Drivers on phones, changing road surfaces, drivers not using mirrors – motorcyclists have enough to worry about without having to stare constantly on the speedometer. A Russian firm is now developing a head-up display helmet with built-in GPS navigation system and voice controlled interface. The firm is planning the release of the prototype in the spring, followed by a production version going on sale in the United States in summer. The helmet will retail for $2,000.
Livemap is packed with modern technologies
We’ve seen several attempts to create a helmet with built-in display and GPS navigation, like Skully which even features a rearview camera. But Skully only has a tiny display, similar to other aftermarket HUD systems that are available on the market. This new helmet is called Livemap and it is more sophisticated, similar to the helmets of the fighter pilots.
User interface is simple
The most important features of Livemap:
· clearly visible collimated image i.e. it is always in focus, just like that in scope sights
· full-color, translucent picture is projected right on the visor like in a F-35 fighter helmet, it’s safe, provides unobstructed view, doesn’t distract attention and eliminates the need for a separate display
· supposed size of the system fits a motorcycle helmet – our helmet is going to be just a bit bigger than usual
· two 3000 mAh batteries for a long operation time
· microphone for voice control that keeps both hands free for driving
· two earphones
· light sensor for adjusting the image brightness according to external light conditions
· G-sensor, gyroscope, digital compass for head movement tracking (the picture changes according to the view direction)
If you are looking for a motorcycle GPS, see this Garmin Zumo LM GPS Motorcycle Navigator
The helmet itself is a bit bulky because of all the stuff inside but the weight distribution is fully usual and the aerodynamic properties are normal, too. The user interface is going to be minimalistic and simple. The list of of voice commands will be short, all commands natural and understandable by context. For the case the user is in trouble formulating a suitable command the help option is just a command away. Overview map can be viewed anytime your speed is near zero (showing map at high speed is prohibited due to safety reasons). POI search and display is not forgotten either.
A working prototype is planned for release in the spring, followed by a production version in the United States in Q3 and in the UK in Q4. Livemap will retail for $2,000 but customers who pre-order now will receive a $500 discount.
