DESIGNER SPORTS TECH OF THE WEEK
Marking a major breakthrough for wearable tech in mainstream fashion, Ralph Lauren isn’t gonna be messing around at the upcoming US Open, having revealed a new Polo Tech shirt with smart capabilities. Athletes will get the chance to show off the garm, which takes the form of a fitted compression nylon shirt complete with enlarged RL polo player placements and biometric tech components by OMSignal. Using built-in sensors, the tee will track data like calories burned, stress levels, steps taken and heart rate, which can then be displayed on a smartphone or tablet app via a Bluetooth transmitter. Looks cool, acts cool, love it – my only gripe is, where are the women’s styles?
SMART-STYLISH ACCESSORY OF THE WEEK
If you’re someone who’s constantly left stranded/angry/bored because your phone’s run out of battery AGAIN – the QBracelet might well be the best thing you’ve seen since sliced bread. Or something tech equivalent. Anyway, while this bracelet might look like a simple piece of jewelry, it’s actually a portable USB charger, compatible with iPhone, Android and Windows phones. The internal battery can charge your device up to 60%, and lasts for 30 days in standby mode. Gotta love that minimal design too – once it starts shipping in December, you’ll be able to get one in black, silver or gold.
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BEAUTY-THEMED SELFIE TECH OF THE WEEK
If you’re one for taking selfies, why not do it in style? In Shanghai and Hong Kong, word is that Sony has recently developed a sleek new camera shaped like a perfume bottle, complete with real Swarovski crystals. The design of the Sony KW1 allows users to take selfies easily, complete with a 180-degrees rotating lens head and timer mode, while the 19.2 megapixel sensor delivers ultra-sharp images. The device also comes with built-in Wi-Fi, so you can share your selfies as soon as you snap them.
SOCIAL MEDIA STYLE ANALYSIS OF THE WEEK
Following the recent outcry against Soundcloud implementing ads, it looks like Tumblr is set to be the next social networking site to stir up controversy. Sorry guys, it’s no longer a safe haven for you and all your questionable pics – the microblogging platform has just launched a new initiative with photo-analysis specialists Ditto Labs, which can scan outfits in photos to identify what users are wearing, before passing on that data to brands and advertisers. Tumblr has claimed that the information will just be used to help companies better understand their image on the site, rather than adding any actual ads just yet. Realistically, this change to the platform will have brands asking why so many model-y kids have green hair (Hey, get it? I’m from 2011).
SPACE-INSPIRED ACCESSORY OF THE WEEK
Getting a lot of love on Kickstarter right now (having smashed their $20,000 goal with over two weeks left to go), the Tessel Supply accessories brand has devised a new style of backpack inspired by space exploration. The Anti-Gravity Pack has been designed with a magnetic modular system, allowing users to customize the shape to suit with removable components. The silhouette can be broken down into the Fuel Cell, a tech accessories bag, the laptop-shaped Lander and the attachable Rover pencil case. Totally one for all you former Boy Scouts out there.
