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The Gear Grind: BMW Reveals Sci-Fi ConnectedRide Smartglasses

A New Cool Heads-Up Display Option for Riders Worldwide

BMW's ConnectedRide Smartglasses. Media sourced from BMW.
BMW's ConnectedRide Smartglasses. Media sourced from BMW.

BMW’s just given riders a new option for heads-up display tech!

Meet the ultra-cool, sci-fi-esque ConnectedRide Smartglasses – not the first pair of specs to carry tech like this, but certainly the first dedicated pair from a motorcycle marque.

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BMW’s recent press release tells us that these HUD peepers are blessed with lithium-ion juice, capable of rendering ten-hour performance anywhere in the -14°-122°F temp range. 

Thanks to BMW’s ConnectedRide options, maneuvering settings can be performed either before swinging a leg over, or via some basic toggling of the handlebar multi-controller.

BMW's ConnectedRide Smartglasses. Media sourced from BMW.
BMW’s ConnectedRide Smartglasses. Media sourced from BMW.

How have the Smartglasses been outfitted to suit riders? A great question, and one that BMW has been so kind as to answer for us:

“The design of the smart glasses and the display has been adapted to meet the special needs of motorcyclists [and] can be adapted to fit numerous helmets and face shapes.”

“This makes the smart glasses comfortable to wear even on long day trips.”

BMW's ConnectedRide Smartglasses. Media sourced from BMW.
BMW’s ConnectedRide Smartglasses. Media sourced from BMW.

A further gander at the highlights of the build, and we not only see two sets of lenses – tinted and semi-transparent – but options for frame sizes, nosepad sizes, and RX visual acuity adaptation. See the Smartglasses’ specs below, courtesy of BMW’s press release:

BMW Motorrad ConnectedRide Smartglasses Highlights

  • Two sizes (M + L) available with different nose pads (Medium for pupil distance 2.1-2.6″, Large for 2.3-2.9″).
  • Two sets of lenses (1 x tinted and 1 x 85% transparent) integrated light sensor, certified UVA/UVB filter.
  • RX adapter for adjusting the lenses to the required visual acuity (up to max. 4 diopters) by an optician.
  • Can be connected to a smartphone and the BMW Motorrad Connected App via Bluetooth.
  • Real-time GPS data transfer from app to Smartglasses
  • Head-Up function for navigation with individual display
  • Display of speed, speed limit, gear, and navigation (reduced arrow display or detailed navigation with street names, intersections, and precise directions)
  • Integrated light sensor and integrated optics module for securely transferring data and securely displaying data on the top left of the right glass
  • Lithium-ion battery provides up to ten hours of operation
  • USB charging cable
  • Operating temperature range -14° to 122° F
  • Anthracite frame
BMW's ConnectedRide Smartglasses. Media sourced from BMW.
BMW’s ConnectedRide Smartglasses. Media sourced from BMW.

Very nice, BMW.

What do you think of the Bavarians’ new ConnectedRide Smartglasses?

*All media sourced from BMW’s recent press release*