Israeli company Everysight have launched the Raptor AR Smartglasses, claimed to be the first consumer-focused augmented reality smartglasses for cyclists and triathletes. Priced £699, Raptors use technology developed for fighter pilots to display real-time metrics like speed, power, heart rate and even navigation in the wearer's field of vision.
Everysight say the new Raptor smartglasses "enhance performance using augmented reality to provide riders with the real-time data and information they need to become faster, fitter, and more efficient."
Want to see what that looks like in reality? Here's a video of the Raptors in action, being used by former pro Christian Van Velde near the summit of Col Du Portillon (stage 16 of this year's Tour de France): Christian Vande Velde demonstrates the Everysight Raptors
Everysight's 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.
Built-in GPS/GLONASS mean the glasses can display real-time navigation updates alongside other data fields - so, for example, you can follow the GPX course of a sportive while also viewing ride time, speed, power etc, all without taking your eyes off the road ahead.
The ability to keep track of data without glancing down at your computer is being heralded as a major safety feature of the Raptors. In Everysight's words, "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."
In addition, a speaker in the glasses allows riders to listen to music or receive phone calls without headphones covering their ears, while Bluetooth connectivity allows Raptor to deliver phone notifications while on the go.
The Raptors even feature a built-in look-and-shoot 13.2 megapixel HD camera with voice and data overlay, enabling riders to capture footage of their cycling experience. The captured images and videos can be shared with friends, followers, or coaches through any social media channel post-ride.
Similarly 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 like Strava.
Given the loaded feature set you might expect these smartglasses to weigh the same as a mobile phone, but Everysight have managed to keep the weight of the Raptors down to just 98g.
The Raptor's features can be controlled using voice commands, or by physically swiping and tapping a touchpad located on the right temple of the Raptor to alter the view, control maps, volume, brightness, data screens and more.
Everysight are claiming a battery life of up to 8 hours between charges, which should be enough for most sportives although perhaps not all-day epic rides. The visors are said to be robust but in the event they sustain damage in a crash, they are replaceable - a new visor will set you back £79.
Raptor will also come with a selection of accessories.
A handlebar controller (£59) will allow riders to control all Raptor functions with their thumb or finger, while riders with prescription lenses will have the option of buying RX Frames for £29. As mentioned above, dark and light tinted visors will also be available for use in different riding conditions, priced £79.
Finally, the Raptor comes in three colours: Stealth Black, Electric Green, and Artic (sic) Blue.
We've currently got one of the very first production units in for testing, so look out for a full review soon on Sportive.com.
In the meantine, to learn more about Everysight and Raptor AR smartglasses, visit www.everysight.com.
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