Boréal Bikes has introduced its newest product called the SmrtGRiPS, which solves the problems with GPS apps that have been on the market for quite some time already.
While they help cyclists in navigating their way through the city's winding streets and avoiding traffic, the GPS apps present users with some very basic problems. First, looking down at the smartphone for directions while biking down the busy road could instigate an accident. Also, when a smartphone is exposed to direct sunlight its display tends to be darker and difficult to read.
SmrtGRiPS is one of the first to use the "eye-free" navigation system wherein instead of giving cyclists visual cues in navigation it takes advantage of haptic signals in telling the cyclist where to go. The device can be installed in a bikes handle bar, the cyclist then uses its app to mark its destination and then the grip will vibrate every time the cyclist needs to turn right or needs to turn left with vibrations getting intense as the cyclist is nearing a specific point. The grip can also give vibrating notification with regards to inaccessible roads as well as other hazards that the cyclist might encounter.
Aside from navigational assistance, SmrtGRiPS also comes with a feature that will help cyclist in looking for their bikes in case they forget where they left it. However, the feature is only limited through Bluetooth connection, which means it has a maximum effective range of around 330 feet, although limited this feature will prove to be a great help especially in busy or overcrowded locations. Additionally, the grips are waterproof and its battery can be recharged using USB port, the accompanying app can also be used in both iOS and Android platform.
Boréal Bikes, the company manufacturing the grips, is hoping to raise $50,000 in order to further develop their technology. SmrtGRiPS currently costs around $59 per pair.