Safer Snowboarding

Co-designed by a former snowboarder who was paralyzed while attempting a trick, the 50-by-80 foot Katal pad eliminates much of the danger of learning skiing and snowbording tricks. When a rider touches down on the pad after going off a jump, a small amount of air is displaced in one of two internal chambers. The mechanism keeps the pad firm enough to allow an upright landing but ensures a soft, safe cushion in case of a fall.

Outdoor Education Complete

Is now available at http://shop.pesoftware.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=13&products_id=271


There are four parts to this program: outdoor education instructional program, electronic portfolio, electronic quiz and questions, and task cards.

The instructional program provides a comprehensive (addresses all six national standards) perspective to the teaching and learning of outdoor education and orienteering. Teachers and students can access and interact with the information to increase understanding of outdoor education/orienteering on their desktop or notebooks computers. Labs are provided for authentic learning experiences.

Download a demo copy from: http://www.pesoftware.com/demos.html

Getting electricity from your walking/running shoes

Individuals waste, on average, 20 watts of energy per second when talking. Instead of turning all calories into lift or forward motion, we turn most of them into heat that's quickly dissipated. Tony Krupenkin, an engineer at the University of Wisconsin, and his colleagues have come up with a way to harvest the wasted energy from human motion and convert it into about 10 watts of electricity. Their device is based on a physical penomenon called electrowetting: If you apply electrical voltage to certain liquids, the liquid moves. They reverse the process, forcing liquid to move over electrodes. In the shoes are two flexible plastic bladders one under the heel and the otherunder the toe. The bladders are filled with a mixture of oil and water and connected by a thin, snaking tube. When stepping down on the heel therear bladder is compressed and several milliters of liquid travel through the tube to the front bladder. Step on the toe and the process is reversed. The tube is lined with a thin film of electrodes, and as the liquid slides back and forth, the electrodes charge. A small battery stores the energy, and you can access that energy by way of a micro-USB port on the heel of the shoe. The power can be transferred from shoe to cellphone battery. This approach does require wiring up your feet - but futre solutions will be more elegant.

Using Technology in Physical Education Podcast

Posted our most recent edition of Using Technology in Physical Education Podcast at http://www.pesoftware.com/podcast/index.html

Android Pico Projector

http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/15/seeser-laser-pico-projector-is-always-in-focus-powered-by-andro/

Garmin ANT + Adapter to iPhone

http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/12/garmin-ant-adapter-for-iphone-hits-the-fcc/

Garmin Forerunner 910 XT

http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/05/garmins-forerunner-910xt-sport-watch-begs-to-become-your-new-sw/

Free Webinar Hosting

http://www.freetech4teachers.com/2011/10/live-minutes-free-webinar-hosting.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+freetech4teachers%2FcGEY+%28Free+Technology+for+Teachers%29

Create Interactive Books for iOS and Android

I have always said that the strength of computers is in interactivity;


http://www.freetech4teachers.com/2011/10/moglue-creative-interactive-ebooks-for.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+freetech4teachers%2FcGEY+%28Free+Technology+for+Teachers%29

Creating Strong Passwords for Students

The Answer: http://www.freetech4teachers.com/2011/10/help-students-create-strong-passwords.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+freetech4teachers%2FcGEY+%28Free+Technology+for+Teachers%29

Newsletter

Posted the most recent edition of Using Technology in Physical Education at http://www.pesoftware.com/technews/news.html

Autom lady-bot will help you lose weight

Aw, this little cutie is so adorable -- until she denies you pizza and cheese fries. Autom, the 15-inch talking droid we first caught a glimpse of last year, is back and available for pre-order. Using the LCD touch screen, hungry dieters are prompted to enter daily calorie consumption and exercise habits -- to which the robot will respond kindly to keep you motivated. With face-tracking capabilities and a killingly sweet death stare, Autom is always watching, which might just make you feel guilty enough to skip the dip. The lady bot costs $195 for the deposit and $670 for the device through company's website.

Take a look: http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/25/autom-lady-bot-will-help-you-lose-weight-love-you-regardless/

eT-shirt from España looks after your heart, minds its bedside manners (video)

http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/24/et-shirt-from-espana-looks-after-your-heart-minds-its-bedside-m/

IPhone 5 to Get RFID

Keep your fingers crossed on this - it would have great application for physical education -

http://www.itproportal.com/2011/02/08/ipad-2-iphone-5-get-rfidnfc-accessories/

Single Sex Classes - Research

New research on the negative impact of single sex classes:

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/single-sex-schools-negative-kids-study/story?id=14581023

http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/inside-school-research/2011/09/researchers_blast_psuedoscienc.html

Using Technology in Physical Education Podcast

Check out our recent podcast at http://www.pesoftware.com/podcast/index.html on Using Technology in Physical Education.

BlackBerry to run Android apps on future QNX devices?

One of the biggest gripes from BlackBerry users is the lack of apps, which is why RIM hopes to boost sales by adding Android compatibility in future devices -- DroidBerry, anyone? According to Bloomberg, sources familiar with the matter say RIM may add support for Android apps on future QNX-based devices, enabling access beyond RIM's relatively limited App World. The feature is said to go live in the QNX-based devices tablet by the end of the year, but there's no word yet whether the 2012 line-up of QNX phones will get a Google-friendly makeover. Rumor has it that anyone who bought the most recent batch of BlackBerrys won't get to have a taste of Gingerbread, Honeycomb or any other mouth-watering Android flavor for that matter. Guess they'll have to settle for plain old vanilla.

Adidas Wearable Coach prototype promises to help you find the perfect pitch

The idea is a simple but ingenious one; the device plays musical notes that correspond to certain movements, strike just the right ones and you know you've gotten in the zone. What's more, while the device has only been tested with pitchers so far (with some successful results), it's not hard to see how it could also be applied to a whole range of other sports and activities.

Working on elementary physical education curriculum and instructional software - take a listen to the podcast if you want to learn more www.pesoftware.com/podcast/index.html about what we are working on this year.

Garmin Edge 200

The Garmin Edge 500 and 800 are pretty sweet GPS-enabled cycling computers, but they're also pretty expensive. The new Edge 200 shaves a cool Benjamin off the price of the aging 500 by cutting back on non-essential features. There's no navigation function or even the ability to pull in data from power meters, heart rate monitors or cadence sensors. It will, however, map your rides, let you download them over USB and share them via Garmin Connect. The 200 offers up basic info like speed, distance, calories burned and time without the need for additional harfware or a complicated set up. You can keep on pedaling for quite a while too, thanks to the roughly 130-hour memory and 14-hour battery life. The Edge 200 should start popping up sometime in Q3 for $150 and, before you go, check out the PR after the break.

