Nokia releases sports phone.
(02.02.04) Nokia 5140
mobile phone adds mobility to Outdoor Adventure, Sport and Fitness. This
sports-inspired phone offers integrated compass, optional rugged GPS covers
and even a fitness coach for consumers with active lifestyle
At ISPO Winter 2004, the international sports equipment and fashion trade
fair, Nokia unveiled its latest mobile handset for active-minded consumers,
the Nokia 5140 phone. Highlighted by a digital compass, integrated camera,
and Fitness Coach application, the Nokia 5140 phone offers athletes, outdoor
adventurers, and fitness enthusiasts a means of staying connected.
Additionally, the Nokia 5140 phone complements an active lifestyle with
a range of sport and fitness features and products, such as the Nokia
Fitness Monitor, which was also launched today. Nokia's first GSM push
to talk handset, the triband Nokia 5140 phone is planned to be available
in all major markets during the 2nd quarter of 2004.
Outdoor Adventure
Whether you're into orienteering
or you simply enjoy weekend treks, the Nokia 5140 phone offers the tools
needed to keep users oriented on the trail. In addition to an integrated
digital compass, the Nokia 5140 phone features a built-in flashlight to
help guide the way. Also introduced today was the Nokia Xpress-on(TM)
GPS shell that offers GPS functions like trip computer, route guidance,
tracking and saving of waypoints integrated into the phone shell. Sold
separately, the Nokia Xpress-on(TM) GPS shell includes a map-based Travel
Guide
application for route guidance, points of interest and downloadable
maps.
With the simple push of a button, trekkers can connect with friends or
team-mates by using the push to talk feature for quick voice communications.
Similar to a "walkie-talkie", push to talk can be used over
the GSM network to quickly connect the Nokia 5140 phone user to one person,
or to a group of people, simply by using the convenient side-mounted key.
The Nokia 5140 phone also includes an integrated VGA camera to snap and
send scenic images encountered while on the trail. The sequential shot
feature allows for a rapid sequence of shots with one touch.
Nokia 5140 phone owners looking for outdoor activities at various destinations
in Europe can consult their Lonely Planet Guide - a downloadable Java
application that can be purchased at nokia.com/shop - for information
on outdoor-related places to go and points of interest related to trekking,
biking or surfing. Sports enthusiasts can sample the headlines and video
highlights of their favourite team on Eurosport News or take part in the
action by downloading a sport-themed game from Eurosport.
Health and Fitness
The Nokia 5140 phone features a durable dust, bump and splash-resistant housing that allows it to keep up with demanding users, but its active nature is more than just skin deep. For the fitness enthusiast, a new Fitness Coach feature can actually assist in preparing and monitoring customized programs for weight control, strength, endurance and fitness.
Health and fitness enthusiasts wanting
more accurate data on work-outs or even everyday activities will be interested
in the new Nokia Fitness Monitor, a stand-alone device which snaps conveniently
onto your waistband or belt, tracks activity level and monitors calorie
consumption. Users can predefine their own fitness goals and the Nokia
Fitness Monitor will notify them when their target has been reached. When
the Nokia Fitness Monitor is connected to the Nokia
5140 phone (or other compatible phone) via infrared, the information is
transferred to a Fitness Coach diary in the phone for storage and follow
up.
Additional fitness-related functionality
of the Nokia 5140 phone is an interval timer and stopwatch for keeping
track of workout routines and an integrated FM radio to help make time
go by even faster. The
Nokia Activity Headset provides convenient wearability while on the move.
The Nokia Activity Headset features one button to answer and
end calls and another that can be used to activate the push to talk capability
connection to a group stored in the phone.
Also announced today, the optional Nokia Activity Handsfree, enables handsfree
call management and improves the protection against splashes, sand and
dust when outdoors, while biking, for example. In addition to receiving
calls, the built-in speaker and microphone makes it possible to listen
to music or the radio from a compatible Nokia phone.
Further, the Nokia 5140 phone is compatible with two recently announced products from Polar Electro, the Polar S25X and the Polar S725.
Along with its unique lifestyle features,
the Nokia 5140 phone also has a generous complement of the latest mobile
features. Multimedia messaging capability allows for the sending and receiving
of images,
sounds and text. The Nokia 5140 phone also supports downloadable polyphonic
ring tones, custom wallpapers and Java(TM) applications tocustomize the
handset. For additional personalization, optional Xpress-on(TM) shells
are available in four fashionable color combination schemes.
