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sport

Home Tag sport

NikeFuel: rip-off or real deal?

Jan 27, 2012

click > enlarge

By now we’ve probably all seen the catchy videos promoting Nike’s new fitness tracker, NikeFuel. But exactly how is it different from their previous system, and how does it actually work?

Before NikeFuel there was the sensor you inserted in the bottom of your shoes. It kept track of your steps and synced that information to your iPhone or iPod. When I first started running more seriously I used this system, but I found that my distance was always a half mile off from what the treadmill read or what Google Maps told me was, for example, a three mile route. The feature to customize your sensor to your specific footfalls never worked and it oftentimes dropped data so I couldn’t track my progress online.

The NikeFuel band also communicates your training to your Apple devices, but it just seems like a fancy, $150 pedometer. It doesn’t track your heart rate, but the real advantage here is that it tracks all the activity you do, whether it’s swimming laps, running, training in the gym, walking up a flight of stairs or dancing. The thing is, Nike doesn’t tell you how it does this, which makes me think it’s going to be just as off-base in its tracking as the sensor was. You can’t input personal data like sex or weight, so how accurate can it really be? It’s common knowledge that an overweight man is going to burn energy at a different rate than a petite woman, yet their activity is tracked in the same way.

For starters, I’d really love to know how the accelerometer works – how does it the translate the energy expended in skateboarding down a street? What Nike does push are all the bells and whistles, its bluetooth technology, its built-in motivational color system (your band changes from red to green depending on how much activity you’ve completed) and its overall fun factor: life isn’t just boring old life anymore, it’s a sport. But if you don’t buy this wrist band you’ll never know how much sporty fun you’re missing out on.


about perrin drumm

mini and airstream surf to milan 2009

mini and airstream surf to milan 2009

Mar 17, 2009

The following words from the Minispace…She loves the ocean, is great at entertaining guests, and likes to hang out in style outdoors.

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You already know the Airstream trailer from supporting roles in Hollywood films, and as a favored mode of transport for nomadic hipsters. Now, the iconic “silver bullet” is hitting the party circuit.

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above: the swan and egg chair by arne jacobsen inspires the bullet’s interior.

Who’s playing chauffeur, you ask? Why, a brand new MINI Cooper S Clubman, of course! The trailer, which showcases an über-chic custom-made interior by Copenhagen’s Republic of Fritz Hansen, will be making cameos at events, exhibitions, and design fairs around the world. The first spotting will be at the Salone del Mobile show and the INTERNI DESIGN ENERGIES exhibition in Milan, Italy (April 21-30 2009).

A bit of an odd market ? Well, image is everything and this hasn’t been tried before. Upon reading the copy before seeing the images one expected the Clubman “woodie” with “bullet” in tow.

Solar powered cars.

Mar 16, 2009

solarcar1Quite a few new concept cars as environment and economic issues force development.
Check these out.

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above: Citroen C-cactus concept
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above: Mitsubishi, the iMiev Sport
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above: Koenigsegg Quant
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above: Peugeot Shoo (photo: webecoist )
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above: mercedes-benz formula zero
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above: Antro Solo ( photo: ecoist )
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above: SEAT Brisa ( photo: ecoist )
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above: Minset Six50
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above: Lotus Eco Elise
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above: the Enigma
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above: Eve

Some of these concept cars may never see the light of day. But they are inspiring. And they shout “green” wherever they show up.

Skinless cycling outfit.

Feb 20, 2009

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Show your stuff with cycling gear from Tomek Pietek.
Very cool! Not sure if this is a portfolio piece for the illustrator or if it went into production.

via streetanatomy
Designer: Tomek Pietek

2010 Olympic torch design unveiled.

Feb 18, 2009

2010 Olympic torch design unveiled. via designophy [PR]

Crossing Atlantic in pedal-powered sub.

