of controls. The FTXS series is a soft control keypad that is able to be integrated into textiles. The super soft keypad is targeted for mobile devices.This is designed to work directly with Fibretronics CONNECTED-wear modules for iPod, iPhone and MP3. These Fibretronic products are found in many smart textiles sold.
Sensorcom, not a prototypical pillow maker, decided to use their high quality headphone tech to offer sound pillows. Joining the ranks of the Cozy Tunes Pillow, Sleepsonic Pillow, and Sound Asleep Pillow, Sensorcom has an advantage. They offer two version, the Sleep Sound Stereo Pillow Insert to upgrade an existing pillow and the Sound Oasis Sleep Therapy Pillow which is the complete sound pillow solution.Sensorcom uses two thin hi-fi speakers and a standard 3.5mm jack to deliver great and comfortable sound. The cool thing is the upgrade version. This allows you to take a pillow you already like and add sound. The the Sleep Sound Stereo Pillow Insert is $69.95 or the Sound Oasis Sleep Therapy Pillow is $59.95.
Fibretronic made a blazing start into the 2008 Wearable Electronic year with the introduction of the CONNECTED-wear program.
The uniqueness of this new system from Fibretronic is the separation of the textile component, the keypad that goes into clothing and fashion accessories, from the control electronics, the small box that is talking to the iPod, cellphone or audio player in your pocket or bag.
The consumer activates his/her garment or bag according the needs by purchasing an electronic module from the CONNECTED-wear product range which will be available from selected retailers and online.
Initially the CONNECTED-wear modules will be available for iPod, MP3 player and music phones.
The flexibility of selecting after the purchase of a garment or bag the product compatibility comes from the standardized system of the CONNECTED-wear ..read more