Montreal-based CycleLabs Solutions designed SmartHalo, a bike-mounted GPS navigation device. The company hopes the simple, circular, hands-free GPS device will revolutionize how cyclists find their way around town.
The small, minimalistic, waterproof GPS navigation device pairs wirelessly via Bluetooth with the user’s smartphone. The company’s iOS and Android apps allow the user to plug in a destination and put their phone away. The apps then selects the fastest, most bike-friendly route.
SmartHalo guides the user to the location via simplistic signals for left, right and U-turns. The device lights up the left or right side of the circular GPS before the corresponding turn should be made in order to give the rider time to react. SmartHalo then notifies users when they have arrived.
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The product adapts in real-time to light conditions to make sure the navigation notifications are always visible. SmartHalo’s front facing LED light turns on automatically at night or in low-light conditions.
SmartHalo’s app allows users to set and track fitness goals such as time, distance, average speed, elevation and calories burned. The app also stores ride maps. The device can signal goal progress during a ride via color-coded lights.
The GPS device signals to the rider when they have received a call or text message. SmartHalo will also notify the rider when a storm or rain is coming.
The small, less than seven-ounce product mounts directly onto a bike’s handlebars via a small base. The SmartHalo connects to the handlebars with tamper-proof screws to allow the users the option to keep the device on their bike at all times. SmartHalo’s battery lasts up to three weeks if the rider bikes up to one hour per day — it is charged via a USB cord.
SmartHalo can only be locked and unlocked with its personalized key. SmartHalo’s motion sensor also detects when someone tries to steal the device or the bike, and then sounds an alarm and lights up accordingly.
The company began a SmartHalo crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter in August 2015, with initial deliveries expected by May 2016. However, the GPS devices did not begin officially shipping until March 2017. SmartHalo devices are currently available online for $179.