Showing posts with label Gadgets. Show all posts

Thursday, August 28, 2014

SKULLY AR-1 The World's Smartest Motorcycle Helmet

"The most anticipated motorcycle helmet ever produced" - Road & Track

"The beginning of a motorcycle tech revolution." - Popular Mechanics

"THE helmet for the digital age" - Popular Science

"...the potential... to save lives, to make our daily existences a little bit easier" - CNN

"This helmet is going to change the future of racing." - Steve Huff, Harley Davidson Landspeed Record Holder

"The future of motorcycle helmets has arrived, a must." - Tyler Florence

TECH SPECS

Lightweight, aerodynamic polycarbonate shell
Ultra wide angle rearview camera
DOT/ECE safety certification
SKULLY anti-fog, anti-scratch, anti-glare E-Tint(R) visor
SKULLY Synapse(TM) Vision Enhancement - shows true-to-life imaging of rearview panorama
Audio/Visual GPS Navigation
SKULLY Synapse(TM) Smart Heads up Display System with infinite focus
SKULLY quick release chin strap and visor
3D laser-cut foam for a perfect fit
Outlast(R) lining - reduces perspiration by 70%
Bluetooth connectivity to smartphone
Internet connectivity via smartphone
Over-the-air updates - download new features as they are released
Open SDK - develop your own apps for SKULLY Synapse(TM)

Image courtesy: GIZMODO

WHAT RIDERS ARE SAYING

These motorcyclists have already experienced the SKULLY AR-1. Here's what they have to say.

FOUNDERS

Marcus Weller

Chief Executive Officer, Chairman

Founder

Marcus attended the University of Minnesota, where he assisted research
on Intelligent Transportation Systems and developed his lifelong passion
for Human Factors Engineering and Industrial Psychology. After years of
working in the automotive and semiconductor industries, a motorcycle
accident inspired him to found SKULLY in 2013. Marcus holds a Ph.D. in
Industrial Psychology and is a motorcycle fanatic with an obsession for
human-centered technology and design.

Mitchell Weller

Vice President, Business Operations

Co-Founder

Mitchell has shared his brother’s passion for motorcycling since before
he can remember. This same passion eventually led him to join SKULLY in
2013 after holding Director positions in human resources, operations,
and materials logistics. Mitchell served in the US Army, holds a B.A. in
Psychology from the University of Minnesota, and enjoys getting his
hands dirty working on motorcycles and cars.

With over twenty years of combined riding experience, the Weller
brothers are deeply passionate about enhancing motorcycle safety through
technology.

Worldwide shipping.
Sizes S-XXL in Matte Black or Gloss White.
Team SKULLY will email you after the campaign for size and color choices.

Questions and Answers

PRE-ORDER (Where to pre-order the SKULLY AR-1)
MORE FEATURES (Additional applications for the SKULLY AR-1)
GPS & CELL SERVICE (GPS functionality without cellphone service)
PRE-ORDERS OUTSIDE OF US (For those who live outside of the US)
HELMET SIZES (Sizes and fit for the SKULLY AR-1)
HUD IMAGES (What appears on the display)
VISION OBSTRUCTION (Does the HUD block your view?)
BATTERY LIFE (How long does it last)
FOREIGN GPS (Will maps work on foreign roads?)
REAR VIEW CAMERA (What does it see/do?)
CAMERA POSITION (Can the camera angle be adjusted?)
WATERPROOF (Is the helmet waterproof?)
SAFETY (Is augmented reality in a helmet safe?)
ROAD TESTING (Where has the helmet been tested?)
ACCIDENTS (How to insure your SKULLY AR-1 against accident damage)
BETA TESTING (Selections and on-going testing)
INDIEGOGO (Why pre-order through Indiegogo?)

Where can I pre-order the SKULLY AR-1?

The SKULLY AR-1 can be preordered on our website here (www.SKULLYSYSTEMS.com).

What's your referral program?

In a sentence: if you successfully refer 5 friends to pre-order a
SKULLY AR-1, then we will refund the price of your pre-order! More
details (including a how-to with pictures) is here: http://skullysystems.forumchitchat.com/post/sku...

Will SKULLY feature more applications than GPS, music, and a rear view camera feed?

SKULLY will release an open SDK (software development kit) to
accompany the beta units, allowing programmers to design apps that will
work with SKULLY AR-1. The Skully software suite will expand on a
rolling basis via OTA (over the air) updates.

Will GPS navigation work when I don't have cellular service?

Yes. SKULLY will feature on-board map storage as well as integrated bluetooth-enabled GPS map updates with traffic.

I live outside of the United States, can I pre-order a SKULLY AR-1?

Yes. The SKULLY AR-1 will ship worldwide as a DOT/ECE approved helmet.

Does the SKULLY AR-1 come in my size?

