Wearable technology seems to be all the rage these days, but unfortunately, consumers will have to wait until 2014 to get their hands on what’s certainly the most high-profile piece of wearable tech: Google Glass. If you’re looking for something a little more immediate and happen to be an avid skier or snowboarder, then Recon Instruments has a new heads-up display targeted right at you. Dubbed the Snow2, this Android-based HUD is available now and offers an impressive amount of functionality, provided you’re willing to meet Recon’s asking price.
Looking at the product page for the Snow2, it’s clear that Recon’s goal with the HUD is to offer a lot of information at a glance while keeping the visuals unobtrusive. The Snow2 features a modular design that should make it relatively easy to integrate with a pair of goggles, where the HUD will sit along the bottom right edge of the frame. Using “innovative mirror and prism technology,” the Snow2 then projects an image that appears to be 14-inches large and five feet away. Utilizing the Bluetooth remote included with the HUD, users can navigate through a number of different slides that provide information on things like your speed, altitude, buddy tracking, location, music, text messages, and calls.
The little device is packed with a lot of equipment, as it comes complete with dual-core ARM Cortex-9 CPU, ANT+, GPS, and Wi-Fi capabilities. The Snow2 can be linked with a number of devices, including heart rate monitors and cameras, potentially putting more information only a few button presses away. Recon says you’ll be able to get six hours of power from the Snow2’s 1200mAh battery, but of course, we imagine battery life will be determined by what you’re doing with the Snow2, and will likely vary for a lot of folks.
If the Snow2 sounds like something you’re interested in, you can grab it now directly from Recon’s store. The HUD alone will set you back $399, so be prepared to part with some serious cash if you want to make this piece of equipment a part of your runs. Though Recon says it should be compatible with a number of different goggles from a variety of manufacturers, you can buy it pre-installed in a pair of goggles for $549. Any of you winter sports enthusiasts thinking you might like to pick up a Snow2?