Smart headsets and glasses are dominating the world of smart wearables, and the new Garmin bike headset is shaping up to the likes of Google Glass and MAD Glass. Garmin Ltd. is a Swiss technology company that focuses on consumer, aviation, outdoor, fitness and marine technology, and they’ve released their own Garmin bike headset. The Varia Vision is the company’s take on keeping you safe on the roads while on your bike.
Garmin Bike Headset Varia Vision Isn’t the First Bike-Friendly Smart Headset
Just like Google Glass or the MAD Glass, the Garmin bike headset can provide users with traffic information and the distance between the biker and surrounding cars. The Varia Vision also provides bikers with the most important information regarding their cycling. This includes directions, relevant notifications and performance statistics.
What makes the Varia Vision a bit more special is its collaboration with the Varia rearview radar. This radar warns the headset about traffic behind bikers. This will keep bikers safe will keeping their eyes on the road. The headset’s price tag is not bad either, standing a $400. However, it’s likely not the best biking headset on the market.
Google Glass and MAD Glass Support These Features!
While they don’t have a rear view sensor yet, it’s very likely that Google Glass will integrate one eventually. Both the Google Glass and MAD Glass feature turn by turn navigation. In fact, there already is buzz in Mountain View about the Google Glass 2 coming in a sports version.
The Skully AR-1 Dominates Bike Safety Market
Skully Inc has definitely stolen the show when it comes to motorcycling safety. The Skully AR-1, though pricey, is the best headset out there. It’s got unbeatable features. The helmet is DOT/ECE certified and features intelligent audio, helmet-to-helmet communication and hands-free calling. It even streams music. It naturally features turn-by-turn GPS navigation through Bluetooth from a cell phone.
Most importantly, though, the Skully AR-1 features an actual rearview camera with a near 180-degree view. It is displayed on a head-up display that is built into the helmet’s visor. It is fog, scratch and glare resistant and also serves as the navigation display. In fact, the Skully AR-1 has the ability to save maps in case bikers are headed off-road. On top of that, it also features access to real-time map updates and traffic information.
The most valuable feature of this headset is probably Infinite Focus. This means that the headset’s head up display focuses on the biker’s eye and not vice verse. Navigation and directions fade off when they’re not in use, which saves energy and gives bikers a wider field of vision. The AR-1 helmet is integrated with an app that can adjust the rear-view camera to adjust to different riding positions. The one drawback is that there is a steep difference in price between the Garmin bike headset and the Skully AR-1. The helmet costs around $1,500. But with features like those, it’s actually not a terrible price.
The Skully AR-1 Doesn’t Have a Cycling Version… Yet
As the company grows and develops, it’s likely that they will release a version for biking and cycling. It’s a big possibility that this helmet/headset will also have amazing features to also take over the market.
