BMW Launches ConnectedRide Smart Goggles That Give Motorcyclists a Heads-Up Display

Image credit : Cycle News Apple has yet to release its expensive Vision Pro AR/VR headset, leaving consumers wondering if it's worth the hefty $3,500 price tag. However, BMW Motorrad, the motorcycle division of the automaker, believes it has found a compelling reason for riders to invest in their smart glasses. The new ConnectedRide Smartglasses by BMW Motorrad display important dashboard information in the rider's field of view, allowing them to keep their eyes on the road without distractions. [caption id="attachment_187614" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Image credit : Yahoo News[/caption] While virtual reality devices from Meta and HTC have gained popularity, convincing people that wearable displays are useful beyond gaming has been challenging. Smart glasses, however, have proven their worth in applications where real-time monitoring of metrics is necessary but looking at a smartwatch or another display is impractical. For instance, FORM's smart swim goggles enable competitive swimmers to track their stroke rate, pace, and lap times without disrupting their swimming form. [caption id="attachment_187616" align="aligncenter" width="1315"] Image credit : BMW Motorrad[/caption] The main selling point of BMW Motorrad's ConnectedRide Smartglasses is that they enhance motorcycle safety by allowing riders to keep their attention on other drivers while keeping their heads up. Unlike Apple's Vision Pro headset, which features full-color 4K screens in front of the eyes, the ConnectedRide Smartglasses project minimal information onto the right lens of the glasses. This information remains within the rider's field of view, aiming to avoid distractions or obstructing their view of the surroundings. [caption id="attachment_187615" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Image credit : Cycle News[/caption] These Smartglasses connect to the BMW Motorrad Connected App via Bluetooth, providing riders with information such as their speed, the speed limit of the road, gear position, and GPS navigation. The display options include minimal information with just arrows or more detailed data like street names, intersections, and distance to the next turn. BMW's smart glasses come in two sizes, medium and large, based on the user's pupil distance. They also offer an RX adapter for those who wear prescription lenses and allow users to switch between tinted and transparent lenses with 85% visibility. One of the challenges in designing smart glasses that resemble regular sunglasses is fitting a battery inside. BMW Motorrad claims to have overcome this challenge, providing a battery life of approximately 10 hours for the ConnectedRide Smartglasses, despite their slightly bulkier design. Also read : Google halts its own AR glass project Although the pricing for the ConnectedRide Smartglasses in the US has not been disclosed by BMW Motorrad, the European pricing has been announced at €690, roughly equivalent to $750 USD after currency conversion. This cost may seem steep for a gadget that could potentially fall off while riding at high speeds on the highway. However, the smart glasses are set to launch in the US later in 2023.