Feb 6, 2009

A propeller that swims by itself evolves into pedal-powered submarine. via boingboing [PR]

mission one. electric motorcycle.

mission one. electric motorcycle.

Feb 5, 2009

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Mission Motors builds the world’s fastest electric production motorcycle, Mission One.
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Top speed is 150 MPH and an estimated range of 150 miles.
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Designed for Mission Motors, the bike was unveiled at the TED 2009 conference at Long Beach, California, today.

The announcement formally debuts Mission Motors, a San Francisco-based company geared to redefine the world of performance motorcycles. The company was founded in 2007 by entrepreneurs Forrest North (CEO), Edward West (President), and Mason Cabot (VP of Engineering).

Building on their backgrounds in engineering, a desire to develop clean vehicles, and a passion for motorcycles, the Mission Motors founders developed a proprietary high energy lithium ion battery pack that could provide both the range and acceleration needed for a high performance sportbike. The company (named Hum Cycles at the time) placed second in the transportation category of the 2007 California Cleantech Open, the largest cleantech business plan competition on the West Coast.

Designer: Yves Behar of fuseproject
Producer: Mission Motors

Porsche museum.

Feb 2, 2009

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Vienna architects Delugan Meissl have completed work on the new Porsche Museum in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen, Germany. The museum opens January 31, 2009.
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The museum will house around 80 chronologically-arranged vehicle exhibits and will be routinely replaced by other historical Porsches, as the majority of the exhibits can be driven on the road.
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The company’s production and media archives will also be housed on-site, alongside a 3000-book library, shop, restaurant and conference facilities.
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Photos are courtesy of Nathan Willock.

The following is from Porsche…

The Idea
The successful record of Stuttgart’s sports-car manufacturer – Porsche is both the smallest independent German automaker and the world’s most profitable automaker – is based on decades of experience in automotive manufacturing and in motorsports. The history of Porsche sports cars begins in 1948 with the legendary Type 356 “No. 1,” but the conceptual basis of the brand is the result of the lifelong work of Professor Ferdinand Porsche (1875–1951), which was continued by his son Ferry (1909–1998).

By establishing an independent engineering office in Stuttgart in 1931, Ferdinand Porsche laid the foundations for the House of Porsche, and he made automotive history by pioneering developments for his client companies. During the past six decades, Porsche has experienced many high points as well as low ones. But thanks to efficient production methods, distinctive positioning of its brand, and innovative models such as the 356, 911, 914, 924, 944, 928, and the Boxster and the Cayenne, the former sports-car specialist has developed into one of the world’s most successful automobile manufacturers.

This unique history is both an honor and an obligation. Porsche customers, shareholders, and Porsche fans had often expressed their wish for an inspiring place in which to display the corporate history, and in July 2004 Porsche’s Management Board responded by approving the construction of a new museum at Zuffenhausen’s Porscheplatz. Since October 2005, construction has been underway on a museum that will be an architectural emblem of the Porsche brand and make history as the most spectacular building project ever undertaken by the company. The elaborate new museum will be completed near the end of 2008 and will become the central repository where the Porsche tradition will be preserved and displayed.

The Location
Auto fans around the world know that the traditional site of Porsche AG is in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen. Seventy years ago the erstwhile Porsche engineering office relocated from downtown Stuttgart to the first, newly built Porsche plant in Zuffenhausen. This is where the trial series of what became the “VW Beetle” was built in 1938, as was the forefather of all Porsche sports cars, the Type 64 “Berlin–Rome Car,” in 1939.

In 1950 this Stuttgart suburb became the birthplace of the sports cars bearing the Porsche logo. Today, the 911 model series and all Porsche engines are produced in Zuffenhausen. And Porsche’s new museum will be located here, on Porscheplatz. At this historic location, it will join the Porsche plant and the Porsche Center as the new emblem of the company.

