In a move that combines cutting-edge technology with the thrill of the open road, BMW Motorrad has unveiled its latest innovation: the ConnectedRide Smartglasses. These revolutionary smart glasses are designed to provide motorcyclists with a heads-up display, allowing them to keep their eyes on the road while accessing important information.
Motorcycling is a thrilling experience, but it also comes with inherent risks. One of the biggest challenges for riders is the need to stay aware of their surroundings without taking their eyes off the road. BMW Motorrad recognized this issue and set out to develop a solution that would enhance safety without sacrificing the excitement of the ride.
BMW Motorrad’s ConnectedRide Smartglasses are a game-changer for motorcyclists. These sleek and stylish glasses feature a built-in heads-up display that projects critical information directly into the rider’s field of view. By keeping the information in their line of sight, riders can stay focused on the road ahead, improving their situational awareness and reaction times.
The ConnectedRide Smartglasses offer a range of features designed to enhance the riding experience:
- Dashboard Metrics: The heads-up display presents essential information, such as speed, gear position, and navigation instructions. This information is seamlessly integrated into the rider’s field of view, allowing them to access it without taking their eyes off the road.
- Bluetooth Connectivity: The Smartglasses connect to the BMW Motorrad Connected App via Bluetooth, providing real-time updates and personalized data to the rider.
- Customizable Display: Riders can choose between minimalistic displays with simple arrow indicators or more detailed displays that include street names and distance to the next turn.
- Prescription Lens Compatibility: The Smartglasses come with an RX adapter, enabling riders who wear prescription lenses to enjoy the benefits of this innovative technology.
- Battery Life: BMW Motorrad has optimized the battery life of the ConnectedRide Smartglasses, ensuring that riders can enjoy up to 10 hours of continuous use before needing to recharge.
Safety is paramount when it comes to motorcycling, and BMW Motorrad has taken every precaution to ensure that the ConnectedRide Smartglasses enhance the rider’s safety without compromising their experience. Unlike virtual reality headsets that completely obstruct the user’s vision, the Smartglasses project a minimal amount of information onto the glasses’ right lens, allowing riders to maintain their peripheral vision and focus on the road ahead.
While BMW Motorrad has not yet released pricing details for the ConnectedRide Smartglasses in the United States, they have announced that the product will be available later in 2023. In European markets, the Smartglasses have been priced at €690, which translates to approximately $750 USD. Though the price point may seem steep, the potential benefits to rider safety make it a worthwhile investment for motorcycle enthusiasts.
BMW Motorrad’s ConnectedRide Smartglasses represent a significant step forward in the integration of technology and motorcycling. By providing riders with real-time information in a non-intrusive manner, these smart glasses have the potential to revolutionize the way motorcyclists ride and interact with their environment.
While BMW Motorrad’s Smartglasses are a groundbreaking development, they are not the first wearable technology to cater to specific industries. Companies like Meta and HTC have found success with virtual reality devices primarily focused on gaming. However, the challenge lies in convincing consumers that wearable displays have practical applications beyond entertainment.
One area where smart glasses have proven useful is in situations where accessing real-time information is vital, but looking away from the task at hand is not feasible. For example, FORM’s smart swim goggles allow competitive swimmers to monitor their stroke rate, pace, and lap times without disrupting their form in the water. Similarly, BMW Motorrad’s ConnectedRide Smartglasses provide motorcyclists with critical information without compromising their focus on the road.
The most compelling reason for motorcyclists to consider upgrading to BMW Motorrad’s ConnectedRide Smartglasses is the potential to enhance safety on the road. By keeping riders’ heads up and their eyes on other drivers, these smart glasses have the potential to reduce the risk of accidents and improve overall situational awareness.
As technology continues to advance, industries are finding innovative ways to integrate it into our everyday lives. BMW Motorrad’s ConnectedRide Smartglasses are a prime example of how technology can enhance safety and improve the overall experience of activities like motorcycling. By providing riders with a heads-up display, these smart glasses keep essential information within their line of sight, allowing them to stay focused on the road. With their sleek design, customizable features, and commitment to safety, the ConnectedRide Smartglasses are poised to revolutionize the way motorcyclists ride and interact with their environment.
First reported on Gizmodo
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are BMW Motorrad’s ConnectedRide Smartglasses?
A: BMW Motorrad’s ConnectedRide Smartglasses are innovative smart glasses designed specifically for motorcyclists. They feature a built-in heads-up display that projects critical information into the rider’s field of view, enhancing situational awareness while keeping their eyes on the road.
Q: What features do the ConnectedRide Smartglasses offer?
A: The ConnectedRide Smartglasses provide a range of features, including dashboard metrics like speed and gear position, navigation instructions, Bluetooth connectivity to the BMW Motorrad Connected App, customizable display options, compatibility with prescription lenses, and optimized battery life for up to 10 hours of continuous use.
Q: How do the ConnectedRide Smartglasses enhance safety for motorcyclists?
A: By projecting essential information directly into the rider’s field of view, the Smartglasses allow riders to maintain their focus on the road while accessing critical data. This improves situational awareness, reaction times, and overall safety.
Q: How much do the ConnectedRide Smartglasses cost and when will they be available?
A: Pricing details for the United States have not been released yet, but in European markets, the Smartglasses are priced at €690 (approximately $750 USD). The product is expected to be available later in 2023.
Q: How do the ConnectedRide Smartglasses differ from virtual reality headsets?
A: Unlike virtual reality headsets that obstruct the user’s vision, the Smartglasses project a minimal amount of information onto the glasses’ right lens, allowing riders to maintain their peripheral vision and focus on the road ahead.
Q: Are there other wearable technologies designed for specific industries?
A: Yes, there are wearable technologies designed for specific industries. For example, FORM’s smart swim goggles provide real-time information to competitive swimmers without disrupting their form. The ConnectedRide Smartglasses similarly offer motorcyclists critical information without compromising their focus on the road.
Q: What benefits do the ConnectedRide Smartglasses offer to motorcyclists?
A: The ConnectedRide Smartglasses offer motorcyclists real-time information in a non-intrusive manner, enhancing safety, situational awareness, and overall riding experience. By keeping riders’ heads up and their eyes on the road, these smart glasses have the potential to reduce the risk of accidents.
