Serious tennis players – those who want to come out swinging with more precision and speed – need look no further than this smart tennis wristband. With an excellent pedigree, it was created by robotic sports start-up PIQ and Babolat, the sports equipment producer whose racquets are used by the likes of Rafael Nadal and Caroline Wozniacki.
An advanced sensor inside the lightweight wristband – dubbed the PIQ Robot – records a player’s spin, speed, stroke type and shot-by-shot stats. These moves are then analysed and displayed on an LED screen, along with such helpful tips as: “You hit aggressive top spin forehands with 87 percent top spin effect.” Not even Serena Williams’ coach could match that with the naked eye. The device identifies both weaknesses and strengths, allowing players to return to the courts feeling just that little bit more confident.
For those who played particularly well and want everyone to know, certain stats – billed as “winning factors” – can be shared on social media via the Babolat and PIQ smartphone app. Users can also join the online community at Babolat POP and battle it out against other players across the world for a spot on the overall leaderboard. While the smart wristband probably won’t equip you to take on Roger Federer, it will at least give you game and considerable advantage over your more likely opponents.
Given the ubiquity of smartphone cameras in these Instagram and Snapchat dominated times, it takes something truly outstanding to turn heads when it comes to compact photography. While it’s such names as Leica, Nikon and Canon that are most traditionally associated with high-end photography, it’s Sony that has been winning plaudits from the more serious snappers of late. Touted as the “king of compact cameras”, the Sony Rx1R II is said to stand head and shoulders above the competition when it comes to mirrorless compact cameras.
A hybrid portable and home gaming console, the Switch can be played on-the-go via its built-in tablet style screen and detachable controllers. Alternatively, it can be hooked up to your TV and played like a traditional home console. More powerful than any previous portable gaming device. it also features rather cleverly detachable joysticks. each of which can be further broken down again for multiple player games.
Despite taking its inspiration from the clean lines of classic fighter jets, the Valkyrie has ample space for golf clubs, skis and suitcases. Reassuringly, it comes in a canard configuration, complete with a forewing, a design said to reduce any incidence of stalling. Wholly manufactured in California, the jet also features hand-stitched leather seats and matching rose gold controls. The retractable landing gear, though, is machined in sturdy, high-performance alloys. The dashboard design is equally impressive, with one easy-to-use on/off switch and even a place holder for an iPad – how very thoughtful.
