BRG launching helmets with built-in 360-degree video tech
The 360fly camera utilizes an wide-angle, fish-eye lens to provide a 360-degree view (click to enlarge).
The days of clunky POV camera mounts cluttering our MTB helmets could be numbered — and helmet-cam video could soon be a lot more interesting and interactive. BRG Sports, parent company of Giro and Bell, has announced a partnership with 360-degree camera innovators 360fly, with plans to develop a line of new helmets featuring 360fly’s single-lens 4K 360-degree video capture technology.
The end result, BRG said a statement, will be helmets with “unrivaled footage perspective and integrated video technology that offers a cleaner appearance without the need for external mounting accessories.” The range of helmets (including cycling models) will be announced in January at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.
No word on pricing yet, but the current 360fly camera sells for $400. Resolution is a top notch 1504×1504 at 27.97fps. Battery life is 2.5 hours and the unit is water, dust and shock resistant. To get an idea of what this new footage could look like, check out this video.
//www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8F51OPJKAw
BRG says this is merely the first step toward the development of “smart” helmets, characterized by a variety of intuitive digital features. 360fly’s immersive single-lens camera technology enables the development of a variety of intuitive capabilities driven by motion-sensor, GPS and machine learning technologies. Development of these additional features is an ongoing process, but you can bet virtual reality viewing is on the menu.
Additionally, amateur Scorseses will no longer have to wait until they’re back to their computer to download, edit and share footage. Instead, they’ll be able to use 360fly’s mobile app for instant editing and release of their new shred’it.
“Because our lens is seeing virtually everything in all directions, it allows us to develop and build in additional features that allow the helmet to literally communicate, delivering valuable information regarding the surrounding environment, navigation and other types of data relevant to the rider,” explained Peter Adderton, 360fly CEO. “Ultimately, the helmets will be much like today’s mobile devices, allowing users to enjoy incremental benefits and features through software updates.”
The 360fly videos can also be embedded, allowing viewers to interact with them via touch screen-equipped mobile devices.
“The implications and possibilities of integrating video technology within helmets are profound,” added Terry Lee, BRG CEO. “360fly’s stitchless, single-lens camera combined with the immediacy of its mobile technology, is a game-changer for the personal video space. We believe this has the potential to advance the industry into an entirely new realm.”
Learn more at 360fly.com.
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