The annual Consumer Electronics Show in Vegas has ceased, and while you were out skiing we rounded up some of the new gadgets and gear so you can step up your technology game.

Garmin Smart Watches

Garmin introduced three, very different, smart watches:

The Epix $549

The most expensive of the Garmin smart watch line, The Epix, has all the major features you would expect… but it takes a different approach. The interface is much more graphical, which lends itself to a ‘map-oriented’ watch complete with topography views. You have to pay a yearly fee for the topographic imagery (free for the first year), making this watch appeal to those in uncharted territory.

Fenix3 $499

Along with all the givens (100-percent waterproof, GPS tracking, pace data, altimeter, barometer) Garmin’s Fenix3 has GLONASS signal capability added into it’s antenna. What is GLONASS? A little known GPS satellite alternative, giving this watch more precise tracking in more places.

 

 

Vivoactive $250

Marketed to help give you a ‘healthy balance between work and life,’ the Vivoactive is the everyday version of Garmin’s smart watches. With incoming text/call notifications and a bright touch screen, this watch is Garmin’s most functional for everyday use.

 

 

FDR-X1000V $499.99

Sony has released it’s newest action-cam to compete with GoPro’s 4K capabilities.

Though not a TRUE 4k image, you get UHD resolution (3840 x 2160) at 30p with a bitrate of 100 Mb/s or 24p with a bitrate of 60 Mb/s in Sony’s XAVC S codec. 1080p will record at 50 Mb/s in XAVC S and up to 28 Mb/s in the higher-compressed MP4 wrapper. Other frame rates include 120fps at 1080p and 240fps at 720p.

I wasn’t a fan of the prior models, the AS200V and AS100V, but I hold out hope for the X100V.

The FDR-X100V should be available in March, and is currently available for preorder.

$499.99

Polar A300 Activity Tracker $159.95

Polar has attempted to make this your “everything” watch. In addition to tracking your steps, distance, and calories burned, this watch also tracks your sleep patterns – giving you more reason to wear it all the time. Though a bit bulky, this tracker is competitively priced, especially when paired with the H7 heart rate sensor.

$159.95 (watch only)
$199.95 (with H7 heart rate sensor)

 

Fitlinxx AmpStrip Heart-Rate Monitor $149

This is an awesome innovation from the traditional heart-rate monitor. The AmpStrip is being marketed as something you wear 24/7, and if it’s as comfortable as it looks, that may be possible. Fitlinxx showed their AmpStrip at CES even though it is still in it’s ‘seed’ funding round… *cough* indiegogo *cough*. Though it has already FAR exceed its goal, you can still contribute. If you hurry, you can pick up an early model for less than it will retail for.

The heart rate data from the AmpStrip will integrate with fitness tracking apps such as Strava, RunKeeper, and MapMyFitness. The strip sends data to your smartphone via Bluetooth, but I’m not sure if your device needs to be in range throughout the tracking process.

With a broad variety of colors, a wireless charging mat, and a 3-6 month supply of sticky pads, this may be one of the first accessible heart rate monitors geared to newbie fitness freaks.

$119 (indiegogo price)
$149 (shelf price)

Withings Activité Pop $150

This is Withings newest iteration of their stylish fitness tracker watches. I was a huge fan of their first watch, the Withings Activité (no ‘Pop’), but its price ($450) turned many potential consumers down. With the Activité Pop’s lower cost comes some sacrifices. The Activité Pop is not Swiss made like it’s big brother, but is now a viable option for those looking to add some style to their activity tracking.

The Activité Pop comes in three colors: Sand, Shark Gray, and Azure. It uses a PVD-coated metal and a silicone strap. The Pop is water resistant up to 30 meters, and the battery lasts up to 8 months – unheard of for fitness watches.

“What does it track?” You may ask. It’s advertised features are: number of steps, sleep monitoring, and lap swimming. You can also pair with a heart-rate chest strap. So, no, it’s not as smart as a dedicated tracker, but it’s damn good looking.

The Activité Pop is slated hit shelves in March.

$150

Connected Cycles

We have smart TVs, we have smart watches, we have smart phones.

Now, we have smart pedals.

These are bike pedals that track your speed, route, incline, and calories burned. This all get sent to the cloud, which can be accessed by your smart phone. However, I think Connected Cycles bury the lead.

Not only do these pedals give you all the fitness tracking benefits you want but, with Connect Cycle’s API, they can be programmed to track down your bike if it is stollen.

… And don’t worry, they are launching a crowdfunding campaign soon. There is no word on pricing yet.

That’s it until next year! Were there any other products you saw that peaked your interest?