Recon Jet finally released

(Originally published on BikeRadar)

We saw the Recon Jet back in June 2013 and this high-tech visor is now finally shipping for £580 / US$700 / AU$900.

The development goes back to 2008 and the premise is simple: take all the functions you’d get on a GPS bike computer, add a mini camera, an Android operating system for future app compatibility and phone syncing – all visible through a tiny screen on the eyepiece.

Key features

– Mini 16:9 WQVGA display
– GPS, accelerometer, altimeter for built-in telemetry
– ANT+ device compatibility (power coming soon)
– Bluetooth Smart, ANT+ and Wi-Fi connectivity
– Smartphone pairing for caller ID and text messages
– Front-facing HD video and stills with sound
– Custom information dashboard
– Dual core 1GHz processor
– Interchangeable lenses
– Touchpad and rocker button for menu navigation
– Lithium-ion battery (no life quoted)

The Recon Engage smartphone app allows activity upload to Strava, Training Peak, MapMyFitness and other third-party sites for iOS and Android users.

While the Jet launches with basic cycling features, the OS means new apps and features could be quickly added. Recon has previous spoken about tracking Jet-wearing mates while out riding, screen sharing with a rear-facing Bluetooth camera and instant Strava upload and social sharing. There’s a rich world of cycle-specific features that could be implemented.

We’ve had the chance to try on the Jet at trade shows and it certainly makes data easily visible, while the unit itself is surprisingly light.

We’ll reserve judgement until we’ve tried it on the road, but Recon’s description of the Jet as being akin to viewing a 30-inch screen from seven feet away seems apt. In fact, it was a little overwhelming – it’ll probably just need a bit of getting used to, but having it in the peripheral vision of the right eye could be problematic for riders in drive-on-the-left countries when looking over your shoulder.

Find out more at the Recon website.

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