Gadget Guru: Here’s how to turn a bicycle into a fitness-tracking smart bike
You’ll ride the streets a lot safer with SmartHalo Technologies’ new smart device ($149) for peddle bikers.
It attaches to standard handlebars and pairs via Bluetooth with a smartphone. Included is a HaloKey, which is a specialized anti-theft mechanism designed to lock the device in place.
Inside is a rechargeable battery, which should be good for about three weeks of one-hour rides per day before a charge is needed. To charge it, use the HaloKey to remove the battery if a charge isn’t close by.
The SmartHalo is weather-proof and pairs with the smartphone using an app (iOS or Android) that provides turn-by-turn navigation by illuminating LED lights that alert riders when it is time to make a turn and in which direction.
Other features include fitness tracking for distance, speed and calories burned. There also are alerts for incoming calls or text messages.
More information: smarthalo.bike
Blender scale
Making a smoothie was easy – that’s really saying something if you’ve never seen me in the kitchen – with the Perfect Blend 2.0 ($99.99).
The smart scale combines with your blender and the Perfect Blend recipe app (iOS and Android) to ensure each ingredient is added correctly, measured by weight and displayed on a smartphone or tablet.
The box says it works with any blender; I tried it with both of mine and it worked perfectly.
Each recipe takes users step by step and advises in what order to add ingredients to ensure optimal blending.
Set up is as easy as downloading the app and pairing the Perfect Blend wirelessly (Bluetooth). Two AAA batteries are needed for power.
For nutrition-conscious users, the app displays the number of calories and servings you’re about to blend based on the ingredients and how much has been added.
More: makeitperfectly.com
Athletic sensor
The PIQ Robot sensor ($149) is designed to give athletes the tools needed to improve performance levels.
The sensor combines with an accessory dedicated to specific sports including golf, tennis, ski, boxing or kiteboarding.
It’s worn on a strap, which links to a smartphone. The app records and analyzes the analytics performance details of a workout session. This includes speed, G-force at impact and retraction time, then displays the analytics in real time on the app.
The app also shows results on a community leaderboard, comparing where you stand to others, hoping to inspire athletes to work harder to move up the standings.
More: piq.com
Phone case
A “Star Wars” collection of cases and wallets (prices range from $49.95 to $69.95) for iPhone was launched by HEX.
The leather cases incorporate art and characters from the films. Features include leather exteriors, credit card slots, cash pockets, zip closures and custom polycarbonate phone beds.
They are available in three styles: the Snap Case, the Wallet and the Zipper Wallet, and are available for iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, iPhone 8 and 8 Plus, and iPhone X.
More: hexbrand.com
Contact Gregg Ellman at greggellman@mac.com. Follow him on Twitter: @greggellman
This story was originally published December 6, 2017 at 10:56 AM with the headline "Gadget Guru: Here’s how to turn a bicycle into a fitness-tracking smart bike."