The SKULLY AR-1 is an intermediate oval head form and comes in
sizes between Small and XXL. The fit shape is similar to a Shoei RF-1200
(see sizing chart below). The fit is snug. As part of our commitment to
customer satisfaction, if you find the fit is a bit too large or small,
we will send you one additional premium padding set free of charge to
get the perfect fit.

SIZING CHART (approx.):

How much does the helmet weigh?

A SKULLY AR-1 in size XXL weighs 1792 grams (3.95 lbs), or about the same as a modular helmet.

What appears on the heads-up display (HUD)?

The
display shows a rear view camera feed with a near 180 degree viewing
angle. This means it not only sees what is behind you, but also what is
in your left and right blind spots. The display also optionally shows
turn by turn directions. These turn by turn icons are present only when
needed, then automatically disappear when not in use. It also
optionally, if supported by the motorcycle, may display
vehicle telemetry such as speed, gear, tachometer, etc.

Will the Heads-Up Display obstruct my vision while riding?

No. The transparent display is positioned outside the rider's primary
field of view and appears to float in the distance. This means you can
see the road ahead without any obstruction from the display. This
display system simplifies the riding experience because you no longer
need to take your eyes off the road to see what is around you or to find
your route. With our optical technology, the display is always in focus
no matter where you look, allowing instant comprehension of the
information.

What is infinite focus?

Traditional focus requires the
lens in your eye to adjust to the information you are trying to see.
Infinite focus is when the optical system adjusts the light photons in
the display so that they always appear in focus. Your eye "sees through"
the display rather than looking at it, so you are able to see the
display without your eyes needing to adjust. This allows you to see the
display as an extension of your peripheral vision, so with a quick
glance of your eye, you see everything instantly.

How long does the battery last?

The battery life target is 9 hours of continuous use. Recharging the
battery is easy and can be done using any standard micro-USB cable. This
makes it easy for you to recharge no matter where you are.

Will the GPS function in Europe or other foreign roads?

Yes, you will be able to download maps for most regions of the world.
GPS satellites have worldwide coverage, and the SKULLY smartphone app
automatically downloads maps for your region during initial setup.

What does the rear view camera see/do?

The rear view camera has a near 180 degree viewing angle. This means
it shows not only a rear view, but also eliminates blind spots on the
left and right of the rider. SKULLY's camera also takes this visual
information and renders it in a way that is easy to see and understand
on the display. This allows you to keep an eye on what is happening
behind you without turning your head. It also allows you to monitor your
blind spots without taking your eyes away from your direction of
travel. This provides you with an unprecedented level of situational
awareness.

Is the rear view camera adjustable for different riding positions?

Yes, you are able to digitally adjust the camera angle using the
SKULLY smartphone app for your specific riding position. Also the camera
viewing angle is ultra wide, and ultra tall, meaning you should have no
problem seeing around you.

Is it waterproof?

The SKULLY AR-1 is highly weather resistant. Electronics are sealed
and protected with special coatings and injection molded casings which
keep the elements out.

Are Augmented Reality helmets safe?

Research has long since shown that HUD, when properly implemented,
can vastly improve the safety and situational awareness of drivers.
SKULLY's patented HUD solution allows you to keep your focus on the road
ahead while maximizing 360 degree situational awareness. This means you
can see more and react quicker, potentially avoiding danger before an
accident occurs.

Has this been tested on the road?

Yes, the SKULLY AR-1 has undergone extensive road testing, and will
continue to be tested to ensure the highest quality, functionality, and
safety.

What happens if I get into an accident with my SKULLY AR-1?

If you are involved in an accident with your SKULLY AR-1, your
insurance carrier may cover you for the cost of your AR-1. Reference
your insurance policy to see if you are covered for Custom Parts and
Equipment (CPE) coverage. For a definition of CPE coverage, please
visit: http://www.dmv.org/insurance/accessory-coverage-for-motorcycles.php

Is beta testing over? Have I been selected?

All SKULLY beta testers have been selected and have already begun
testing the SKULLY AR-1. Beta testing is an ongoing process, and will
continue until the AR-1 ships.

Who managed your crowdfunding campaign?

RainFactory, a Monsoon Company.

Why am I preordering through Indiegogo?

Preordering through Indiegogo guarantees your helmet ships in 2015.

Why did SKULLY choose to crowdfund?

Production of SKULLY
AR-1 has already begun, and we are set to deliver in May 2015.
Motorcycle helmets are a product that everyone is very particular about -
with 5 sizes and 2 colors, we have 10 options to choose from. With such
limited quantities being produced, pre-ordering through Indiegogo is
the only way that riders can guarantee we will have your size and color
for the upcoming 2015 riding season. The SKULLY AR-1 will not be sold in
stores.

Riders that pre-order AR-1 will get the chance to
directly shape the product and the features that we develop. We will be
working closely with our customers up to and after AR-1 ships to get
their feedback which will guide the features that roll out during the
riding season.

How do I contact someone on the SKULLY team?