Take a look

New Bionic Leg Thinks and Moves Like a Real Limb

This new leg—using recent advances in motor, processing, and sensor technology—walks and reacts just like a real leg. Here's how:

Developed at the Vanderbilt University the leg uses both a powered knee and powered ankle, operating in unison to lift the foot and swing it forward naturally, eliminating the dragging-gait seen with traditional prosthetics. It also uses an advanced sensor suite to monitor the leg's motion, momentum and position, feeding that data into processors that predict the user's intention and react accordingly. The leg's anti-stumble routine, for example, monitors the leg's position and momentum. If it senses the user stumbling, the leg automatically lifts the foot clear of the obstacle before replanting in on the ground.

Read more

200 Medical Animations

The University of Pennsylvania Health System provides nearly 200 video animations and explanations of injuries, diseases, and body systems. The animations, like this one of a balloon angioplasty, are concise which makes them good for general reference purposes.

Read more

A Back-of-the-Hand Touch Interface

The device was designed by Kei Nakatsuma, a PhD student at the University of Tokyo. Combining a series of infrared detectors and piezoelectric sensors, it can detect input on the back of your hand as well as sound input from your gestures. It's not without its limitations; it can handle pinch or rotate gestures just yet, and harsh sunlight makes it harder to see your fingers, but this promises to makes interacting remotely with your smartphone possible.

Read more

August 2011 Podcast

Using Technology in Physical Education podcast for August is posted at http://www.pesoftware.com/podcast/index.html

Motorola Considering Nike+ Sport Watch Contender

It looks like Motorola might be prepping to give the Nike+ SportWatch a run for its money. An intrepid tipster sent along a screenshot from a recent survey showing off what looks like a tricked out nano watch. Described as an "all-in-one fitness and music personal fitness device" (redundant much?) that packs a GPS for "accurate performance tracking," the as of yet unnamed gadget also sports a "smart music player" that compiles a list of songs based on the tunes that help you sweat your best. It also lets you wirelessly sync to your PC for workout analysis, and apparently does the same for Android devices. Among the possible names listed in the survey is the MotoActive, hinting at, but certainly not pinning down, Motorola branding. Of course this is just an online survey, so we wouldn't get too excited about your new running mate just yet.

Take a look: http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/27/motorola-considering-nike-sportwatch-contender/

Using Technology in Physical Education NEwsletter

Just posted Using Technology in Physical Education Newsletter - August edition at http://www.pesoftware.com/technews/news.html

MacBook Air

There comes a time when that giant, corporate-issued laptop stops fitting into your lifestyle. When dragging around a Kensington roller case just won't do. When you start to hear the siren lilt of something thinner, lighter, and maybe a bit more alluring. For years the MacBook Air has been that svelte temptress hollering your name, but it's always been a bit too slow -- all show and no go. It didn't have the power and the longevity to make it a serious contender for your serious affections.

Take a look: http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/25/macbook-air-review-mid-2011/

Garmin Forerunn 610

Getting into shape is hard! A good gadget can distract you from the drudgery of exercise. Like the Forerunner 610, a shiny and impressive watch to make you forget about that aneurysm as you delve into its mighty feature set.
Why It Matters

Garmin's newest Forerunner is a great hybrid. It's a fitness tracker that clocks your speed and distance using GPS, as well as your heart rate, calories burned, elevation, and basically every major data point you need as a runner. But it's also svelte and stylish and could pass as a normal wristwatch.
Using It

The watch is largely idiot resistant, if not proof. It has three buttons on the edges, as well as a touchscreen. One button activates the start/stop, another checks off laps, the third turns it off. You can use the touchscreen to cycle through screens as you run, swapping from time, to speed, for example. You can turn the GPS off indoors to save the rechargeable battery (or it can do that automatically if it doesn't get a signal). When you get back inside from a run or a ride, it will automatically upload data to Garmin's Website, so you can crunch the numbers from your run.

Check it out:

http://gizmodo.com/5825377/garmin-forerunner-610-runs-fast-but-touched-me-in-a-bad-place

Testing 3D virtual reality

Prototype headset tracks player movements; Virtual Reality revival 'certainly possible'

The forgotten fad of virtual reality gaming may be set for a surprise revival, with Sony confirming to Develop that it is experimenting on the technology within its studios.

Mick Hocking, senior director at Sony Worldwide Studios, said that a prototype device used to test virtual reality also displays high-end 3D.

“We've got a new head mounted display [in development] that we showed at Consumer Electronics Show,” Hocking said in a newly published interview with Develop.

He said the prototype device (pictured below) has twin-OLED screens – one for each eye – to eliminate information crossover issues.

Check it out: http://www.develop-online.net/news/38244/Sony-Were-testing-3D-virtual-reality-games

Pad Camp

PadCamp is a free unconference for educators interested in learning about and sharing ideas for using tablets (iPads, Android tablets, ereaders) in the classroom. The free event will be held on August 9 in Galloway, NJ.

PadCamp will follow the same unconference model used at the increasingly popular EdCamp events that have been held across the country over the last couple of years. The idea of an unconference is that there are not any keynote speakers or predetermined workshops. Everyone comes to the event, if you want to share something put your idea on the proposed sessions board, and people vote with their feet by going to the sessions that they have an interest in. It might seem a little messy at first, but trust me it works.

Would you wear your iphone?

What would you think of a Kickstarter project that lets you wear your iPhone on your shirt without velcro, straps or magnets? You would think it was nutty idea that puts your iPhone in peril. But it's not.

The Move is an iPhone case that you wear under your clothing. The iPhone snaps into the case from the outside, creating a sandwich that includes your phone, your clothing and the case. The fabric tension from your clothing helps anchor the iPhone securely in the case. The fit is so snug you can run, walk or bike with your iPhone attached anywhere on your clothing.

Take a look: http://gizmodo.com/5820652/would-you-wear-your-iphone-as-part-of-your-shirt

Texas Funds Elementary Student Nutrition Education Game

Nonprofit medicine research and education company The Cooper Institute is fighting childhood obesity with The Quest to Lava Mountain, an educational game targeted at grade school children.

