Argon Transform hi-tech helmet accessory transforms a standard helmet into an Iron Man helmet with head-up display, bluetooth, GPS and more.
Singapore start-up Whyre claim their Argon Transform is the world’s first dual-camera Augmented Reality attachment for a motorcycle helmet.
The $US795 ($A1140) unit doesn’t look too different to us from several others which are available or coming to market soon.
They include the HUDWAY Sight and Kiwi-designed Reyedr which is still seeking funding.
It also follows a growing wave of smart helmets that integrate HUD, and other tech into a motorcycle helmet.
The latest is the Australian-designed Forcite MK1 which has an LED light strip rather than HUD and includes a HD, wide-angle camera, Bluetooth and VOIP intercom and handlebar-mounted control unit.
ForciteThe advantages of aftermarket tech is that you can swap it to your new helmet when you retire the old one.
Argon Transform
The Argon Transform comes as several Bluetooth-connected stick-on units for the side, front and back of the helmet, plus a screen on the inside of the chinbar.
They combine a see-through head-up display with a Bluetooth handlebar controller, inbuilt GPS unit, plus front and back cameras.
Whyre claim the front and rear units weigh only 150g and balance each other out.
Rear cameraRiders will be able to see tailor-made info such as caller ID, GPS navigation arrows and speedometer, as well as what’s behind them. Video is recorded and stored on an SD card or accessed via an Argon app.
Rider’s view of the periphery screenIt will also allow riders to access specific ride statistics, Argon settings, a social community and a logbook that records last maintenance dates, spare part changes/cost etc.
The intercom has range only up to 100m, but the speakers are claimed to have active noise-cancelling which should mean clear sound without background wind noise and no need for earplugs.
(Never put your helmet on the ground like this unless you wants ants or other bugs in your helmet!)The offline built-in GPS does not require data and operates in remote areas where phone reception is weak.
Argon claims the lithium-polymer battery will last for eight hours on a charge.
Whyre has launched an Indiegogo Campaign to get a $US25,000 and is already a third of the way there.
Early customers will get the Argon Transform for $US398 ($A570) compared with the retail price of $US795 ($A1140). They plan to ship in February 2020.