<![CDATA[Gizmodo: ski tech]]> http://tags.gizmodo.com/assets/base/img/thumbs140x140/gizmodo.com.png <![CDATA[Gizmodo: ski tech]]> http://gizmodo.com/tag/skitech http://gizmodo.com/tag/skitech <![CDATA[Ski Mojo Cradles Butts, Irritates Skiing Purists]]> It has been a month or two since the Ski Mojo made its debut, but given the fact that winter is fast approaching for many of us, it seems more appropriate to alert any older, weaker and lazier skiers out there now. After all, the Ski Mojo allows these folks to better enjoy a day on the slopes thanks to shock absorbers set around the thighs. It is intended to minimize aches and pains while increasing stamina and promoting better skiing posture.

Not surprisingly some purists were outraged. According to Mark Frary, wintersports editor of The Times of London, the Ski Mojo is a device for "pampered skiers" that is comparable to "heated chairlift seats." Personally, I don't see the harm in protecting your thighs and knees from the stresses of downhill skiing. Its not like most of us are racing in the Olympics or anything. But then again, I'm a lazy, lazy man. Available for £289 or around $600. [Product Page via MedGadget]

]]> http://gizmodo.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=335483&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[O'Neill NavJacket Shows the Way with GPS, Integrated Audio/Video]]> O'Neill is offering its European market a glimpse of the snowy future with the NavJacket, a GoreTex parka with a stitched-in GPS receiver, speakers in the hood, and a "flexible display sleeve." We don't have any demonstration video (but damn do we wish we did). In fact, this is really the only picture floating around. But here's what we know:

• You'll get navigational guidance along mountain ski trails with both visual and audio cues.
• Other realtime data like current speed, weather conditions, and route details will also be available.
• There is a friend-finder function, which lets you track down your buddies or just follow them along a path.
• This being a Europe-only product (for now), there's a Bluetooth component, too, which lets the jacket download data via phone.

While a winter-sports site called Boardsport Source is reporting that the NavJacket will be "available as part of the O'Neill Fall/Winter 2008/09 collection," we didn't see a mention of it on the O'Neill site, and the same article says, "The NavJacket will be tested the coming winter season on selected areas in the Alps." My guess is that it's still a bit of a ways off, but damn do I ever want one. [Boardsport Source via CrunchGear]

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