The game -- which recently concluded its pilot program in fourteen schools -- is described as an exploration-based adventure with avatar customization that teaches children proper nutritional habits. It is part of the NutriGram program, an interactive educational initiative funded by the Texas Department of Agriculture.

The Quest to Lava Mountain was developed by Dallas-based Controlled Chaos Media, a studio founded by former students of The Guildhall at Southern Methodist University. Controlled Chaos previously shipped Pocket Fish and Lumos for iOS platforms.

"It’s great to have a medium that meets kids where they are and provides the motivation to learn how to make better choices in their lives," said Controlled Chaos founder Hunter Woodley. "We’re excited to have created a game that has been so well-received."

The game will roll out across public elementary schools in Texas starting in August. More information on the NutriGram project -- which plans for a nationwide expansion next year -- is available on its official site. The official gameplay trailer for The Quest to Lava Mountain is available on YouTube.

Original Posting: http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/35675/Texas_Funds_Elementary_Student_Nutrition_Education_Game.php

Report: The PlayStation 4 Will Have Kinect-Style Motion Controls

Brian Ashcraft — Next year, Nintendo is releasing a new home console, the Wii U. Taiwanese component makers tell tech site DigiTimes that Sony is readying a new home console for 2012. But that's not the interesting part.

These component manufacturer sources tell DigiTimes that the PlayStation 4 will feature body-movement controls like Microsoft's Kinect. That's the interesting, if not unexpected, part.

The PS3 currently has PlayStation Move motion controls, which are similar to the Wii's motion controls.

The report states Foxconn and Pegatron Technology will assemble the PS4 for Sony. Foxconn and Pegatron Technology both assemble the PS3, which was originally manufactured in Japan.

Read more: http://kotaku.com/5817874/report-the-playstation-4-will-have-kinect+style-motion-controls

Google Android continues growth streak over Apple's iPhone

Google's Android mobile OS has continued to widen its lead on Apple's iOS in terms of U.S. smartphone subscribers, while Research in Motion and Microsoft have fallen even further behind, according to a new survey.

comScore's MobiLens report found Google Android to be the top smartphone platform with 38.1 percent market share in the U.S. during the period from March to May. The platform's 5.1 percent gain outpaced Apple's 1.4 percent increase to 26.6 percent.

The gains posted by Android and iOS were taken from BlackBerry maker RIM and Microsoft, which lost 4.2 percent and 1.9 percent market share, respectively. RIM's share of subscribers stands at 24.7 percent after the drop, while Microsoft held onto a 5.8 percent share. Palm fell slightly from 2.8 percent in February to 2.4 percent in May.

Read more: http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/11/07/05/google_android_continues_growth_streak_over_apples_iphone.html

July Newsletter

Posted at http://www.pesoftware.com/technews/news.html

If you missed any of our podcasts - check http://www.pesoftware.com/podcast/

Smart Bike Helmet Is a Black Box for Your Brain Case

One of five winners from Toyota's recent Ideas For Good competition, the smart helmet consists of a small circuit board, two accelerometers and three gyroscopes that measure the head's impact force, movement and tilt during a crash. The data is recorded to an SD card for retrieval and playback (say, during a lawsuit). According to one of the helmet's designers, "We can record what's going on with the head as its moving, and see how is it moving up to 400 times per second." Eventually, the team wants to incorporate wireless technology into the rig for hands free ambulance auto-dialing.

Take a look:
http://gizmodo.com/5810949/smart-bike-helmet-is-a-black-box-for-your-brain-case

PhotoFast i-FlashDrive does USB on one end, 30-pin dock connector on the other

Apple's iOS devices may lack native memory expansion, but PhotoFast has now come up with solution that just about bests the official camera connection kit. What you're looking at here is the i-FlashDrive, a memory dongle that sports both a USB plug and an Apple 30-pin dock connector, and it comes in three flavors starting from 8GB at $95 up to 32GB at $180. What's more, the drive also works with a free Cupertino-approved app that provides both external and internal file management (for music, photos, movies, and more), contact backup, and native MP3 playback. Want one? Then head over to Taiwan for a mid or late June launch, or watch out for its US debut shortly afterwards. Demo video after the break.

Take a look:
http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/04/photofast-i-flashdrive-does-usb-on-one-end-dock-connector-on-th/

iOS 5: What you need to know

Great article on iOS5

http://www.macworld.com/article/160376/article.html

Adidas MiCoach

THQ's teamed up with Adidas to bring its MiCoach fitness tracker to Kinect and PS Move early next year.

If you've already got one of the MiCoach heart-rate monitors, you'll be able to use it for real-time feedback when playing the training games, plus sync your stats with the cellphone apps.

Take a look:

http://gizmodo.com/5808824/adidas-micoach-coming-to-kinect-and-ps-move

Everything We Know About Nintendo’s Brand New Console, Wii U

Check it out:

http://kotaku.com/5809705/everything-we-know-about-nintendos-brand-new-console-wii-u

DXG 3D camera costs 70 bucks

The DXG-018 3D camera will run you just under $70, but it'll be worth every penny when your little early adopter grows up to be a gadget fiend with 15 maxed-out credit cards and $80,000 in debt. In the meantime, they'll be teething on a 1.44-inch LCD, dual lenses, an SD card (sold separately), and a pair of AA batteries. The kit also includes three 3D viewers, which apparently display 4-by-6-inch prints in three dimensions.

Take a look:

http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/14/dxg-3d-camera-costs-70-bucks-or-just-three-easy-payments-of-23/

Ping iPhone cradle can lower your handicap

Golfing accessory manufacture Ping this week announced an iPhone / iPod touch cradle that clips onto your putter, using the company's iPing app to quantify your putting handicap number. The system measures your stroke type, impact angle, and tempo, comparing them against your friends and some pre-entered golfing pros. Al Czervik would be proud. The app itself is free, but the cradle will run you $30 -- both will be available online, later this month.

Podcast

The latest podcast on Using Technology in Physical Education has been posted at http://www.pesoftware.com/podcast/index.html

The Xsens ForceShoe watches your step, helps you walk better

If you're the type of bipedal perfectionist who wants to analyze your gait using an array of 6DoF force sensors and magnetic trackers (not to mention that cunningly-disguised wireless data transmitter), then the chances are your toenails can also stand a bit of scrutiny. In fact, although the ForceShoe is primarily designed for physio patients, we think its inventors at the University of Twente might just have stumbled upon the next-gen Nike+ accessory we've all been waiting for. Unfortunately they're not on sale, but if you're a researcher looking to measure the orientation, acceleration, angular velocity, force and torque of your feet in three dimensions, you're welcome to hop past the break for the full press release.

