Swimming is one of those sports where stopping to check a smartwatch during a performance can be quite distracting. For this reason, there is a new market for a class of devices that allows you to monitor your performance without stopping swimming.
Holographic glasses, smart glass, what do you want to call them? The latest one is called holoswim and has just started a crowdfunding campaign on the popular Kickstarter platform.
Developed by Guangli, a Hong Kong-based startup, Holoswim consists of a set of swimming goggles that are fairly normal-looking and not too heavy (the company says they weigh 75 grams (2,6 ounces), module included). Did I say form? Yes. The glasses have a waterproof electronic module on one side, which is paired with a dedicated iOS/Android app on the wearer's smartphone.
The swimming instructor got in my eye
Users start by using the app to design a workout program to follow. An inertial measurement unit (IMU) in the goggle module subsequently follows their movements while swimming.
This is where an OLED holographic display comes into play which is capable of showing real-time data. Data such as total distance traversed, number of strokes, number of laps, 100 meter stroke pace and total time elapsed are available. Users can switch between screens by pressing a physical button on the module. And after each swim session, they can review their performance on the companion app.
For all nomophobes Furthermore, when listening, the Holoswim are connected to the poolside telephone via Bluetooth. It may be unpleasant, but if you work with your phone, know that the glasses will alert you to incoming calls (but if you are underwater this function only works within a radius of 5 meters, 16 feet). And in any case you will have to finish the swimming session and reach for your phone to answer it (unless you have a smartwatch, and so on).
According to Guangli, one charge of the module's lithium battery should be enough for more than 10 hours of autonomous swimming.
