Beyond
Although there are now a different types of turn-indicator-equipped bike helmets, cyclists still need to also use traditional arm signals. That’s where the Classon helmet comes in, as its indicator LEDs are trigged by the rider’s arm gestures – plus it warns of cars approaching from behind.
When we last heard about the Classon, it had been the topic of a Kickstarter campaign. That campaign was successful, and therefore the helmet is now being offered to buyers/test subjects as a part of a beta program.
Like a lot of other “smart” helmets, it’s equipped with a headlight, a tail light/brake light, and amber LED turn indicators to either side on both the front & back. It also has both front & rear video cameras. All those electronics are wired into two onboard 1.2-GHz microprocessors, and are powered by a 2,800-mAh lithium battery that ought to be good for up to four hours of runtime per one-hour charge.
Whenever the wearer executes a standard left- or right-turn arm signal, “gesture sensors” within the helmet reportedly detect that movement, and trigger the helmet’s turn indicators accordingly. We’re still waiting to listen to back from the manufacturer – New York-based Beyond, aka Brooklyness – regarding what form those sensors take.
The headlight & tail light remain illuminated consistently, although when an integrated accelerometer detects that the bike is suddenly slowing down, it triggers the tail light to temporarily brighten and function as a brake light .
Both video cameras are often wont to record rides – only for fun, or for legal use within the event of an accident – with up to 6 hours of their footage being saved on the helmet’s internal memory. Additionally, if the rear camera “sees” a vehicle approaching from behind within the cyclist’s blind spot, the rider is warned via blinking LEDs on the underside of the helmet’s visor.
The whole thing weighs a claimed 580 grams (1.2 lb), and is IP65 water-resistant – meaning it can withstand low-pressure jets of water from any direction.
You can get in on the beta program via the Source link below, with one helmet costing you US$199. Once the Classon reaches full production, the worth should rise to $399.
Source : Beyond
