Mobile Computing News

Photo: Zeal Optics

Users might be forgiven for thinking that the new Transcend GPS ski goggles, a collaboration between Zeal Optics and Recon Instruments, are too futuristic to possibly be commercially available; they seem to be the stuff of science fiction movies – too high-tech to be true.

The good news

The good news is that they are being commercially produced, and will go on sale this summer. For serious skiers or snowboarders, or even for those looking to understand their strengths and shortcomings on the slopes, these ski goggles promise to be a godsend.

Lens options

There are two lens options, SPX polarized and SPPX Polarized + Photochromatic, both of which offer superior protection from UV rays and are designed to combat natural hindrances to visibility, such as fog and permafrost.

The technology

But it what’s inside the lenses that make these goggles truly remarkable – a technological innovation Zeal calls the ‘world’s first direct-to-eye communications display.’ Mounted inside the Transcend goggles is a full-colour GPS-integrated LCD screen, capable of providing the user with real-time information about their movement on the slope, as well as their speed, altitude, temperature and rate of descent.

There is also a stopwatch and a vertical odometer built into the interface, and the GPS feature will inform users of the proximity of lifts and restaurants on the slope, an important safety concern for those moments when heavy snowfall reduces visibility to nil.

Photo: Zeal Optics

Rechargeable battery

The ski goggles are powered by a rechargeable battery, offering six hours of life – enough for a whole day on the slopes. The screen display is controlled by large buttons on either side of the goggles, designed to be operated by gloved hands.

Astounding screen

The LCD screen mounted inside the Transcend goggles is an astounding technological accomplishment. Three and a half years in development, although the screen is only a quarter of an inch wide, and virtually invisible when one stares straight ahead, when one looks down at it, a lens magnifies the 320X240-pixel screen and makes it appear to ‘hang’ six feet in front of them. Fraser Hall, Recon’s director and co-founder, explains that this makes the screen ‘no more distracting than a [car’s] dashboard‘.

USB capability

If this is not amazing enough, the ski goggles will also feature USB compatibility, allowing users to transfer the data recorded by the goggles to their computers, where they can study their performances and identify where they can improve.

For all their sophistication, it is unsurprising that the Transcend goggles have been given to the Canadian Olympic snowboarding team to help them prepare for the Winter Games. But even for more amateur users, Transcend goggles offer a unique and inimitable experience, and are sure to result in great improvement in the ability of skiers and snowboarders everywhere.