Digital, high frequency hearing aid
GN ReSound's, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of hearing
instruments, newest product ReSoundAIR™ is receiving international
acclaim for its groundbreaking design. In its first six months, ReSoundAIR
has received the French design prize Janus 2003, The Danish Design Prize
2003 and the MCA multimedia award for training material. GN ReSound launched
this revolutionary solution to high-frequency hearing loss in the summer
of 2003. The innovative technological features, and successful first fit
are the core benefits for hearing healthcare professionals. ReSoundAIR
is a hearing instrument that delivers the easiest, most comfortable and
virtually invisible solution for people who suffer from high-frequency
hearing loss. Jesper Mailind, CEO, GN ReSound Group said: “Market
research clearly shows that there is a large group of people in the 45-65
age group suffering from mild or high-frequency hearing loss. ReSoundAIR
is designed for this specific target audience, and we hope to be able
to expand the market by fulfilling the needs of this particular target
group. So, this is the right product launched at the right time.”
ReSoundAIR digital hearing instruments are specifically designed to provide
optimum gain, stability and wearer comfort to those with high-frequency
hearing loss. Every model incorporates unique ComforTec. technology- a
set of optimized hardware and software features now revolutionizing high-frequency
fittings. ComforTec resolves common wearer frustrations with this type
of fitting, such as occlusion, over-amplification of lower frequency sounds,
and excessive feedback. Available in mini-BTE, ITC and CIC models, ReSoundAIR
is the fast, stable way to high-frequency fitting success.
Read More
NEW TRAWLING METHOD DEVELOPED IN NORWAY
Norway Seafoods has
developed and tested a new trawling method which industry analysts call
"revolutionary" according to Norwegian trade magazine Fiskeriteknisk
Fagblad.
The innovation allows the fishing vessel to keep the trawl
in the water for 24 hours a day. The trawl is emptied through a system
of pumps that lands the catch on deck without bringing the trawl to the
surface.
"I can confirm that we have run successful trials with the system,
although the trial was limited in scope", says Norway Seafood manager
Börge Nakken.
"What
Norway Seafoods is doing is very interesting", says Audun Maråk,
secretary general of the Norwegian Fishing Fleet Association. "However
the business aspects and the understanding of which catches it can be
used for remains to be understood".
Read
more (in Norwegian)
A REALLY COOL FRIDGE IN FUTURE
The intelligent refrigerator is here. The new “Screenfridge”
will help you with grocery shopping and dinner ideas, keep track of what
you have in your fridge, and function as a message center for the whole
family. This is what Electrolux, the world's largest appliance manufacturer,
envisions in our homes in the future.
The fridge looks like a normal refrigerator but is equipped with a computer
and a touch screen on the door. The computer equipment is built into the
fridge and does take any of the space away from normal refrigerator functions.
This
intelligent refrigerator is also connected to the Internet, and aside
from using the fridge to send e-mails or to surf the Internet, you can
also use it to select, buy and order food for your home without ever leaving
the kitchen. In addition, a built-in library of recipes ensures you will
never lose your culinary inspiration.
Home Entertainment Center
The fridge is equipped with speakers, a microphone and a small video camera,
which makes it possible for family members to leave video messages for
each other. There is no separate keyboard or mouse; all the functions
are available through a touch screen and a virtual keyboard. Also, there’s
built-in television and radio, so you can watch the morning news or listen
to music while cooking. The
Screenfridge will ultimately include a “reader,” able to use
the electronic tagging found on all food and liquid packaging in the future.
This way, in the future the fridge can keep inventory of what food you
have at home, what's been bought, and what's been removed.
According
to Electrolux, one of the greatest advantages for the consumer is the
possibility of utilizing directly tailored product information with offers
from the local grocery store. Electrolux is now discussing possible business
alliances to develop the system.
[Read more]
WORLD’S
SMALLEST SATELLITE/GSM PHONE
Ericsson today announced the R190, the world’s
smallest and lightest satellite/GSM dual mode phone specially designed
to work with the ACeS regional geostationary satellite, deployed over
the Asia Pacific region. Calls have been placed successfully across the
network using the Ericsson R190. Equivalent to a standard GSM phone in
design, size and weighing just over 200 grams, the Ericsson R190 phone
represents a leap forward for satellite handsets.
Ericsson expects to launch the R190 during the second half of 2000. The
Ericsson R190 is capable of operating in both satellite and GSM 900 modes.
Once out of cellular range, the phone automatically switches to satellite
mode to send or receive calls making it the ideal phone for users travelling
to remote areas beyond cellular coverage. The phone is targeted
at users who require extended connectivity to be able to call wherever
they are in the Asia-Pacific region. ACeS subscribers travelling outside
satellite coverage will be able to roam GSM networks worldwide.
Small Is Good
The R190’s small size is enabled by GMSS, which is derived from the
popular GSM standard and exploits the filters, mixers and RF base band
components already present in a GSM handset. Subscribers are able to roam
on GSM networks and remain in communication should they move out of coverage
area by switching to satellite mode. The Ericsson R190 functions
in four modes: GSM preferred—searches first for a GSM network and
switches to satellite if one is not found, GSM only—searches only
for a GSM network, satellite preferred - searches first for the satellite
network and switches to GSM if it is not found, and satellite only—searches
only for the satellite network.
