Tag: mobile devices

Wearable technology could one day have a new fitness leader

The creators of the Lumafit have already generated a considerable following in Ireland.

When it comes to wearable technology in the fitness category, the exceptionally popular FitBit is currently the global leader, but a startup from Ireland called Zinc Software is hoping to challenge for that title with its Lumafit mobile device.

This new gadget is designed to help to help to coach users so that they will be able to power through their workouts.

For many people, trying to stay fit through regular activity and exercise isn’t a favorite activity. This helps to explain why wearable technology in this category has become as popular as it has. The Lumafit is hoping to provide consumers with a new and enhanced experience that will allow them to be able to remain motivated, active, and able to safely complete their daily workouts. It does so by providing users with a steady stream of different types of feedback and information, including heart rate, but also the intensity of a workout and an ability to view progress that is being made over time.

The Lumafit wearable technology was funded by three highly successful Kickstarter campaigns.


So far, Zinc Software has been able to explode beyond its three funding targets on that crowdfunding site. At the time of the writing of this article, the latest campaign target of $60,000 had already been reached and greatly exceeded, with more than a week left to go.

One of the main selling features that is likely to attract consumers is the low price point that has been attached to the device for early supporters. Backers at this point in the product development will be able to purchase the device for only $79, which is a solid price reduction compared to the $99 for which it is expected to retail.

Lumafit is unique in that it is not a fitness band that is worn around the wrist. Instead, it slips over the back of the ear and gently clips onto the lobe. This allows it to obtain a range of different types of feedback about a user’s activities, including various types of exercise movements, like pushups.

The team of developers behind this wearable technology is led by MIT Media Lab graduates Stephen and Darran Hughes. They came up with this unique workout motion and heart rate detecting tech that allows a user to track everything from intense workouts to meditation exercises.

More people are using mobile commerce to make travel plans

A rise in mobile device usage could be good news for travel advertisers.

Based on the findings of a recent study that was conducted by Millennial Media, the leading independent audience platform in digital advertising, mobile commerce may be very promising for travel advertisers because more consumers are using their smartphone, tablets and other similar mobile gadgets for travel purposes, such as researching, booking trips and hotels, and engaging in other travel-related activities.

Mobile consumers are devoting more of their time to engaging in mobile activities using diverse devices.

Millennial Media’s Travel Report has found that this trend has resulted in an increase in the use of mobile in relation to travel. According to the study, of the total digital advertising spending in the travel sector, m-commerce sales are responsible for 12 percent of it and it is on the rise. According to eMarketer, by 2017 it is predicted that US travel mobile commerce sales will be $55.5 billion, which is a 247 percent increase from the $16 billion of last year.

The report, which is part of Millennial Media’s Mobile Intel Series, offers travel advertisers mobile insight and guidance. It provides an in-depth look at the major traveling trends that occurred across the globe throughout 2013. Specific focus was placed on how travel brands have utilized m-commerce to target and immerse consumers, as well as which brands are investing in advertising strategies that target travel and mobile markets.

The main travel mobile commerce audience is men between the ages of 25 and 44.

Mobile Commerce - Travel PlanningIn addition to this finding, the study also said that consumers who used their mobile devices for research and booking travel used more than one gadget. Also, consumers are utilizing mobile for the different steps of the travel process, including researching their options, attractions and accommodations, as well as booking trips via their smartphone, tablet, etc. They also use their mobile during their travels to help them get around and even for writing reviews of their experiences once they are over.

According to the report, “Consumers expect a mobile-friendly experience when accessing travel content. Seamless integration across devices, such as saving account information, mobile boarding passes, and consolidated itineraries gives travellers the mobility they need to stay connected on the go, which in turn helps attract, engage, and retail loyal mobile travel consumers.”

To take advantage of the current trends, the report suggests that travel brands and advertisers need to invest in mobile commerce by growing their mobile sites, so they can offer users an engaging and mobile friendly experience.