The Architecture
There’s no doubt about it, even now: the new edifice by Vienna’s Delugan Meissl is an eye-catcher. Although the building isn’t quite finished yet, the fascinating impact of the monolithic, virtually floating exhibition hall can already be felt. This bold and dynamic architecture reflects the company’s philosophy and provides a foretaste of the experience that awaits visitors to the future museum. It is designed to convey a sense of arrival and approachability, and to guide the visitors smoothly from the basement level into the superstructure.

In their design, the architects at Delugan Meissl set out to create a place of sensuous experience that reflects the authenticity of Porsche products and services as well as the company’s character, while also reshaping Porscheplatz with an unmistakable appearance.

The Exhibits
About 80 vehicles and many small exhibits will be on display at the new Porsche Museum in a unique ambience. In addition to world-famous, iconic vehicles such as the 356, 550, 911, and 917, the exhibits include some of the outstanding technical achievements of Professor Ferdinand Porsche from the early 20th century. Even then, the name of Porsche stood for the commitment never to be satisfied with a technical solution that fails to fully meet or exceed all of its requirements, including opportunities for further improvement.

From the lobby, visitors ascend a spectacular ramp to the entrance of the spacious exhibition area, where they can gain an initial overview of the impressive collection.

Here the visitor is free to choose whether to start chronologically with the company history before 1948, or to head directly into the main area of the exhibition, which contains a chronological history of Porsche products and thematic islands. Both areas are interlinked by the “Porsche Idea” section, which forms the backbone of the exhibition.

The Idea section explains what makes the various themes and exhibits so unique. It tells of the spirit and the passion that motivate the work at Porsche, and pays tribute to the company as well as the people behind the product.

Concept
The new museum enlightens the visitor in an impressive, clear, and interesting manner about the entire history of what is now Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG. Production cars have been just as important to the name recognition of the Porsche brand as many vehicles designed specifically for racing. Porsche designs have had an impact on individual mobility even in the early years of motorization.

The exhibition layout provides separate exhibit areas for the two periods before and after 1948. “Porsche Idea,” “Product History,” and “Thematic Islands” are the three core elements of the museum concept. Visitors making their way through the exhibition will often find these three main elements thematically interlinked.

The “Porsche Idea“ section focuses on specific, trailblazing technical solutions for interesting challenges from nearly all areas of mobility. Visitors can learn about the values, motivation, and philosophy driving the company throughout its history and to its ultimate success.

The “Product History” section is a chronologically arranged presentation of the history of Porsche sports cars from its beginnings in 1948 to the latest models with all their technological diversity and stylistic individuality.

“Thematic Islands” focus on particular, especially important aspects of Porsche history. Some of them, like “Evolution 911,” are dedicated to specific model series. Others bring together vehicles from different eras, for example in the splendid motorsport history of “Le Mans.”

The Racing Cars
Unlike many other museums, the new Porsche Museum stands for joie de vivre and variety. It will continue to remain committed to the long-established philosophy of the “Museum on Wheels” and will utilize, enhance, and expand the newly assembled collection in Zuffenhausen.

Next year, for instance, the 550 A Spyder will participate in the Mille Miglia, and the 356 Carrera Abarth GT will travel all the way to Australia for the Classic Adelaide.

Instead of a conventional, static exhibition, newly arranged object combinations will create an ever-changing display that reflects the self-image of a company that incorporates both a great tradition and great innovations.

With the “Museum on Wheels” Porsche is taking a route no one else has traveled. Even the classic vehicles in the museum’s collection are serving the purpose for which they were built in the first place: driving!

The Porsche Archive
A central repository is being created in the new museum where all of the historical and contemporary knowledge about the subject “Porsche” is being consolidated. The historical archive of Porsche AG is also moving into the new edifice, where portions of it are visible through glass walls from the lobby.

