action sports

Hitcase lets iPhone star in your own adventure movies

When I first saw a photo of Hitcase's new chest mount for its ruggedized iPhone case system, I thought to myself, "Hmm, I wonder how that fits on a woman." I had to go find out for myself.

Let's backtrack before we get to the try-on stage. Hitcase has splashed down into the category of tough cases for the iPhone. It's a bit chunky and a bit heavy, but it does the job. Unlike the water-resistant and waterproof-for-a-few-inches cases, it can go for a serious dive of up to 33 feet under the blue.

Hitcase is trying hard to replace the need for a GoPro for action sports nuts who love to film mountain biking, downhill skiing, and other outdoor activities with a high probability of wiping out. Instead of treating your iPhone like a delicate flower, you can take it along to record the fun. The case opens up like a book, so it's easy in and easy out. The idea is you don't leave this on your phone all the time, just when you need it. … Read more

Turn iPhone into wide-angle action sports camera

There's a more secure way to capture your skateboarding and mountain biking exploits than by duct taping your iPhone to the top of your helmet.

Optrix, a company that once ran over one of its own cases with a very large Dodge truck, has now taken on the task of protecting your iPhone during extreme sports activities.… Read more

Sony, Billabong team up for special-edition Xperia Active

Surfers, snowboaders, skaters, and action sports enthusiasts everywhere, there's finally a smartphone just for you.

Sony has partnered up with action sportswear company Billabong to release a special edition model of the Xperia Active. The Billabong Edition features a special back cover and comes preloaded with exclusive screensavers, videos, and a Billabong Live app, which offers live streaming, as well as photos and news, of the company's surf contests. In addition, you get a copy of the Billabong Surf Trip game.

Like the regular Xperia Active, the Billabong Edition has a dust-proof and water-resistant design with a 3-inch, … Read more

Zazzle now lets you create custom skateboards

On-demand retail site Zazzle launched on Wednesday its Custom Skate Shop, selling both pre-designed and custom skateboards.

It's the most "niche" product that the company has offered so far--Zazzle got its start selling t-shirts, posters, mouse pads, and the like.

It's the latest move that Zazzle has made to draw in the action sports community, which has strong ties to underground art and design as well as customization--and the need for gear. The company recently launched a division called Artsprojekt in collaboration with artist and former pro skateboarder Andy Howell. It's an outlet for edgy … Read more