While these Smith Recon goggles are hitting the snowsports market hard, this relatively inexpensive in-goggle display technology is a no-brainer for the tactical side of the market. I can see vehicle crew, air crew and loadmasters using HUD tech to track targets, ammunition usage, payload information and other alerts that are customarily difficult to relay in a high noise environment.
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There are plenty of other uses for connected HUD goggles, but the long pole in the tent is going to be security. The Smith Recon (as well as the Recon technology-based Oakley Airwave) is designed with remote control and smartphone integration in mind. Data passes wirelessy via Bluetooth between the goggles, wrist-worn remote and phone, so securing and hardening this link will be important if these products are going to be used on the battlefield.
Up until now, head mounted HUD tech has really been limited to expensive and massive programmatic applications like Land Warrior/Net Warrior. That's why I call this inexpensive. At the moment, I can see some special mission units buying into the Recon for use in alpine movement and individuals picking them up for their own uses on the ground and in vehicle turrets. Heck, if they can figure out how to secure the wireless connection, TOC dwellers could even take mIRC chat/Jabber to the bathroom.
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From Smith Optics:
The I/O Recon is the most advanced Heads-Up Display goggle on the market today. Utilizing Recon Instruments premiere MOD Live unit, the I/O Recon offers smartphone and POV camera connectivity in addition to a myriad of on-board features including buddy tracking, jump analytics, and GPS mapping. With connectivity to Android and Apple iPhones, the I/O Recon provides caller ID, text messaging, playlist management and on-board apps to run directly in front of your eye through a crystal clear display that projects an image appearing to be 14 inches big at 5 feet away.
What truly sets the I/O Recon apart from any of its competitors is industry leading, QuickRelease interchangeable optics and the world's best anti-fog system, Smith's 5X anti-fog lens. Complete with two performance mirrored lenses to cover every weather condition, the I/O Recon seamlessly integrates its Heads Up Display behind the lowest profile, most advanced goggle ever created.
