So-called smart technology is entering every area of our lives. So much so, “smart” toasters and “connected” refrigerators have become punchlines to many a modern joke. And while notions of highly technical kitchen appliances do seem kinda silly, there are some areas where adding modern technology can yield some real benefits. BRG Sports and 360fly are bringing those benefits to cyclists with their new line of “smart helmets.”
These helmets feature an integrated 360fly 360-degree 4K camera, also capable of shooting conventional 16×9 video. The video capabilities are driven by 360fly’s proprietary mobile app, featuring a simple user interface that allows users to instantly edit and share content to popular platforms like Facebook or YouTube. Shooting at 2880 x 2880 at up to 30 FPS, the integrated camera also includes a built-in GPS sensor to tag locations, a barometer/altimeter and accelerometer all powered by an advanced Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor. The integrated camera comes standard with Bluetooth, built-in Wi-Fi and has up to two hours of battery life. The camera is also detachable, allowing it to be utilized independent of the helmet by users in a wide variety of lifestyle applications
Helmets also include these features:
- AutoPilot action tracking – Allows users to track and follow the main subjects in their videos, making it easy to create dynamic edits with the rider at the center of it all.
- Collision Avoidance Alert – Senses and automatically notifies the rider of potential oncoming dangers that are outside the rider’s natural field of vision.
- Live Streaming – For professional, commercial or advanced users looking to live stream 360-degree video, the integrated camera pairs with its Micro-HDMI accessory base (sold separately) and is able to output a real-time full 360-degree HD video stream.
These smart helmets are still undergoing product testing and are expected to be on the market later this year.