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Favero Power Meter Pedals Receive Big Battery Boost via Quick Firmware Update
11 days ago•Source: DC Rainmaker
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Strava's Instant Workouts: Big Idea, Rough Execution
Strava’s Instant Workouts aims to deliver five weekly workouts across four categories with auto route suggestions, leveraging Runna data and subscription access. In practice, the feature is hampered by wonky pace estimates (often based on outdated data), impractical route ideas (such as looping around a block), and a lack of push-to-device support, with Garmin/Apple integration promised but uncertain. It has real potential to differentiate Strava if it fixes routing accuracy and adds seamless device syncing.
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"Record Super Bowl Broadcast Powered by 165 Sony Cameras"
CBS Sports is set to power its Super Bowl LVIII broadcast with 165 Sony cameras, including a significant increase in 4K Zoom-capable cameras, enabling enhanced zooming potential and aiding referees in making accurate calls during video reviews. The cameras, recording in 4K and high framerates, are hardwired and will provide unprecedented fidelity and top-of-the-line technology for viewers at home, with nearly a thousand people working the event to ensure a seamless broadcast. Additionally, the use of smaller FX-series Sony cameras with cinematic capabilities and HDR-capable cameras will add an artistic and visually stunning touch to the broadcast.
"Apple Vision Pro: Revolutionizing Sports Viewing and Virtual Reality Experiences"
The Apple Vision Pro, with its MLB and NBA apps, offers a new level of immersion and interactivity for sports fans, providing 3D renderings, spatial audio, and immersive video experiences. The apps allow users to view games from different perspectives and access real-time player and team stats, potentially posing a challenge to traditional sports bars. While the technology is still evolving, it has the potential to revolutionize how sports are watched, with possibilities for future applications in other sports like the NFL.
"Wahoo KICKR CORE Zwift One: The Ultimate Smart Trainer Collaboration"
The Wahoo KICKR CORE Cog, a variant of the KICKR CORE with the Zwift Cog attached, eliminates the need for physical bike shifters and allows shifting with a remote button. The partnership between Zwift and Wahoo has led to new zero-calibration software/firmware on the CORE, making it compatible with the Zwift Click button for shifting. The trainer is priced at $599USD and offers a flywheel weight of 5.4kg, compatibility with 8-12 speed bikes, and a max incline of 16%. However, shifting is only possible with Zwift, limiting its use with other apps. The trainer also lacks a handle and requires a power cable.
"Wahoo's Surprising Kickr: A Game-Changer in Fitness Tech"
Wahoo has introduced the Kickr Run, a smart treadmill that aims to revolutionize indoor running, featuring hands-free pace adjustments, connectivity to apps like Zwift, and the ability to mimic road conditions. The company's expansion into running marks a shift from its traditional focus on cycling and comes after financial struggles and a change in ownership. The Kickr Run is set to be available in the USA later this summer, with the price yet to be confirmed.
"Zwift Hub One: Simplified Smart Trainer with Virtual Shifting and Universal Compatibility"
Zwift has introduced the Zwift Cog, a virtual shifting system that replaces the cassette on their Hub trainers with a single gear, providing 24 different speeds virtually. This allows for compatibility with multiple bikes without the need to change cassettes, offers a quieter experience, and eliminates the risk of dropped shifts or slow shifting. The virtual shifting is controlled using the Zwift Click or Zwift Play controllers, and the system automatically adjusts the gear ratio based on the bike's characteristics. The Zwift Hub One trainer with the Zwift Cog is available for $599, while existing Hub trainers can be upgraded with the Zwift Cog and Click kit for $79.99.
"BetVision: The Ultimate NFL Viewing and Betting Experience on One Screen"
Genius Sports has introduced BetVision, a new platform that allows football fans to watch and bet on NFL games on the same screen through select sportsbook apps. BetVision offers a low-latency video feed of regional game broadcasts, along with pop-up graphics displaying advanced stats, integrated betting odds, and on-screen wagering during breaks. The platform aims to provide a personalized and seamless betting experience, driving engagement and accelerating the growth of in-game betting. Currently, BetVision only offers NFL games, and it is available on mobile and tablet devices.
"Zwift Play Controllers Revolutionize Indoor Riding Experience"
Zwift has released its Zwift Play controller, which allows users to steer in-game, access settings, and use power-ups while cycling. The controllers are easy to set up and use, with a simple pairing process and a straightforward button scheme. The controllers are also sturdy and solid, with a waterproof design that can withstand sweat. While the $99 beta phase pricing is a good deal for frequent Zwift users, the proposed $149 price tag may be less appealing for those who only use Zwift occasionally. Zwift has plans for more features related to the controllers in the future.
"Revolutionizing Indoor Cycling: Zwift's Play Controller Adds Steering and Braking"
Zwift has launched a new handlebar-mounted controller called Zwift Play that enables users to steer their avatar and navigate Zwift’s in-app features. The controller has integrated, pressure-sensitive paddles for steering your avatar and braking functionality. Zwift Play is designed to streamline the way you interact with the Zwift app while training indoors. It has an RRP of £149/$149/€149, but is being launched at a promotional price of £99/$99/€99, to coincide with a beta period for the device and game.
Recapping the Top Stories of May 14th, 2023.
The Week in Review includes DCR's latest posts on Suunto Vertical GPS watch, Peloton's seatpost recall, and Zwift's support for Apple Metal graphics engine. It also features sports tech deals on Garmin and Samsung watches, and interesting news on Polar's outlet store. Additionally, the article highlights a security researcher's deep-dive into Connect IQ security bugs and fixes, and hopes for better battery life in Wear OS 4.
"Recapping the Top Stories of April 16th, 2023"
The Week in Review includes DCR's latest posts on sports technology, sports tech deals, and interesting findings from around the internet. This week's deals include discounts on Garmin cycling GPS devices and the Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro. Interesting findings include a call for Zwift study participants by the University of Calgary, rumors of Apple Glasses, and a 200-mile running race in a tunnel. Wahoo's credit rating was downgraded, but they are collaborating with their lenders and private equity partner Rhone. Peloton and Hilton have expanded their partnership to more countries.