NOTE: Geostationary Mobile Satellite Standard (GMSS) is a satellite air
interface developed from GSM. The standard is a result of collaboration
between ACeS, Ericsson and Lockheed Martin. Mobile phones users are able
to make calls via satellite systems in any country where GMSS is offered.
In order to convert the handset for GMSS modifications are made in specific
areas only. The GSM signal is adapted to allow dual mode functionality
enabling users to continue to benefit from the on-going development of
services for GSM.
[Read More]
SKATING THE OLD
SCANDINAVIAN WAY
You may never have heard of it, but “Tour Skating”
is all the rage in the Scandinavian countries, these wintery days, especially
in Sweden, with Finland not far behind.
All honor to skiing, but an old/new Scandinavian
sport is tour skating. The traditional tour skate was made out of wood
with a steel blade inserted into the bottom. The whole thing clamped on
to a ski boot using leather straps much like cross-country skiing.
The Revolution Some years ago, however, someone got the bright idea that
a much lighter and stronger skate could be made out of aluminum extrusions
with the steel blades firmly riveted in place. The new skates were also
adapted to more modern tour-ski bindings. And the sport began to take
off.
Tour skates are long—all of 520 mm—and thin. The modern high-tempered
blades of stainless steel that are used are no thicker than 1.50 mm, and
they are either ground complety flat or with an almost invisible hollow.
Their length makes them good for covering both smooth and rough ice at
high speeds, and the thin blades cut down on friction loss and thus expended
energy. Just Sailing Along People throughout Scandinavia have been
using small sails to ride with the wind across open stretches of ice for
centuries. These modern tour skates may make this sport more popular too.
In Sweden, at least, tour skating has also traditionally been a sport
for many retired people, but the ‘youngsters’ are now catching
up with their speedy elders. As soon as the fjords, bays, rivers,
and lakes freeze over, you will see both groups in long lines flying across
the winter landscape on swift runners. There are also rugged individuals
who think nothing of covering distances up to 50 kilometers along the
shores of the Baltic.
Practically Handmade Some of the most rugged, yet most inexpensive tour
skates available in Scandinavia are made by a small, traditional father
& son machine shop about an hour’s drive west of Stockholm. Excelsior
offers basic no-frills models with simple, yet reliable cable bindings
and super-hard stainless steel blades—for both adults and children.
The company also manufactures and sells rubber-handled safety ice picks
of its own design for those who intend to venture out on thin ice (it’s
a good idea to wear them on a cord hung round your neck just in case).
[Read more]
A UNIQUELY NEW AUTO
BATTERY
It is perhaps a simplification to call the patented
MOS-FET breaker from Swedish/Danish Intra International a “switch”.
Nonetheless, this is in fact precisely what it does: it turns the current
on and off - but in a highly intelligent manner.
It is an solid-state relay for large currents that is regulated
and controlled by a printed-circuit board with a microprocessor. This
small “computer” can be programmed to perform many different
functions. Vehicles are becoming increasingly dependent on electronically-controlled
functions and devices. The new Intra breaker with its microprocessor now
makes it possible to regulate and control the supply of current with greater
precision. In this context, it is also important to remember that research
in the automotive industry is focusing on dual electrical systems in the
vehicles of tomorrow, both 12/14 and 36/42 volts, which will make the
more sophisticated control of vehicle electrical systems essential.
Already Available Intra technology is already available
in a unique starter battery for small vehicles and small boats. The new
Intra battery combines traditional battery technology with the very latest
in electronics and software. The electronic system communicates via a
light-emitting diode (LED) that is attached to the windshield. Using a
transponder (an electronic key), it is easy to lock the battery when parking
the vehicle or mooring the boat ‹ and unlock it again when returning.
The first series of Intra batteries have a capacity of 12 V/62 Ah with
cold starting current of 460 A. This is suitable for a large percentage
of the cars in Europe and North America, including Volvo, Saab, Opel and
Ford. Smart Switching In addition to the normal starter function,
this gives the Intra battery a number of intelligent safety and security
functions, including one of the best anti-theft protection systems on
the market. When locked, the battery reduces the supply of current so
that there is not enough to start the engine. Should someone try to hot-wire
the engine, the battery turns itself. At the same time, however, the it
is intelligent enough, even when it is locked, to supply sufficient power
to operate the onboard computer, warning lights, radio, parking lights,
and so on.
Another property is that it always retains enough capacity
to start the car or boat. If the headlights or any other heavy-discharging
devices are unintentionally left on, the battery automatically turns itself
off at a level at which there is still sufficient capacity to start the
engine. The Intra battery also warns if it is not being recharged properly
owing to some fault. This prevents deep discharge and shorten service
life. Also, the Intra battery emits an automatic warning should refilling
with water be necessary. In the event of a short circuit, the Intra
battery turns itself off in less than one-hundredth of a second. This
reduces the danger of fire or explosion in a traffic accident. During
transport, all the voltage can be disconnected from the battery, an additional
safety factor.
[Read more]