It was wild, wet and windy (again) today, so I surfed a little instead of riding – don’t be too hard on me, I did get out for a jog. One link after another led me to GizMag and their top ten cycling innovations of 2013. Top of the list is the intriguing Hammerhead for Bike Navigation. I think it is well worth a look.
The new startup team behind Hammerhead say they are inspired by simplicity – get the essential right then junk the rest is their philosophy: in this they (and their advertising video) reminded my strongly of Apple and that cannot be bad. Their breakthrough to simplicity ideas include:
- team the Hammerhead to a smart phone, using all its complicated and expensive electronics;
- replace spoken or turn instructions with peripheral vision colours as direction indicators
- a really smart, minimal design and look
- incorporate a built-in headlight.
I like this idea a lot for several reasons:
- it’s great to see someone other than Garmin looking at navigation
- I want to make better use of my iPhone
- it keeps the iPhone safe and dry without needing a new case
- it’s refreshing to see a new take on an old problem
- conventional satnav screens are a nightmare for those of up who need reading glasses
- it looks like great value for money.
I see Schwinn have an alternative out (see below), so I will wait until some user reviews appear, but I hope I won’t have to wait too long. This looks like a great device full of promise.
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