Take a look:
http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/13/the-xsens-forceshoe-watches-your-step-helps-you-walk-better/

Heart-rate monitoring belt marks Bluetooth 4.0 milestone, stops to rest for Bluetooth 4.0 phones

This little black belt claims to be the very first of its kind, and promises to "spur the development of a whole new range of... health and fitness apps," by harnessing the power of Bluetooth Low Energy to pump heart rate stats to your mobile phone. Of course, that deluge of new fitness apps will have to wait until a Bluetooth 4.0-compatible phone hits the market. In the meantime, we wouldn't expect the black chest strap to pioneer any new fashion trends

Take a look:
http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/11/heart-rate-monitoring-belt-marks-bluetooth-4-0-milestone-stops/

12 Fabulous Flip Camera Alternatives For Education

Take a look at these twelve options for the discontinued flip camera:

http://techlearning.com/blogs/39212

Fujitsu Fingerprint

So it can't predict the future, but the latest biometric reader from Fujitsu can tell that you're one in a million -- quite literally. Looking something akin to the love child of Simon and a Polaroid camera, this as-of-yet unnamed device is apparently the "world's first biometric authentication technology that combines data on palm vein patters with fingerprint data from three fingers." That's a mouthful, but Fujitsu says the combination of these two biometric authentication techniques allows for accurate identification of an individual in a pool of one million in just two seconds. What's more, it expects to up that capacity to groups of ten million by the end of 2011. For professional evildoers rocking three fingers and a palm, maybe now's a good time to start rethinking your career path.

Take a look:
http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/02/fujitsu-fingerprint-palm-reader-does-large-scale-biometric-ide/

Using Technology in Physical Education Newsletter

Using Technology in Physical Education newsletter just posted at http://www.pesoftware.com/technews/news.html

LifeFitness Exercise Bike Interface

LifeFitness may have taken one too many creative liberties with its Cyberbike Wii accessory, but it did a laudable job of redeeming itself at Google I/O this week. The outfit brought a USB-equipped exercise bike to the show floor, where an Open Accessory-enabled Nexus S promptly stole the show. We were shown a demo of the CardioQuest app interfacing with the cycle over the aforementioned protocol; the bike itself had a heretofore unreleased firmware update installed that allowed it to interact with the phone, and we're told that said update will be available free of charge to existing customers in the coming weeks.

As was announced yesterday during the opening keynote, the Android Open Accessory API is currently only capable of handling communications over USB, but that didn't stop a clever game from keeping a booth representative mighty busy. The gist is pretty simple -- pedal harder to move the Android up, and relax your stride to see him float down. The goal is to avoid the surrounding walls, while also keeping your mind from focusing on the fact that you're actually burning calories. Mum's the word on whether or not this particular app will ever make it into the Android Market, but there's a video of the chaos waiting just after the break, regardless.

Take a Look: http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/11/lifefitness-exercise-bike-interfaces-with-nexus-s-makes-fitness/

Turn everyday objects into touch-sensitive controllers

Take a look: http://gizmodo.com/5800596/turn-everyday-objects-into-touch+sensitive-controllers

What implications are there for physical education?

Touchscreen with No SCreen

Take a look at this: http://gizmodo.com/5801196/the-touchscreen-with-no-screen

What implications are there for physical education?

Top 10 Awesome Android Features that the iPhone Doesn’t Have

All of our software works on both platforms - take a look at http://shop.pesoftware.com

But, look at this list as well: http://lifehacker.com/5801862/top-10-awesome-android-features-that-the-iphone-doesnt-have

Google Launches Chrome 11

Chrome 11 is now available, the biggest changes being a number of security and bug fixes. The new version also delivers speech-to-text and text-to-speech.

Google Docs App for Android

Google's had a mobile-friendly version of Google Apps available for some time now, but it's now finally gone the extra step and released a dedicated Android app. That will of course let you access and edit your documents on your smartphone, but the real standout feature is the ability to capture text with your phone's camera and have it instantly made editable thanks to some optical character recognition. Google notes that won't work with handwriting or some fonts, but it promises it will get better over time. Hit up Android Market to try it out for yourself.

Take a look: http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/27/google-docs-gets-an-android-app-lets-you-capture-text-with-your/

Minuscule PicoHD5.1 Media Player

The bantam PicoHD5.1 packs a lot of oomph into a pocket-sized device; on one side, there's room for a USB hard drive, thumb drive or SD card. On the reverse, you'll find HDMI / component outputs capable of piping whatever media you just plugged in onto your television or monitor. There's even support for 5.1 channel surround sound, and we're told that it's encased in aluminum -- you know, for those inevitable bumps and bruises. Is the "smallest HD multichannel media player" truly as spectacular as it sounds?

Take a look: http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/20/minuscule-picohd5-1-media-player-looks-like-a-card-reader-acts/

Nike+ SportWatch GPS now on sale, $199 adds geek cred to your workout routine

Wrist-mounted iPod nano not quite the running companion of which you'd originally dreamed? This Nike+ SportsWatch GPS will be happy to take its place. We spotted the TomTom-branded fitness watch at CES this year, and now it's formally on sale -- though unfortunately for a price far steeper than those of its immediate ancestors. Of course, the $199 band isn't just a replacement for the Nike+ iPod system, it also uses that onboard GPS to keep track of where you run, much like the Nike+ GPS app but without the necessity for an iPhone 4 bouncing around your person. Did we mention it's also a watch?

Take a look:
http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/02/nike-sportwatch-gps-now-on-sale-199-adds-geek-cred-to-your-ro/

Cellphones, Mobile Peripherals Spiral training Android application turns anyone into Peyton Manning... in theory (video)

We've seen Google's Android platform used for a host of unorthodox applications over the years, but Ben Kokes' concoction deserves a round of golf claps to call its own. The so-called Replay Football system employs a Bluetooth-enabled Nerf football with a 9-axis inertial sensing motion processing module (MPU-6000 by InvenSense), and when linked to a visualization / throw analysis application, you're able to analyze the rotation of a football in real-time as it's thrown. From there, the app breaks down the nuts and bolts of the toss, and while it's not able to blurt out pointers on correcting things just yet, we're seeing endless potential for the next revision.

