IBike Releases Dash Cycling Computer for IPhone, IPod Touch

Bikers (the pedaling kind, not the leather-clad, Harley-riding kind) can now use their iPhone or iPod touch to keep track of their workout, thanks to a new attachable computer from iBike Sports.
The combination of the Dash Cycling Computer and the company's free iBike app turns the portable Apple device into a personal cycling trainer that tracks--among other things--speed, time, and heart rate.
The device uses ANT+ wireless speed sensors to track your pedal power. These sensors provide an accurate measure of speed, heart rate with varying target zones, and cadence (that's biker speed for rpm). It can also use GPS to track your route and can automatically store your workout data on a daily calendar.
And if you're the kind of not-so-easy rider who drops his or her iPhone or iPod on just about every block, the attachment comes with a tough, water-resistant case that allows you to use the touchscreen even while wearing your favorite pair of biker gloves.
The basic version costs $199 and the advanced version--which measures cadence, heart rate, and calories--costs $329. Both models are available for sale at Apple's online store or iBike's Website, and require either an iPhone 3G, 3GS, or 4 or a first-, second-, or third-generation iPod touch. The iBike app is available for download for free at the App store.

For more Macintosh computing news, visit Macworld. Story copyright © 2011 Mac Publishing LLC. All rights reserved.

MacBook Pros May Debut Light Peak, Intel's USB Slayer

Apple's next-generation MacBook Pros may thicken the plot to kill USB, using Intel's Light Peak optical technology and rebranding it as "Thunderbolt."

A trio of rumors suggest that Apple is preparing a high-speed port called Thunderbolt for its new MacBook Pros. These findings include a German spec sheet, an English spec sheet and images of marketing materials and the port itself, which looks like a Mini DisplayPort with a thunder bolt icon. The connection between Light Peak and Thunderbolt is based on previous reports that Apple pushed Intel to develop the technology.

What is Light Peak?

Light Peak is an interconnect technology that Intel announced in late 2009. By using fiber optics instead of the electrical cables found in USB, Light Peak cables can be thinner, more flexible and able to travel up to 100 meters, according to Intel. And of course, they'll be fast, supporting transfer speeds of 10 gigabits per second initially, and 100 gigabits per second within a decade. In January, however, Intel announced that the first generation of Light Peak cables would use copper, making them slower and less reliable over long distances.

Although the rumored MacBook Pro input looks like Mini DisplayPort, Intel has said that Light Peak could also make use of USB 3.0 ports with additional components.

iPad 2 Could Be Unveiled March 2

Apple will reportedly unveil the iPad 2 on March 2, giving the world its first glimpse of the successor to the iPad, which has sold more than 15 million units. This leaves the tech world just under a week to rev up even more speculation surrounding the iPad 2 feature set, as well as keep a watchful eye on Android competitors arriving on the market.

Amazon Prime vs. Netflix: Video Streaming Feature Showdown

Amazon recently unveiled its Amazon Prime unlimited video streaming service, an offering that will compete with a similar service from Netflix. You can use Amazon's new unlimited streaming deal to watch more than 5,000 movies and TV shows on your Mac or Windows PC, as well as select set-top boxes and Internet-connected TVs. The best part is Amazon Prime's video streaming is free with your annual $79 Prime membership fee. So how does Amazon's unlimited streaming service stack up against Netflix's all-you-can-watch video buffet? Let's take a look.