Heads up technology seems to have fallen out of the spotlight in recent years after the failure of multiple brands boasting big claims to bring the tech to motorcycling. But as is often the case, it seems BMW could be the brand to bring the new technology into the market and make it stick.
I'm not going to lie, when I first saw the release from BMW Motorrad my first thoughts were” Is it April Fools Day?” but no, BMW isn't joking when it comes to the reveal of their ConnectedRide Smartglasses.
According to BMW, the innovative motorcycle goggles (rather than the clunky full-face helmets we’ve seen previously) provide the head-up display technology already familiar from the automotive sector and project all relevant data, such as navigation, speed or gear, directly into the rider’s field of vision in real-time.
In terms of connectivity, the Smartglasses can be easily connected to a smartphone via Bluetooth and an app. The on-screen projection can lao be positioned and the settings can be selected before the ride and also while riding via the multi-controller on the motorcycle handlebars.
In terms of power, the Smartglasses feature an inbuilt lithium-ion battery with enough capacity to keep the glasses running for 10 hours according, once again, to BMW Motorrad.
BMW Motorrad also supplies two sets of certified UVA/UVB lenses with the frame. One set of lenses is 85% transparent and can be used especially for helmets with integrated sun visors.
The other set has tinted lenses turning the smartglasses into a perfect pair of sunglasses.
While BMW hasn’t really said when they will introduce the Smartglasses to the marketplace, it is a good sign for those wanting a heads-up display for riding. When BMW turns its attention to making a new technology work on a motorcycle, it usually sticks.