Take a look:
http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/01/spiral-training-android-application-turns-anyone-into-peyton-man/

Newsletter Update

April edition of Using Technology in Physical Education posted at http://www.pesoftware.com/technews/news.html

Researchers create nanogenerators to harness human energy

Researchers are using nanotechnology to develop minuscule generators that can capture the energy from slight human movements such as the beating of a heart or the flick of a finger to power consumer-electronics devices such as iPods. "This development represents a milestone toward producing portable electronics that can be powered by body movements without the use of batteries or electrical outlets," said Zhong Lin Wang of the Georgia Institute of Technology. "Our nanogenerators are poised to change lives in the future."

Skype in the Classroom tears down geographic walls, connects pupils the world over

Take a look: http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/01/skype-in-the-classroom-tears-down-geographic-walls-connects-pup/

The 5-in-1 Connection Kit Plugs Cameras, SD Cards, Keyboards and TVs into iPads

This 5-in-1 kit works with both the iPad and iPad 2, and has a USB port, SD card and microSD card slots, and holes to stick a keyboard and TV cable into. Not all at once, mind. It costs $45.

Take a look

Last day to visit us at AAHPERD - Booth 1100.

Another iPad Option for Remote Acccess

LogMeIn's remote access on the PC/Mac is phenomenal, because it's both free and allows you to control one machine from another machine as easily as anything else we've seen. The iPhone/iPad app has also been good, but not quite as good, until now. (It's super-improved, is what I'm saying.)

Learn more

First Ever Single Lens Capable of Filming 3D Images Created

Now that scientists have worked out how to create 3D images from just a single stationary lens, the possibilities are endless. Sure, it's only able to film microscopic objects now, but imagine a larger-scale lens that could be fitted on cellphones. The engineers at Ohio State University working on the project say the fingernail-sized acrylic glass lens is the first of its kind, and will allow microscopic objects—like bacteria—to be viewed in 3D, from nine different angles

Read more

RIM adds Android app support to BlackBerry PlayBook via 'optional app player'

You read that right -- RIM just announced that its forthcoming BlackBerry PlayBook will support both BlackBerry Java and Android apps. That includes native C/C++ development support, HTML5, Flash and AIR support, not to mention game engines from Ideaworks Labs (AirPlay) and Unity Technologies (Unity 3). That means that you'll have access to over 200,000 Android apps should developers choose to "quickly and easily" port them over, and assuming you dive into one of two optional "app players" in order to do so. It's also worth noting that RIM's presser only focuses on Android "2.3 apps," and while we're assuming Honeycomb apps will eventually be supported, there's no mention of Android 3.0 just yet.

Sensor-laden surfboard collects gnarly statistics

It isn't the first time that an array of data-collecting sensors have found their way into a surfboard, but the goal with this one is quite different than the one created at UC San Diego. Tecnalia and Pukas have cooperated in order to build a board with a downright astounding amount of sensors within: there's an embedded PC, gyroscopes, accelerometers, a compass and even GPS, all of which combine to generate a large amount of data from a ride and its rider. Every ounce of the collected information is stored in a flash memory stick, and after a session is wrapped, all of those bits and bytes are beamed over WiFi to a more potent computer for analysis. The software system to visualize and process the data has been developed in ROS, and with that, researchers can not only judge performance, but also see which techniques were superior.

Take a look.

Implanted Sensors Track Heart-Attack Damage

Tiny implanted sensors can indicate the severity of a heart attack in a mouse, even days after the damage happened. Similar sensors could one day be used to monitor people at high risk of having a heart attack, researchers say.

About 30 per cent of people who experience heart attacks do so without the characteristic chest pains. But biomarkers of the event – unique proteins released by heart cells as they die – remain in their blood.

Some biomarkers hang around for a day, others for a week. So a blood sample drawn days after a suspected heart attack contains only a partial collection of these proteins, complicating diagnosis.

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Playstation Move Games

re are currently a quickly growing number of Playstation Move Games available now for the Playstation Move. We at SonyPS4.com have gathered the best deals online for any of the Playstation Move games, and have listed below for quick access. We have included pre order options for the Playstation Move Games that are not yet available and direct purchase options for the PSMove games currently available. If you are not sure which of the Playstation Move Games to order yet, click on any of the PSMove game titles to see more information, reviews, and even some screen shot images of these hot Playstation Move game titles.

The Playstation Move is Sony's way of creating a more interactive gaming experience, using a special "Eye" and special controllers that will allow the gamers to feel like they are truly a part of the gaming experience in a way that they have not been able to before! Sony has plans for a number of different games planned to be released at the same time and shortly after the release of the Playstation Move. Some of the games will require the use of a Playstation Move, while others will carry features for the Playstation Move.

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How to Protect Your Android Phone

More than 50 apps have been pulled from the Android Market after they were discovered to contain malicious code. If installed, these apps, containing a packaged dubbed "DroidDream," effectively "rooted" users' phones and captured personal information. Here's how to check for them and fend them off.

We've previously posted on how to tell if an Android app is malware, and most of the tips hold out, set against DroidDream as a case study. After, diggiting future, it has been discovered that some developers' apps were found to go far beyond the permissions granted by users. Once the app was able to "root" the users' phone, it could grab unique identifiers, phone numbers, and other data and send it to an unknown server.

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New Games Link Tech and Reality

The next big thing in computer games for kids: moving beyond the computer.

Both major media companies and start-ups are experimenting with new tools that combine technology and reality in a bid to get children to engage with real-world objects. And researchers are already investigating whether the new tools help kids learn better than regular computer games do.

Last month, children's media giant PBS Kids, part of the Public Broadcasting Service, began testing games that use "augmented reality," or computer-generated content that is combined with images from the real world. Using augmented reality, a computer or smartphone can detect objects and provide information about them. Children can also move the real objects to make something happen in a computer game.

Other games that bridge the gap between real and virtual ask kids to document their activities by taking photos, making videos or recording their location using a GPS device, typically with the help of their parents.

Techniques that tie technology to the real world have been generating buzz for several years, particularly as mobile devices have become more powerful. Advertisers were among the first companies to use such tools. Distributors of the recent film "Inception" teamed up with a mobile game called SCVNGR to promote the movie, creating real-world challenges that players could complete to earn prizes.

Major toy and game makers have shown interest as well. Mattel Inc. has been working with Qualcomm Inc. to develop games that use augmented reality, and Nintendo Co.'s new 3DS portable game machine includes augmented-reality features.