As the company’s “memory,” the Porsche Archive collects all important information concerning business, technical, social, or cultural matters relating to Porsche AG and its subsidiary companies. The archived items include anything worth saving about the unparalleled Porsche success story, from the beginnings of Ferdinand Porsche as an automobile designer to the engineering office established in 1931 all the way to today’s Porsche AG. The present files of the Porsche Archive cover 2,000 meters of shelf space, including bookshelves, display cases, steel cabinets, and safes.

The Historical Archive with its accumulated knowledge is available not only to internal departments but also to external users, such as journalists and scientists. Many thousands of inquiries annually are handled here in a professional manner by the Porsche archivists.

Designer: Delugan Meissl
Producer: Porsche

via dezeen

The whip. Snowboard.

Feb 2, 2009

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A radical new design that sets out to improve on almost every aspect of snowboard riding – more speed, higher jumps, quicker turns, better fit and less chatter. Now, after four years in development, “The Whip” as it’s known has been officially launched.

The design retains a 4×4 mounting system so it can be used with most conventional bindings but a stiff binding with minimal padding is recommended. While the The Whip will perform well in regular powdery conditions, it’s not built for deep, off-trail powder.

The Whip represents a total rethink of several elements of snowboard design, but at first glance, there are two glaringly obvious features that stand out – the elongated cutout that runs through the center of the board and the raised, carbon-composite mounts dubbed “Spider back suspension”.

The purpose of the Open V Hull shape is to reduce the amount of surface area in contact with the snow and in turn reduce drag for greater gliding speed. The straight inner edges boost directional stability and are positioned lower than the outer edge resulting in a slight V-shape that is designed to improve edge to edge transition.

The second – and most striking – design element is the Spider back suspension, a system which was inspired by Leonardo Da Vinci’s famous Vitruvian Man sketch. Lin explains that the SBS fulfills several key roles – it acts as a suspension system to reduce chatter and because it’s edge mounted, allows for easier transfer of weight directly to the outside of the board, which is curved like a conventional snowboard for turns. The SBS mounts are tilted slightly toward the center of the board for a more natural stance and further assist turning by raising the center of gravity. The inner arms also act like leaf springs to give the board more “pop”.

The board is hand-built from wood, plastic, steel edges and carbon composite while the SBS is constructed with carbon composite. The suspension role played by the SBS also means that there’s no need for a dampening rubber sheet to be added to the board.

Only one model of will be released this year with the company expecting to produce a few hundred this season. The first, 158cm model is known as “The Whip F-117” (see below for specs) and there are plans to introduce more boards by next season.

The Whip is patent pending in the U.S., EU and most of Asia and the “F-117” model is now available for pre-order at the Cheetah Ultra Sports website at a price of USD$1899. Shipping is slated to begin this month. via cheetah ultra sports

The Whip F-117 Specs:
* LENGTH: 158cm
* WAIST WIDTH: 23.5cm
* EFFECTIVE EDGE: Outer 127cm, Inner 86x2cm
* NOSE WIDTH: 29cm
* TAIL WIDTH: 28cm
* OPENING WIDTH: 7cm
* STANCE LOCATION: 10.5 Back
* SPIDER HEIGHT: 3.8cm
* RIDER WEIGHT LIMITS: 135-195 lbs.

Designer: Adams Lin

Tesla roadster.

Apr 18, 2008

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High-design. Electric. 50-state approved (USA).

After quite a bit of tweaks, good and bad press the FDA finally blessed the Tesla in January 2008 and this red (green) car can go on sale. The car won’t solve the world problems, at least not this particular car — $100K — but it is a start.

Tesla is probably doing it right as they are a small company. Start with a small luxury — sport market and then move to the mass market. The big auto makers will probably beat them to a mass market electric.

Tesla says it’ll churn out 40 of the $100,000 cars per week. So put your name on the list. And there may be perks down the road too. In Norway if you drive an electric car you can drive in bux/taxi lanes, get free pass in toll booths, have parking near the entrance of large stores.

Interestingly at $100K this one is actually cheaper than most low end luxury cars. (more…)

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