The latest word on effective cardio exercise is that you should go for short, intense intervals rather than waste hours on the Stairmaster. Shorter workouts, you say? Good with us, but what about the gear to go with all that? The Airun Plus shoe is designed for the HIIT exerciser who wants to track his BMI and caloric burn rates all the while controlling shoe weight. The built-in Smart Technology controller records BMI and calorie burn results while the weighted insoles can be added or removed based on your needs. Weight and speed information comes from a sensor in the right shoe, while the entire kick is designed with shock absorption and safety in mind. Ready to buy? If you're serious about your body, these things will run you £112.50 ($224) and they come all the way from England.

Have no fear, we're always on the hunt for new and innovative ways to boost your bombdigity quotient, and we've really found just the thing this time around. The Clove 2 interfaces with your computer over Bluetooth, and through a strange set of tapping gestures (that sort of remind us of that one Daft Punk video), allows you to type one-handed, sans keyboard. Seems like quite the learning curve, but we're sure it's totally worth it in the end. Four words per minute never looked so good. Video is after the break.

[Via Hack a Day]

Nah, the Wizard isn't a reality just yet, but we can certainly envision this taking up its fair share of shelf space in the not-too-distant future. Dreamed up by the vivid imaginations at HJC Design, this emergency parachute pack would theoretically provide an "automated public safety solution with up to 250-meters of reciprocating lifeline technology." Beyond that, it seems like a pretty invigorating method of avoiding the elevator lines come quittin' time.

[Via Coolest-Gadgets]

So maybe your stress level isn't sky high just yet, but even after an extended weekend, all it takes is that one email to get you right back where you were last Wednesday. As if you really needed something to tell you that (and if you don't have time to wait for Sweety to become a reality), a host of researchers have created a sensor-laden vest that will be able to inform wearers just how stressed they are. Developed as part of the EU's CONTEXT project, this sure-to-be-hip vest packs ultra-sensitive electrodes which register changes in muscle tension as individuals get more and more stressed, and in theory, letting someone know what's happening will allow them to simmer down before they further jeopardize their health (and the livelihood of colleagues, if you dig). Eh, we still prefer the Dr. Whippy method, honestly.

[Via Talk2MyShirt, thanks Tony]

It's true. Any decent mother would wonder what on Earth her child was thinking rocking that thing you see above, and even though all those wonderful ladies of the world would be entirely entitled to that curiosity, we can understand the obsession. On its surface, this timepiece and its cryptic display is unquestionably ugly -- even the "stainless steel" band reeks of cereal box quality. But there's just something about those flashy lights that stirs the soul of nerds everywhere, making it seem quite the bargain at $132.85. It's okay, we won't tell mommy.

[Via BoingBoing]

Look, how many times to we have to explain this? Lasers + headbands = a very good time. We're not sure what you don't get about that, and frankly we're a little disappointed. Alzheimer's patients like laser headbands (laserbands, for short, artist's rendition above) just fine, since the technology is providing a potential way to scan and diagnose brains for Alzheimer's while the patient is still alive -- doctors currently have to rely on symptoms for diagnosis, and a post-mortem look at the actual brain tissue to know for sure after the fact. There are still a few kinks to work out, but this could be a big breakthrough for the detection and treatment of Alzheimer's, and the fashion ramifications are unimpeachable.

24 Hour Fitness just announced that it will be the first to offer Nike+ iPod enabled gym equipment at select clubs starting next month. The press release says the following:

"Nike and Apple worked with major gym equipment manufacturers to make their cardio equipment Nike + iPod compatible so gym members can easily track and record workouts on cardio equipment like treadmills, stair steppers, elliptical trainers and stationary bikes."

The press release only mentions the iPod nano. In fact, that may be all that we're talking about here. Nevertheless, July is synonymous with the iPhone 3G, 2.0 firmware, and App Store launches and there's that little ol' patent application (the source of the picture above) which describes leveraging the iPhone's sensors to turn it into a "lifestyle companion." Nike of course, already confirmed that its Plus system would be extending to the iPhone and iPod touch sometime in the future. July seems as good a time as any don't you think?

Good thing Halloween is months away. You'll need that time to hone your sewing skills in the noble quest to create a Daft Punk suit of your very own. Instructables has everything you need (except the electroluminescent wire, soldering iron, heat gun, and pleather tracksuit) to build an EL suit worthy of electronic celebration. Best of all, your tutor for the course is none other than the suits' creator for the duo's 2007 tour. Now get moving humans, it's time to let the robots rock the party.

[Via Hack n Mod]

Let's face it, the streets are rough these days. And just because someone admits to having your back, that doesn't mean they won't turn and run in the heat of battle. Granted, the very spark that sets off said conflict could be this questionably designed coat, but we digress. Paul Coudamy's Hard-Wear jacket includes a totally inconspicuous camera on the rear which reportedly beams happenings onto a wrist-worn LCD. Not exactly James Bond type material here, but we suppose it'll do for the double-o in training. Take all those orange blocks away and your chances of being looked at would decline remarkably, wouldn't you think?

[Via Talk2MyShirt]

Need some way to express your adoration for Solid Snake when not inside the house? Then check out this limited edition piece, would you? The Metal Gear Solid 4 watch will reportedly arrive individually numbered from 1 to 500 alongside a "Konami certificate of authenticity approved by Hideo Kojima." You'll also get a nifty gift box to hold the water resistant timepiece in when it's not flanking your wrist, but only if you manage to score one before the legions of other hardcore fans do. Oddly enough, there's some sort of "pre-order" going on in the read link below, but we wouldn't count on that being the most reliable method for procuring the £99.99 ($197) device when it's released in October.

[Via TechDigest]

Sony Ericsson's finishing off the onslaught today from Singapore with a trio of colorful Bluetooth headsets, perfect for anyone who doesn't mind talking straight ahead and receiving all sorts of weird glances from other patrons in the local mall. The HBH-PV715, HBH-PV720 and HBH-PV740 arrive in a variety of colors / patterns, boast at least 10-hours of talk time (and 700-hours in standby), and DSP / automatic volume adjustment. The units are aimed at value-driven, fashion-conscience and business-oriented consumers in order of mention, and while specifics (you know, like price) aren't stated, the trifecta will show up in "select markets" in Q4.