Read more: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703300904576178421595916308.html#ixzz1FyM4wYOj

Breath Sensor Predicts an Asthma Attack

A HANDHELD breath sensor can warn someone with asthma that an attack is imminent, buying them time to take preventive medication, perhaps as much as 24 hours.

The breath sensor, developed by Siemens, measures telltale rise in levels of nitrogen monoxide. NO is produced naturally in the body, and can signal the beginnings of inflammation in the bronchial tubes. If unchecked, the inflammation will constrict the airways and trigger an asthma attack.

"Nitrogen monoxide (in the breath) indicates that the bronchial system is inflamed," says Siemens's Maximilian Fleischer, who helped develop the sensor. "This means there is danger of an upcoming asthma attack."

The sensor can detect levels of NO in the breath as low as 1 part per billion, but the higher the level the more severe the impending attack may be.

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Is it time for smart helmets in the Super Bowl?

Fans love American football for its bone-crunching hits. But after a 2010-2011 season filled with violent collisions that saw several players sustain severe concussions - including stars from both teams playing in this weekend's Super Bowl - the risk of brain injury for anyone who plays the game is front and centre.

National Football League (NFL) football commissioner Roger Goodell has issued repeated statements assuring players and fans alike that the organisation is committed to protecting all players, not just professionals. Meanwhile, the players themselves are split between respecting and openly mocking rules changes designed to prevent head injuries.

The real solution is likely to come in the form of a new crop of "smart" helmets. While not expected to take the field until next season at the earliest, these new rigs come lined with sensors that can detect dangerous impacts, send warnings to sideline coaches, or even upload data to medical centres for real-time analysis.

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Swimming Complete Instructional Software

Is now available for review and/or purchase.

You can review it at: http://www.pesoftware.com/demos.html

Or purchase at http://shop.pesoftware.com


It is listed under instructional software.

This program includes task cards in English and Spanish, video clips, instructional (interactive software) for face-to-face physical education as well as online physical education. Additionally, it includes an electronic portfolio and quiz software with over 100 questions.

The software is aligned with our standards-based middle and high school physical education curriculum, as well as all state and national standards!



Check it out -----

Using Technolog in Physical Education Newsletter

The February edition has been posted at http://www.pesoftware.com/technews/news.html

If you like to subscribe - go to http://www.pesoftware.com/Technews/reg.htm

Using Google's Android 3.0

Our first look: http://gizmodo.com/5750148/using-googles-android-30-tablet-the-first-real-ipad-fighter

Self-Cleaning Gym Gear Targets Bacteris, Sweat

Wired has reported the following:

Sanitization at the gym has moved beyond wiping down the bench or bike with a towel and disinfectant. It's gravitating toward self-cleaning equipment that wipes sweat away and keeps people protected from harmful bacteria.

A Pittsburgh-based company is making sure gym-goers have that kind of access to the equipment on which they might sweat the most. SilverSport, a brand derived from Eco Product Group, offers a workout towel, a Pilates roller and a yoga mat with what it calls its Silver Clean Zone. Each product represents one of those zones by using Terra Silver to eliminate more than 650 types of surface-borne, odor-causing bacteria.

Thomas Davis, president of Eco Product Group, told Wired.com that nanosilver particles - up to 20,000 times smaller than the width of a human hair - are to thank for the equipment's odor-killing prowess.

"The material [in the products] is silver," Davis said. "Silver happens to be a natural anti-microbial. It fights bacteria naturally."

When activated by moisture - in this case, sweat - the nanosilver particles bind to the surface to rid the product of bacteria. That's why even though the towel doesn't technically have to be washed, its functionality is enhanced by running it through the washer. "Hypothetically, you don't need to wash the towel" for it to eliminate bacteria, Davis said, before pointing out that people will understandably want to wash it regularly to eliminate surface dirt.

In testing the products, we found the towel (which retails for $35) to be surprisingly thin yet effective. The non-graphic side is as soft as one can hope for in a towel, although the graphic portion - covered in the SilverSport logo - is slightly rough against the skin. Unlike conventional towels, it didn't stink after being thoroughly used during a drenching workout, and it held up quite well after a pair of washings.

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They Found a Way to Make Our Jackets USB Compatible

Columbia's Electro Amp jacket is arguably as teched out as a jacket can get really. Designed by a former Intel engineer, the jacket warms itself through the carbon-fiber threads woven into the coat. And even it recharges via USB.

Take a look

Lifesize Holocubes

First they were little, then they added touchability, now Holocube's holograms in a box are going big time -- in that the company's latest model is physically much larger than the others. It's the HC70, a new version with a 70-inch transparent screen that can be viewed from both sides. It's powered by a Windows 7 Embedded machine with 40GB of flash storage from which it can loop between eight and 18 hours of video, displayed via 1080p projector. You can see it in action below showing a... slightly mesmerizing collection of random bits of footage. Let us know if you can find the hidden meaning.

Check it out here.

Pico projector seen as an unlikely addition to Apple's iPhone until 2013

Anyone hopeful to see a portable pico projector in Apple's forthcoming fifth-generation iPhone -- or any other smartphone this year -- will likely disappointed by a new report, which says not to expect such technology until after 2012.

Supply chains sources have indicated to DigiTimes that the iPhone 5 will not employ a so-called "pico projector," which would allow the device to include the ability to project video images onto an external surface.

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Verizon Announces Unlimited Data Plan

A leaked memo from Verizon shows that the carrier will no longer offer its entry-level capped data plan smartphones, requiring new iPhone 4 customers to buy the $30-per-month unlimited offering.

The new pricing, leaked to Engadget, shows that Verizon intends to cease its $15-per-month 150MB data plan. Buyers of new 3G smartphones will be required to pay $29.99 per month for unlimited data allowance.

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Google Update

Today we’re launching a new education category in the Google Apps Marketplace to help schools and universities easily discover and deploy new web applications that integrate with their existing Google Apps accounts.

This new education category will make it easier for schools to have more web apps at their fingertips, including popular existing apps such as Aviary, Grockit and LearnBoost as well as the new apps launching today.

The new Apps Marketplace education category includes more than 20 applications from 19 vendors. These include web-based learning management systems (LMS) such as Haiku, student tools such as Digication for e-Portfolios, and learning platforms such as DreamBox learning games and BrainPOP educational content, all of which integrate with Google Apps through single sign-on and access through the Google universal navigation bar.

