Enter the smart bike — or rather, a bike with smart capabilities. Developers behind the Smart Halo are focused on creating a safe and accessible way for urban cyclists to navigate cities through GPS tracking and intuitive design.
The flat and round Smart Halo device can turn any bike into a smart bike: all you need is smartphone connectivity and the companion app. A luminescent and transforming halo provides a turn-by-turn navigation system that tells bikers where to go without having to deal with the clunk of an intricate smartphone map. The lighting system is pretty versatile in the information it can give the rider: where to turn, how much to turn, when to slow down and when to stop — all with a simple glance.
There's a hoard of other features packed into the device as well, including a light that illuminates the rider's path, a notification system for incoming calls and weather changes, and a sensor-activated alarm to prevent bike theft. All of these features are based around different permutations of the central light display. And of course, its military-grade lock system can latch safely onto any kind of bike.
Using the device and its companion app is also incredibly simple. There's no need for a start or stop option. The device begins working the moment you start peddling — with the activity tracking system calculating time, distance, speed, elevation and even calories burned. All you need to do is input the destination (like in any mapping system), tuck your phone away, and let the device do the rest. The battery lasts for about three weeks and can be charged with a simple USB plug-in.
The Kickstarter campaign has a little less than a month left, but it has already accrued enough funds. The device will be sold at a price of $149 (and $99 for early adopters) and is set for release next spring.
