Smartphones have become an integral part of our daily lives, with the average smartphone user spending more than four hours of their day interacting with digital devices. Despite the wide range of benefits offered by smartphones, however, they present a serious risk to individuals on the road.
Using a smartphone interferes with four separate processes- auditory, visual, kinesthetic, and cognitive functions. Most smartphone users are aware of the risks presented by smartphone use while driving, but many still use their smartphones while cycling. Cycling is a major cause of road accidents, with smartphone use while cycling the primary cause of most of these accidents.
Handsfree kits are an efficient way of remaining alert while driving a motor vehicle, but unfortunately they aren’t ideal for using whilst cycling, as the wind and environmental disturbances experienced while riding make it difficult to conduct a call. Similarly, operating a smartphone in order to change song playlists or navigate map services whilst riding a bike is particularly risky.
There are a number of smart helmet solutions available on the market today, but while they are able to address the issues presented by smartphone use while riding, few are as effective or safe as a purpose designed cycling helmet. These solutions are also exceptionally expensive, and are often available in a limited number of sizes and styles.
A groundbreaking new crowdfunding campaign being run on popular crowdfunding platform Kickstarter, however, is providing a solution to the problem of smartphone use while driving with a high-tech snap-on system that transforms any helmet into a smart helmet. The Ahead Smart Helmet device has already achieved more than 70% of its total funding goal in the first few days of its campaign, and is set to become one of the most popular tech crowdfunding campaigns of 2017.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the design, features, and functionality of the Ahead Smart Helmet and find out what it offers to help you determine whether it’s a crowdfunding campaign worth backing.
What Is The Ahead Smart Helmet?
The Ahead Smart Helmet is an innovative new tech product that is able to transform any cycling helmet into a smart helmet. Boasting a rich feature set that makes it possible to interact with and control a smartphone safely while riding, the Ahead Smart Helmet is designed to keep the ears of riders open and their hands free.
The Ahead Smart Helmet has captured media attention from tech industry news providers such as TechCrunch, Wareable, Trendhunter, and even CES Las Vegas. Based in New York, the team behind the Ahead Smart Helmet is supported by the Samsung C-Lab, who has assisted the team in creating the unique and highly adaptable Ahead Smart Helmet solution.
Ahead Smart Helmet Features & Functionality
The Ahead Smart Helmet device offers a broad spectrum of functionality that unlocks the full potential of any smartphone while riding. Able to make phone calls, play music, function as a PTT walkie-talkie, deliver turn-by-turn navigation, track fitness activity, and even interact with digital personal assistance such as Siri, the Ahead Smart Helmet makes it possible to engage with a smartphone without becoming distracted.
The Ahead Smart Helmet boasts an innovative microphone design that uses Clear Voice Capture technology to deliver crystal-clear audio quality at speeds of up to 40 mph, and doesn’t require a bulky, annoying mic in front of the face. Audio playback is provided by an oscillator speaker, which unlike a regular bluetooth speaker uses vibration to pass noise directly into the helmet.
The Ahead Smart Helmet works with any helmet and can be attached with one of two separate mounts that suit both bike helmets and solid helmets. Weighing in at less than a wristwatch, the Ahead Smart Helmet is exceptionally light, and offers a wide range of customization options via the Ahead app.
The robust construction of the Ahead Smart Helmet device makes it suitable for all kinds of riding conditions, offering IP45 water and dust resistance that is completely rain-proof. The Ahead Smart Helmet device was originally designed as a solution to assist construction workers in communicating safely in construction sites, so apart from providing an extremely sturdy solution, it also offers push-to-talk communication standards.
The battery of the Ahead Smart Helmet lasts up to 3 days on standby, with 8 hours of call time, and charges fully in just 1.5 hours. Compatible with both iOS and Android smartphones, the Ahead Smart Helmet device is the ultimate smart helmet solution.
Ahead Smart Helmet Review Summary
The Ahead Smart Helmet device Kickstarter campaign has almost achieved its original funding goals in eh first few days of the campaign, and is expected to ship in October 2017. If you’re looking for a lightweight, feature-rich, and extremely robust smart helmet solution, the Ahead Smart Helmet device Kickstarter campaign is definitely worth backing.