Thousands of universities, colleges and K-12 schools around the world with more than 10 million users already deploy Google Apps in their classrooms. The applications we're introducing today are just the beginning of making Apps and the Marketplace more vibrant and helpful for schools, and more web applications—by Blackboard, Knewton and Khan Academy—are already on the way. We look forward to further expanding and strengthening our set of education tools going forward.

Apple finalizing wireless e-wallet for iPhone 5, iPad 2 - report

A new report claims Apple will add near-field communication technology to this year's anticipated iPad 2 and iPhone 5, giving users the ability to have their device serve as an electronic wallet for quick wireless transactions.

[This type of technology has been available in Japan for a decade]

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A Video Preview of Android 3.0

Take a look: http://gizmodo.com/5725831/a-video-preview-of-android-30-honeycomb?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+gizmodo%2Ffull+%28Gizmodo%29

Google Docs introduces video player

Google's headed ever deeper into the clouds this year with a new function for Google Docs: video playback. As of this week, users can upload videos (up to 1GB) in a supported format, and make them available for viewing in Google Docs. As with the previous video sharing set up, you can still download video, including previous versions. Google engineers have warned of excessive processing time, but once videos are up, viewing is as easy as clicking play -- and having a Flash player, of course.

Verizon publishes frequently asked iPhone 4-related questions

Verizon has answered a number of questions customers may have about the forthcoming launch of Apple's iPhone 4 on its network, addressing topics such as handset upgrade eligibility and data requirements.

The full iPhone 4 FAQ from Verizon is included below:

New & Existing Customer Eligibility

1. Can I transfer my service from my current wireless service provider to Verizon Wireless?

Yes, if your number is portable, you can bring your existing number from your current wireless or landline service provider to Verizon Wireless. To check if you're eligible to port, or to check the status of a current port request, click here.

2. Should I cancel my existing service before porting?

No. Your number must remain active. Canceling your service prior to porting will prevent you from keeping your number. Please note: You may be responsible to your old service provider for any contractual requirements and applicable charges, including an early termination fee, on your old account.

3. How long will it take to port my number?

Wireless to wireless ports generally should take no more than three hours to one day, but could take longer. Landline to wireless ports generally should take no more than 4 days, but could take longer. Please note: Actual processing time may vary depending on the complexity of the port, existing volumes between carriers and your old service provider.

4. How will I know when the port in to Verizon Wireless is complete?

Verizon Wireless will send a free text message to your phone notifying you that your new service is fully activated.

5. Do I need to sign up for a 2 year agreement?

When purchasing iPhone at the 2 year promotional price a new agreement is required. However, you will also have the option to purchase iPhone at full retail price, which will not require you to sign a long-term agreement.

6. Will existing customers be able to redeem their New Every Two credit?

Yes, existing customers will be able to take advantage of their New Every Two credit if eligible, and use it towards the purchase of iPhone (may not be available at all agent locations).

7. Will Verizon Wireless be offering an early upgrade promotion?

No, Verizon Wireless is not offering any early upgrade promotion at this time.

Pricing

1. Are there minimum service and data pricing requirements?

Yes, iPhone customers will need to choose from any of the current Nationwide plans. Customers will also be required to activate a data package, pricing will be announced at a later date.

Purchase

1. I currently have an iPhone with AT&T. Can I keep my existing version of iPhone?

No, in order to take advantage of the nation’s largest and most reliable wireless network, you will need an iPhone 4 that works on the Verizon Wireless network.

2. Can I upgrade to an iPhone even though I am not eligible to upgrade?

If you are not eligible to upgrade, you cannot upgrade at promotional pricing today, but you can pay full retail price and upgrade your phone if you would like to.

3. How much will iPhone cost?

$199.99 for the 16GB model, and $299.99 for the 32GB model with a new 2 year agreement.

4. When can I purchase iPhone?

iPhone 4 will be available for pre-order to Verizon Wireless customers only, on a “first come, first serve” basis via VerizonWireless.com, on or around February 3rd 2011 – details to be confirmed a week prior by Verizon Wireless. New and existing customers can purchase in select channels on February 10th 2011.

5. I am an existing customer and I’d like to go into a store to pre-order iPhone, will I be able to place my order in store?

No, iPhone will only be available for pre-order online for both consumer and business customers.

6. Can I go to an Apple store to purchase and activate the phone?

Yes, beginning on February 10th, you can visit an Apple Retail store to purchase and activate. However, prior to visiting, please make sure to check your upgrade eligibility if you are an existing Verizon Wireless customer.

8. Do you anticipate high demand for iPhone 4?

We do expect that iPhone 4 will be in high demand. In the event that iPhone 4 is not available in stores after February 10th, you can place your order in store and have the phone shipped directly to your billing address. Shipments will take place on a “first come, first serve” basis. No billing will take place until shipments are made.

Content Transfer
1. If I’m an existing Verizon Wireless customer, how do I transfer my contacts?

In order to transfer contacts, download and run Backup Assistant on your existing phone before receiving your new iPhone. Click here for more details, and for step-by-step instructions on how to transfer your contacts from your existing phone to iPhone. If you already keep your contacts on your Mac or PC, you can use iTunes to sync them to your new iPhone 4. iTunes syncs contacts with applications such as Mac OS X Address Book, Yahoo! Address Book, and Google Contacts on a Mac, or with Yahoo! Address Book, Google Contacts, Windows Address Book (Outlook Express), Windows Contacts (Vista and Windows 7), or Microsoft Outlook 2003, 2007, or 2010 on a PC.iPhone 4 can also sync your contacts over the air using MobileMe or Microsoft Exchange. If your current device cannot sync contacts with any of these options, you may need to re-enter your contacts on your new iPhone 4 manually.

2. Will my existing voice mail transfer over when I activate my iPhone?

No, all existing voice mails will be lost when transferring over to iPhone. Click here for more details, and for step-by-step instructions on how to save your existing voice mail.

3. Can I save my voice mails?

Yes, click here for more details, and for step-by-step instructions on how to save your existing voice mail.

iPhone and iTunes

1. Will the iPhone work on Verizon Wireless' 4G LTE network?

iPhone 4 works on Verizon Wireless' 3G network.

2. Do I need iTunes to set up my iPhone?

Yes, you need to use iTunes 10.1 or later to set up your iPhone for the first time. If you'd like to make purchases from the iTunes Store or App Store, you can create a new Apple ID or specify an existing Apple ID during set up. For corporate users, you may need to contact your wireless administrator for additional information on installing iTunes.

