Recon launches heads-up display cycling glasses

VANCOUVER, British Columbia (BRAIN) — Recon Instruments is now accepting "pre-orders" for its heads-up display sunglasses that are intended for cyclists and triathletes. The Recon Jet glasses will begin shipping in December, the company says. It's accepted orders on its website from now through July 21 at $499.95. After July 21, they will cost $599.95.

Retired pro road racer George Hincapie is endorsing the glasses and appears in promotional materials released today.

The glasses include a display and a processor, camera and GPS and other sensors and a touch sensor. It has wifi and can receive data via ANT+ and Bluetooth. The additions add a claimed 28 grams to the glasses, distributed on each side. It will accept third party apps and will be shipped with apps that show speed, heart rate, cadence and power. It also will display caller ID and text messages. The device has an open platform, allowing developers of other cycling apps and equipment to create apps that work with it.

Recon introduced a heads-up display product for ski and snowboard goggles in 2010. It sells that product to goggle makers including Oakley, Smith and Zeal, but will sell the cycling glass under its own brand. It first showed the Recon Jet to developers at the Google 1/O conference last month. 

In a Recon statement, Hincapie said he had long been fascinated by "wearable technology" for cyclists.

"I think it is incredible how Recon Instruments has managed to develop a HUD (heads-up display) for sunglasses while keeping the fit of the sunglasses balanced and comfortable. It is amazing how the display is only visible when you want it to be and is completely invisible when you don’t.  It will make a tremendous difference for cyclists not to have to look down at their bike computer or smartphone for data, taking their focus away from their activity.  I can see these being a big hit in the peloton.”

More information: jet.reconinstruments.com.