It seems that everyone is talking about Augmented Reality (AR) these days, even cyclists. Or at least, the cyclists who have heard of the Everysight Raptor AR Smartglasses. Technically, these glasses have been in the works for the past 15 years as Elbit Systems looked to other industries that might be able to benefit from their heads up systems developed for fighter pilots. After a few other AR cycling glasses sort of came and went, Everysight thinks they have the winning formula, but are taking it slow to ensure that they get things right.
Since we visited with them at PressCamp earlier this year, Everysight has finally announced the final details missing from the puzzle. Namely, features and price.
Features:
- Displaying What Matters in Real Time — Patented BEAM™ Technology and ANT+/BT connectivity mean that Raptor overlays sharp, high-resolution, yet semi-transparent, information such as heart rate, cadence, speed, power, distance and more, out in front of riders at all times.
- Raptor is powered by the Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 410E embedded platform and Qualcomm Technologies’ Wi-Fi/Bluetooth chip.
- Delivering Navigation — Built-in GPS/GLONASS and the Raptor navigation display mean riders will never miss a turn while moving.
- Maximizing Safety — It is safer to view a semi-transparent display of the data projected in the visor than to look down, away from the road, at a cycling computer while in the paceline, on a technical riding section, or while riding to work through traffic.
- Staying Connected — Bluetooth connectivity allows Raptor to deliver phone notifications while on the go, so riders will never miss an important message or have to search for their phone in their back pocket while riding.
- Sharing Moments — A built-in look-and-shoot HD camera with voice and data overlay enable riders to capture the essence of their cycling experience, whether that’s on a training ride, a joy ride, or a race. All images and videos can be shared with friends, followers, or coaches through any social media channel post ride.
- Ride Time — Everysight’s BEAM™ Technology minimizes power consumption allowing riders to enjoy up to 8 hours without having to recharge.
- Easy Function Control — Rides can use voice commands or simply swipe and tap the touch pad located on the right temple of the Raptor to alter their view, control maps, volume, brightness, data screens and more .
- Companion App — All captured information (heart rate, cadence, speed, power, etc.) uploads to Raptor’s companion app (Android and iOS), and can be shared through social media channels or synced to popular third-party fitness and cycling apps.
For the most part, the finalized glasses look to be very similar to the prototypes we rode (above). That means you’ll still have the ability to use the heads up display to see ride data, maps, and other information without interfering with your vision. The system also allows you to take photos and video with voice commands or using the touch pad on the temple. Ride time is said to be about 8 hours with a micro USB rechargeable system.
To be offered in the three colors shown above, MSRP is set at $649/€749 for the 16GB and $699/€809 for the 32GB versions. However, Everysight is offering a pre-order option that drops the price to $499/€579 for the 16GB and $549/€639 for the 32GB. This isn’t your typical pre-order process though – to gain access to the special pricing, you have to request an invite from their website. Everysight mentions that invitations are limited, and will begin around November 15th in the U.S., with shipments of the product expected around February 2018. If you’re in the UK or EU, you’ll have to wait to receive your invitation until January 2018 due to ‘regulatory approval process’, with product shipping out April 2018.
There will also be a handful of accessories available including the handlebar control pod ($59), RX adapters ($29), and different lens tints ($79). For more details and the ability to pre-order, check out their site below as well as our earlier post.
