iPhone ARider HMD Navigation System

October 3, 2009

The navigational capabilities of the iPhone 3GS is constantly in news these days. Firstly, a couple of GPS manufacturers have introduced satnav applications specially for the iPhone. Next, it is TomTom who have designed a car kit for this latest gadget.

Now, is the turn of Ubiquitos Entertainment, which is a Tokyo based company that has introduced something for all the iPhone 3GS lovers. The company has designed an iPhone ARider, a head mounted navigation system for bikers. The iPhone 3GS is equipped with a compass, a GPS receiver, a CPU and a communication unit. For using the device, the user just needs to connect the HMD to the iPhone. The iPhone can be mounted on the helmet instead of holding it in your pocket or a separate pouch.

The iPhone ARider system features a head mounted display, a custom software and an iPhone 3GS attached to the cyclists helmet. The maps can be viewed on the HMD. The iPhone mounted on the helmet changes directions based on the direction of the rider’s face. It is capable of sensing slight movements. Thus if you want to find your way all you need to do is move your head, the map will rotate and point towards the right direction.

The device is not advisable to be used while riding as it may cause accidents. But this is definitely a good unit for pedestrians and cyclists who can stop for a few seconds have a look at the directions and move on. With a camera added through the AR, connected to the rider’s backpack, the device can be used a rear view mirror. Furthermore, the unit can be used to make hands-free calls via Bluetooth. Also the device is capable of connecting to Twitter.

With this unit, the user does not need to constantly have a look at the iPhone screen for routing information as it is displayed on the HMD. Overall, this can be termed as a futuristic portable navigation system.

Let’s have a look at the video that shows the iPhone ARider in action in Tokyo.

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