BMW Motorrad’s ConnectedRide Smartglasses: Riding with Head-Up Display Technology

Advanced Head-Up Display Motorcycle Sunglasses

As I squint my eyes on the highway, tasting the asphalt with each breath, it occurs to me that riding a motorcycle isn't just about the roar of the engine or the wind in your hair. It's about the blend of man, machine, and road, forming an intimate bond that no car driver can ever truly know.

But there's a rhythm to it that has always been a little… off. It's the constant need to look down at your dash, checking your speed or finding your bearings on a navigation screen. But what if I told you there's a solution that keeps your eyes glued to the open road? Enter the BMW Motorrad ConnectedRide Smartglasses.

These innovative goggles transport what was once the realm of fighter pilots into the world of motorcycling. Providing a head-up display that casts critical information – speed, gear, navigation – directly into your field of vision. A seamless stream of real-time data that keeps your focus where it should be: on the ride.

Pairing the Smartglasses to your smartphone via Bluetooth is a breeze. Before you even saddle up, you can adjust the projection and settings to your liking. Got a new route in mind? Key it in and let the glasses guide you, without the need for constant screen checks or bothersome voice prompts. Your eyes remain on the road, your mind stays in the moment.

They've really thought about the details too. The glasses come in two sizes, adaptable to a wide variety of helmets and faces, ensuring comfort even on those epic day trips we all love. A built-in lithium-ion battery provides up to ten hours of life, and the frame houses two sets of UVA/UVB certified lenses. One set offers 85% transparency, perfect for helmets with integrated sun visors, while the other transforms your goggles into a pair of stylish sunglasses.

If you're a fellow glasses-wearer, fear not. The lenses can be custom ground to match your prescription. And those of you sporting contacts can use the Smartglasses as they are.

What's the price for all this high-tech wizardry, you ask? A cool $750. Not exactly a steal, but can you really put a price on the seamless integration of technology and riding experience?

My verdict? In unfamiliar territories, these glasses could be a real game-changer. Navigation seamlessly integrated into your field of view – a godsend when navigating through unfamiliar streets. On familiar roads, the need for such tech may seem less urgent, but the increased safety and focus it promotes are undeniable.

One minor gripe though – that ten-hour battery life. A potential pitfall for those longer, soul-searching rides. But hey, isn't it about the journey and not the destination? A small price to pay for a more immersive, unbroken riding experience.

As we ride headlong into the future, gear like the BMW Motorrad ConnectedRide Smartglasses are a welcome companion. Here's to safer, more connected journeys, where the rhythm of the road, machine, and man are in perfect harmony.

Pros:

  1. Head-Up Display Technology: The Smartglasses provide real-time data directly into the rider's field of vision, including speed, gear, and navigation. This offers an integrated and safer riding experience.
  2. Smartphone Connectivity: The glasses can be easily connected to your smartphone via Bluetooth, making it easy to use and setup.
  3. Customizability: Users can adjust the display and settings to their preferences, either before or during the ride.
  4. Comfort and Adaptability: The Smartglasses come in two sizes, fitting a wide range of helmets and face shapes. This ensures comfort even on long rides.
  5. Dual Purpose Lenses: Two sets of UVA/UVB certified lenses come with the frame. One set is 85% transparent, suited for helmets with integrated sun visors. The other set is tinted, turning the Smartglasses into sunglasses.
  6. Prescription-Friendly: An RX adapter allows the lenses to be adjusted to the required visual acuity, making it friendly for those who wear prescription glasses or contacts.

Cons:

  1. Battery Life: The lithium-ion battery lasts up to ten hours. While substantial for most rides, it could pose a problem for those on longer trips.
  2. Price: Priced at $750, the Smartglasses might be out of reach for some riders, especially if they already have a reliable navigation system or HUD installed.
  3. Niche Usage: For familiar routes or urban commutes, the value of such a high-tech piece of gear may seem less. The benefits truly shine in unfamiliar environments or for long distance riders.
  4. Potential Distractions: While the head-up display technology is designed to minimize distractions, there's always a risk it could divert attention at critical moments, especially for those not used to it.
  5. Reliance on Smartphone: The need to connect to a smartphone for functionality might be a hindrance for riders who prefer to ride without carrying a phone or have limited data plans.

$750

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