Crenk » sports

Nike+, Running in the Right Direction

Luis Sandoval — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 14:19:42 +0000

: Image by booyaa via Flickr

I’ve just recently started running for fitness and I had my eye on the Nike+ system to pair with my iTouch. Running is something a lot of us fear, perhaps some of you out there MIGHT enjoy it, but far more prefer other methods of exercise. Still, the Nike+ system is the device that is supposed to have revolutionized running as a sport and as a frequent user of this device, I have to say it’s upped my game, and helped me train harder.

This small device, running $30USD for the sensor, and approx. $75USD for the USB bracelet, sends information to your iPod and tracks your progress monitoring information like pace, distance, time, and calories burned. All the while you are able to run to your own music track and when you’re feeling run down, activate your own power song to push you those extra miles.

To add even more functionality to the device you are able to connect your device to your computer (both MAC and PC compatible) and upload your data to the Nike+ website, adding you to the mix of already thousands upon thousands of runners out there at all levels. You can monitor your progress, join challenges, track milestones, and join in a social network of sorts with other runners out there. It’s useful on so many levels, and allows you to buy Nike specific music tracks that they’ve put together for you, training modules that go further than what comes pre-loaded, accessories and gear, and even create a Nike+ animated character for a badge that can be placed on your own site or your Facebook account.

All in all, I highly recommend this device if you’ve not gotten it yet, and you’re running. Even if you don’t like running with music, that’s fine, leave it off, but keep the stats, once you calibrate it, it’s priceless.

V-Mode Vibe ii Sports Ear Hooks

Steven Finch — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 09:16:43 +0000

I was lucky enough today to receive some ear buds from v-mode. v-mode are a bit of a strange company in that they make headphones and also clothing under the same umbrella. The earphones that I received were the new vibe ii sports ear hooks.

First impressions from the packaging were good, but there simply just seemed to be a lot of packaging for a simply pair of ear buds.The little piece of novelty was that the box itself has two compartments that were had magnets build in to they stayed together.

Once inside after getting through the packaging (20 min) the speakers themselves seemed to be quite heavy, a lot heavier than a normal pair of ear buds. The Vibe ii is made especially for smartphones and the iPhone because they have included a built in microphone. The design of the microphone and overall look of the product is great, but the ear buds themselves are quite flat towards the end and if you listen to music for long periods on end then you might get a bit of a sore ear.

Obviously the key to a good set of ear buds is the quality of sound and the Vibe ii seems to give off a much better quality to the average ear bud on the market today. Unfortunately for me the quality of depth within the sounds in slightly lacking and the volume of the sounds also seems to be low.

Overall the Vibe ii is a great set of ear buds that I’m sure will last you a long time. Vibe ii is ahead of the average ear buds simply because of the sounds quality but for the price (USD $119.99) it seems to be just not good enough.

Who Is Going To Win The Electric Car Race

Steven Finch — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 11:20:20 +0000

I know this is probably not a story you would expect on Crenk, but it involves Silicon Valley startup Tesla and I thought the piece was actually very interesting. Take a look and let me know if you think Tesla will win the race.

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Top 5 Olympic Apps for iPhone

Luis Sandoval — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 03:12:32 +0000

The world is currently in fever pitch over the Beijing Olympics this summer. Do you find it hard to keep up with all the events? Do you sit at work with the shakes because you’re in detox from the night before? No longer do you have to remain in the dark. If you have a late night meeting, an event with the family, or any other distraction that takes you away from the television, trust in your iPhone to keep you connected.

There are 5 of the top rated iPhone apps for the Olympic fanatic in you:

I. iOlympic
The most comprehensive coverage of the 2008 Beijing Olympics at your finger tips. This little apps offers you categories of interest which include: General News, Most Popular News, Team News, Telemundo News Feed, Special Features. You can catch up on all the news with even further breakdowns by event and by country. Want to know the number of medals won by each country, this little app has that info too. A true heavy hitter for Olympic fans.

II. Allmysports
A great general news provider app for those looking for quick bits of news. Not as thorough as iOlympic, but definitely enough to keep you going. Keep track of schedules, athletes, medals, and various country’s performances. The interface is easy to use and good for on the go info to whet your appetite for the moment.

III. Olympic Wallpaper
Who needs stats? You already getting your fill from TV, radio, and the net? Perhaps you’re already on board with some of the Olympic apps mentioned on here. If that’s the case, then this app is for those of us that want to share the experience, not just read it. Cover your iPhone with Olympic wallpaper and show you pride for the 2008 Beijing Olympics

IV. Olympic Games 2008 Medal Count
This quick view app allows you to quickly see a country’s overall standing in all events. You can see just how many medals your country has acquired and rally them to victory!

V. 2008 Olympic Sports Feeds
Perhaps you’re a fan of some of the more obscure, untelevised events at the Beijing Olympics. No worries because this app is here for you. This app provides a very thorough news feed for almost every event being held in Beijing. The Headline News is accessible and right at your finger tips to keep you ahead of the game.

Photo Credit, Marc van der Chijis

Doof Is The New Online Gaming Playground

Steven Finch — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 16:20:43 +0000

Doof is a new game type site that has launched and i thought i would showcase what they are upto.

Doof is nicely designed web 2.0 site that is all about playing games and socialising. The site has a very nice user interface that is quite flash based and it allows you to add certain sections of the site in a widget type atmosphere. Doof combines the fun and excitement of casual gaming with the freedom and customisation of a community site.

Doof’s features include games, tournaments, leagues, profiles, avatars, virtual goods, instant messaging and much more.

After spending about half an hour playing around the site it is a cool little playground that has of the most addictive games around, and the interface is just brilliant. Im just a bit annoyed that after signing in I couldnt find any information about the company, press or what they actually do! Maybe they could put those sort of features in a static footer.

Joost Signs the MLB to Content Agreement

Steven Finch — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 16:39:00 +0000

Joost has announced a deal with Major League Baseball to show the MLB playoffs. Joost also have a lot of other sports content such as the Indy Car Series and the Soccer Channel. They are slowly building a very nice catalog.