Heads up, riders: Garmin, Oakley to release intelligent “smartglasses” technology in 2016

A screenshot of Garmin’s Varia Vision display

During the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas earlier this month, cycling was notably featured. With new technology forthcoming from both Garmin and Oakley, the intuitive, intelligent functions of smartglasses were a highlight, showing the high-tech edge that cyclists will find advantageous in the coming year.

Here’s a look at two of the devices soon to make starships out of bikes:

Garmin Varia Vision

At the show, Garmin unveiled its new “in-sight display” technology, Varia Vision, integrating the high tech with the natural to create something highly intuitive when it comes to how a cyclist sees—and navigates—the road ahead. The tech places vital cycling information and smartphone notifications right in your field of vision, transmitting that data in ways that don’t detract from a rider’s attention to the road.

The Varia Vision is a small device that can be readily coupled with a pair of cycling sunglasses, fitting to the arms with an adjustable angle, allowing cyclists to access ride data from Garmin’s range of Edge cycling computers. With a touch panel mounted on the arm of glasses, the device can be easily controlled, even in the sort of wet conditions that might make you think twice about breaking out your smart phone—something with which the device is also designed to integrate. Even while wearing gloves or with wet, dirty hands, the touch panel is sensitive enough to be controlled.

There are other aspects of the technology that make it especially favourable to riders, not the least of which is its weight. At just under 30 grams, the device is lightweight but robust, and most importantly, versatile. Its main component is a small screen, fitted to the arm of sunglasses, that keeps your natural field of vision clear and your eyes directed where they should be—straight ahead, as opposed to down at the sort of screen you might otherwise see mounted to a pair of handlebars.

In terms of that versatility, the Garmin Varia Vision’s technology tends toward the smart side, with light sensors that adjust automatically to low light conditions.

With eight hours of battery life, the Varia Vision connects with compatible Garmin Edge devices, allowing riders to easily access performance statistics and even directional information. Turn-by-turn prompts feed information like distance to turns, street names and intuitive guidance like directional arrows. It also pairs with Garmin’s Varia radar system, giving riders eyes in the back of their heads to detect traffic coming from behind while a ride is in progress.

The device is compatible with iOS, Android and Windows 10. The Varia Vision, available in late March of this year, will retail for $400 USD, while the Varia Radar will cost about $200 USD.

Oakley Radar Pace with Intel inside

Oakley, too, unveiled some other tantalizingly forward-thinking technology on the gear front in Las Vegas.

Though unreleased, the brand’s Radar Pace smartglasses, which Oakley teased as a prototype, are also intuitive, designed to be voice-activated with a minimalist design. Riders speak commands to the Radar Pace technology, allowing them to perform a variety of tasks without lifting either hand from their bars. Designed by a partnership between Intel and Oakley, the glasses, Intel says, are simpler to use than even Google Glass headsets. In that case, users are required to swipe the side of the device to perform certain functions. By using their voices, cyclists can do the same with Radar Pace technology, only safer and more simply.

For example, imagine you want to know what your workout plan will be for the day. Interfacing with the Radar Pace technology, as presenters at the Consumer Electronics Show demonstrated, requires a rider to simply ask the question vocally, with an electronic voice responding with the day’s plan and even challenges to rider harder. Want to know your power? Ask and a detailed answer will follow.

Those answers provide vital information gathered through a variety of sensors, taking that information through sensors like heart rate monitors, speed and cadence sensors and power meters.

With the technology still in development, representatives from Intel and Oakley refrained from giving details about what apps, hardware or software would facilitate the Pace’s functionality. With Intel’s acquisition of Recon Instruments last summer, however, a technology that Triathlon Magazine reported on, it can be presumed that much of the same technology would be used, such as pairing with computers, smartphones, cameras and GPS systems.

The Radar Pace is anticipated to be released in late 2016.