3. If I already have an iTunes account, can I use it with my new iPhone 4 on Verizon Wireless?

Yes, during set up, you can specify your existing Apple ID.

4. Will I be able to sync content and iOS apps that I already have in iTunes to my new iPhone 4?

Yes.

5. Will I be able to buy apps via the App Store?

You can search for, browse, review, purchase, and download iOS apps from the App Store directly to iPhone. Apps that you download and install from the App Store on iPhone are backed up to your iTunes library the next time you sync iPhone with your computer. When you sync iPhone, you can also install apps you’ve purchased or downloaded from the iTunes Store on your computer.

6. What happens to any existing apps that I have purchased on my existing Verizon Wireless handset?

The apps purchased on your existing handset will not work on iPhone 4.

7.Will I be able to buy apps via the App store?

You can search for, browse, review, purchase, and download apps from the App Store directly to iPhone. Apps that you download and install from the App Store on iPhone are backed up to your iTunes library the next time you sync iPhone with your computer. When you sync iPhone, you can also install apps you’ve purchased or downloaded from the iTunes Store on your computer.

8. Will any Verizon Wireless apps be available on iPhone?

iPhone will have the 3G Mobile Hotspot app pre-installed, and it will also have other popular apps available in the market such as VZ Navigator, and V CAST Media Manager.

9.What happens to any existing apps that I have purchased on my Verizon Wireless handset?

Although many of the same apps may be available on iPhone, those apps already purchased on your existing handset will not be available on your iPhone.

10. Will Verizon carry accessories for iPhone?

Yes.

11. If I have an iPhone 4 on another wireless carrier and switch to an iPhone 4 on Verizon Wireless, will all of my accessories be compatible?

Most accessories should work, however you may find that cases and covers could be different depending on the product manufacturer.

12. Can I use my iPhone 4 while traveling abroad?

Yes, customers can use iPhone for voice and text in over 40 countries with data service in over 20 countries. For service availability and rate information, visit International Roaming Rates and Coverage. When travelling outside of these 40 destinations, the Global Travel program is the perfect short-term solution for the occasional or infrequent global traveler who needs to stay in touch when travelling internationally.

Support

1. Who do I call for support or general questions?

Verizon Wireless customers with general support questions can contact customer service by dialing *611 from your cell phone, or (800) 922-0204 from a landline, Monday-Sunday 6am-11pm.

2. How will Verizon Wireless continue to maintain the largest and most reliable 3G network in America with the launch of iPhone 4?

Verizon Wireless has invested more than $60 billion since it was formed – $5.7 billion on average every year – to increase the coverage and capacity of its premier nationwide network and to add new services. Verizon Wireless' 'most reliable network' claim is based on network studies conducted by test men and women who drive 100 specially-equipped vehicles more than 1 million miles annually to test network performance, call quality, and data network performance. Verizon Wireless uses the results of its frequent network tests to maintain and fine-tune the company's network on a regular basis as part of its ongoing quality maintenance programs and annual capacity planning.

1. Can I exchange a device that I recently purchased for iPhone?

Yes, we will gladly accept returns or make exchanges on all wireless devices and accessories purchased from Verizon Wireless within 30 days of purchase (14 days for tablets). To make an exchange, return the merchandise (including device, charger, battery, instructions, and any other components) in the ORIGINAL box. All merchandise must be in like-new condition and accompanied by the original receipt. Shipping charges may apply to exchange merchandise sent to you by Verizon Wireless. A restocking fee of $35 ($70 for netbooks and tablets) applies to any second return or exchange of a wireless device (excluding Hawaii).

Apple's iPhone Coming to Verizon

Ending years of anticipation, Apple and Verizon announced Tuesday that the iPhone 4 is coming to the largest wireless carrier in the U.S. on Feb. 10 at a starting price of $199.

Customers will be able to preorder the much anticipated phone on Feb. 3, and it will launch in Verizon and Apple stores, as well as online, a week later. The handset will carry the same prices of $199 for 16GB and $299 for 32GB.

The Nike+ SportWatch GPS Has TomTom and an Attitude

The Nike+ SportWatch, powered by TomTOM GPS, will bug you when you forget to run and encourage you when you do.

It's like your own personal trainer...on your wrist! The SportWatch GPS will bug you with run reminders when you haven't logged a run in five days, you'll get "attaboys" for achieving run records, and you can plug the watch directly into your computer to interface with nikeplus.com.

As for the hardware, the SportWatch's GPS works in combination with a shoe sensor to keep logging your location even when you're running in the city, and you can tap the display to illuminate the backlight or set a new lap.

Take a look here.

iHealth blood pressure iPod dock: another sort of Apple to keep the doctor away

Back in March 2009 at the iPhone OS 3.0 debut event, Apple's Scott Forstall pointed out medical devices specifically as one of the more interesting class of peripherals that could leverage the new custom app interface capabilities. And while it's certainly an interesting concept -- keeping tabs on your general health from the comfort of your own home -- we haven't really seen it catch on (only a couple of products come to mind). That isn't stopping iHealth; the company's blood pressure dock, available today from its online store (we're told it should be filtering through Apple's own channels later this month) ties in with a specialized iPhone / iPod touch / iPad app to monitor and track blood pressure from the comfort of your home, where theoretically there shouldn't be a stranger in a white coat making you extra nervous. In our brief time with the device, the interface seemed fairly intuitive and the whole process simple and not at all intimidating. The cost of entry is $99.95 for the hardware; the free app should be hitting iTunes today. Press release after the break.

Take a look.

iPhonECG case monitors your heart rate to make sure you're appropriately excited about CES

CES isn't just about incrementally thinner or faster hardware, you know. Some people like to bring legitimately innovative ideas to the show, such as this iPhonECG case, which does what its name suggests: it takes an ECG (electrocardiogram) reading of your heart's activity through a pair of electrodes and then communicates its findings to an iPhone 4 it can be attached to. We say it can be attached to an iPhone as communication is done wirelessly, so you'll probably be able to monitor your ticker's rhythm without the Applephone pressed against your bosom. Then again, maybe you like that. It's a free world, we don't judge. We'll be sending out our most hairy-chested editor to give this thing a proper test at the Las Vegas convention next week. Until then, scope out the video after the break.

Take a look - I will at CES.