Please visit our Contact Page on our website.

| Indiegogo

Thursday, February 28, 2013

Are Some Household Gadgets Getting Too Complex?

via gizmodo.com

A lot of gadgets are packed with features through necessity. But are household gadgets—like toasters, kettles and washing machines—getting needlessly complex for no good reason?

Washing machines have more setting than I can ever begin to understand. Toasters have settings for bakery items I've never heard of. And kettles even offer up different ways to boil water. Sometimes, it feels like domestic gadgets are put in our homes to confuse us.

But do we really need these advances, or are they just appearing in products because they can appear in products? If nobody really uses them anyway, is there any point? Or do you actually Freshen Up cycle on your washing machine daily?

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

LG Shows Off 'World's Smallest' Wireless Charger

via mashable.com

LG is definitely one of the most active companies at this year's Mobile World Congress, having already shown several new smartphones and announcing it has acquired webOS from HP. It seems LG doesn't plan to stop there, as it just announced the "world's smallest" wireless charging device.

The WCP-300 is a little black pad, just 6.9cm in diameter. It's compatible with a standard 5-pin micro-USB charger, and complies with the Qi standards of the Wireless Power Consortium.

As for the devices that support it, there are two available in the U.S. market: the LG Spectrum and the Nexus 4. The freshly showcased LG Optimus G Pro also supports this technology, but we don't know when it'll become available in the U.S.

Like all companies trying to push wireless charging tech to the market, LG hopes more and more upcoming smartphones will have built-in support for this tech. LG itself plans to introduce smartphones with "more advanced" wireless charging tech in the global market.

The WCP-300 will become available next week in South Korea for about $60; a global and U.S. rollout is pending.

LG has also demonstrated their wireless Ultra HD Transmission technology, which enables fast delivery of high-resolution multimedia content from smartphones to TVs.

By "Ultra HD" LG means 4K video content, and the entire technology works by using Wi-Fi, but LG would not go into specifics. LG also claims the tech uses "less than half" the power of other similar technologies, and it does that by reducing the strain on the CPU and other hardware resources.

Of course, 4K content is still hard to find, which means this tech is currently merely a reminder of how one day we could all enjoy the wonders of 4K video and stream it around our house to whatever device we like.

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

The Best Way To Sell or Donate Your Old Gadgets

Your old gadgets may not be of much value anymore now that you've upgraded to the newest model but that doesn't mean they're worthless. Folks will pay good money (or at least good karma) for your second-hand electronics. Here's how to hawk your legacy hardware online or just give it away responsibly.

If you decide to recoup some cash and sell the gadgets, the most direct way is to sell them yourself on sites like Craigslist or eBay. Setting up shop in these digital bazaars is as simple as signing up for an account and then writing the perfect ad. But to ensure that your stuff fetches the highest price, you'll need to do some research first. Search the site that you're listing on for comparable models to get a sense of your gadget's current market value and adjust your asking price accordingly. The condition of your item makes a big difference when selling directly so make sure to factor any damage into your search criteria as well. Also, be sure to wipe any personal information from your devices before you deliver them to the buyer.

If dealing with the weirdos on Craigslist is too much to handle, retailers such as Best Buy, Radio Shack, Amazon, Game Stop, and Verizon offer consignment services. You likely won't get quite as much as you would by selling directly but it is far less of a hassle. Sites like Gazelle which specializes in Apple products, ReCellular, which accepts many older phones that the others don't, and Nextworth, which pays for a host of gadgets including tablets, phones, cameras, calculators, and tablets, will also buy your gear.

Make sure you know how and when you'll be paid by these retailers. Amazon, for example, will make an offer based on your description of the item, then have you send it for inspection before sending Amazon gift cards for the agreed upon value. Best Buy operates this way as well, paying in gift cards, though you can also sell items at its brick and mortar locations as well. Helpful when you don't want to wait 48 hours for Amazon cards. Nextworth will pay you in any number of ways—check, PayPal deposit, or Target gift card—but takes as long as ten business days to initiate payment. Gazelle also offers a variety of payment options—Amazon gift card, PayPal payment, or check—and typically takes about a week.

If, on the other hand, you are feeling generous (or just can't quite get the price you want) many charities will gladly accept donations in the form of electronics—either refurbishing or responsibly recycling them. But which charity should you give your goods to? That's ultimately up to you to decide, however we've included a brief list of major charities. If you know of another worthy cause, let us know in the discussion below.

Reconnect—a collaboration between Dell and Goodwill.

The Wireless Foundation—which donates 100 percent of its refurbished phone sales to domestic abuse organizations.

eBay Giving Works—eBay will donate between 10 and 100 percent of your items final auction price to the charity of your choice.

World Computer Exchange—this charity uses refurbished electronics to build computer labs in underdeveloped nations.

Games for Heroes—if you've got some superfluous Xbox games or a PSP you no longer want, Games for Heroes will send them to US servicemen stationed abroad.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation, which donates refurbished computers, gaming consoles, and MP3 players to hospitalized children.