Smart helmets are all I've written about in the past few weeks, and that should be a good indicator of what way the market is going. Whether it's technology that doesn't interfere with your ride, like Quin's smart pod, or heads-up display (HUD) technology that we'll see in a lid from TVS soon. Now, the highly anticipated augmented reality AR mart helmet from Shoei, the GT-Air 3 Smart, is about to go on sale, and I think it'll sell well.
I should preface everything by saying that I didn't think augmented reality helmets would be a hit, especially not in the near future. I think most motorcyclists put on their helmets to get away from distractions—I do—and the last thing you'd want is more happening once you close your double D ring. But after being so immersed in thought about this technology, and after a particularly dangerous recent ride through Mexico City not long ago, I'm starting to feel more than a few will buy the GT-Air 3 Smart, or at least something similar. But let's start with the specs.
The main feature to consider on this helmet is the integrated FHD Nano OLED HUD, and through this, you can see maps, turn-by-turn navigation, route information, speed camera detections, your speed, the time, and incoming calls and messages if you're connected to your phone. The visor HUD is an EyeLights product, known as EyeRide, so not Shoei's in-house developed technology. All the AR technology is in a dropdown visor, much like you would have a built-in sun visor. So, if you don't want anything getting between you and the road, just retract the visor.
