Skiing and snowboarding are hardly lonely sports. But communicating with your pals while you’re zooming down a mountain isn’t easy either. Snowboarding fanatic Takahiro Miyasaka has set out to change that, with a piece of wearable technology designed specifically for winter sports enthusiasts.

GoPro Hero films have been called “mesmerising and addictive”, with adrenaline-packed footage becoming synonymous with the brand. The company is now launching dedicated channels for user generated content. But how has it become one of the most exciting new media companies?

Once the domain of the brave or the stupid, extreme sports have gone mainstream – almost 120 million Americans participate in them each year. And while they're prominent in marketing from brands like Red Bull, people are keen to document their own experiences, blowing the action cam market wide open.

Strava, the socially focused, GPS-powered activity tracker, has taken the fitness world by storm. It’s had an especially profound impact on the world of cycling, with thousands of riders going to extreme lengths to claim the virtual prizes it offers. But what makes the platform so addictive?