GPS navigation seems to have proliferated through just about every portion of our lives. Having GPS built into our smartphones has been a game changer and many outdoor enthusiasts now have GPS watches to aid them in their active pursuits. One company is trying to bring a new navigation system to cyclists as well in the form of the Hammerhead, a revolutionary new device that uses a series of LED lights to direct riders on where to go.The device attaches to the handlebars of your bike and pairs with an iPhone or Android device via Bluetooth to provide navigation information. A specially designed app then sends specific turn-by-turn data to the Hammerhead itself which uses its embedded lights to indicate where and when to turn, distance to the next turn, and how close you are to your destination. It is a simple but effective interface that allows riders to glean a lot of information without ever having to take their eyes off the road.
The Hammerhead app uses crowd sourcing to share information about bike routes and the best way to navigate through urban settings and trails alike. It allows users to upload and share their favorite rides with the online community, which makes the device's way finding smarter and more accurate. Data can also be shared with other apps such as Strava and MapMyRide as well.
As if all of that wasn't interesting enough, the Hammerhead also functions as a headlight and includes two side lights for added visibility. A red dot on the top serves as a compass too, providing even more functionality in a simple design.
Currently the team behind the Hammerhead is seeking funding via a Kick-starter like campaign. If you're interested in the product you can learn more about it and back the project by clicking here. The designers of the device are seeking $145,000 to get it off the ground and they are currently at about $42,000 with 23 days to go in their campaign. You can also find out more on the Hammerhead Facebook page.
Seems like an innovative looking piece of technology. I like that it is so simple and yet provides quite a bit of information without having to really look at it too closely. I think the Hammerhead has lots of potential but to really tap it they'll need a good, active community. Time will tell if that happens.
