According to the brand, a sensor in the helmet continuously measures ambient light and will turn on the light automatically in low light conditions, as long as the helmet is being worn. To activate, simply place the helmet on your head and the light will turn on automatically. There is no on/off switch: the light turns on automatically and remains on while the helmet is being worn. It will turn off a few seconds after the helmet is taken off.

There is no USB port, because the different types of light around us constantly charge the helmet to ensure the light is available when it’s needed, providing a first-in-class seamless rider-safety experience. The light is the same intensity at all times (no dimmer), but will turn off if the day gets bright enough. The new self-powered cycling helmet utilizes Powerfoyle, an innovative light-harvesting material, which can convert any light source, indoor or outdoor, into electrical power.

When used outdoors on an average day with mixed clouds, the helmet battery will gain about twice the energy used to power the light. In other words, the energy consumed when biking for one hour to work on a dark morning can be restored by leaving the helmet for one hour in a bright window.

POC CEO, Jonas Sjögren, says, “Safety and innovation are at the very center of POC’s approach. We can all see the very positive shift towards cycling for transport, health and recreation, but with that change comes the well-documented safety worries and risks that cyclists feel when sharing the road. The Omne Eternal may be a world’s first, featuring groundbreaking solar cell technology, but our focus has been to provide riders with enhanced safety and a seamless user experience.”

“Simply placing the helmet on the head will automatically activate the technology, enhancing safety without ever needing to think about it. And it supports our efforts towards a more sustainable environment.”

POC and Exeger, the innovator and manufacturer of Powerfoyle, have been working closely since 2019 to build and test a variety of systems that have resulted in the Omne Eternal, which to most users will look much the same as any other helmet.

Exeger CEO, Giovanni Fili, added, “POC is known for its open-minded and innovative approach to safety and is rightly recognized as the leader in the field. Exeger has over the past decade developed the new generation of fully customizable, durable and sustainable solar cells, creating what others deemed impossible – an innovation with the potential to deliver clean endless energy and to re-define the energy from light. Our long-term partnership with POC is as natural as the light we harvest and we are incredibly excited to be part of the release of the Omne Eternal, which represents a new era of smart helmets to enhance safety for any rider, anywhere in the world.”

The unique characteristics of Powerfoyle, is that it allows for seamless integration without compromising design and aesthetics. Powerfoyle harnesses all types of light energy, converting it to electrical energy in an environmentally friendly way.

Sjögren continued: “Our ‘Whole helmet concept’ illustrates that in today’s world a helmet can, and should, do significantly more than manage impacts. By integrating digital solutions we can protect a user before, during and after an accident. Integrating Powerfoyle opens a world of new opportunities, creating helmets with an endless power source is the key to unlocking new ideas and innovations which have the potential to revolutionize safety.”

When not wearing the helmet, simply store close to a window or in a well-lit room. Powerfoyle is almost always charging and will charge from any light source.

For optimum performance, they recommend that the helmet is exposed to window or outdoor light for at least 1hr per day, and not stored in total darkness for long periods.

The light will turn on even if you are wearing a hood, cycling cap or thin hat underneath the helmet.

The helmet light should only ever be used as a complement to standard cycling lights, not as replacement for them. The Powerfoyle is designed to last longer than the recommended lifespan of the helmet, in normal usage conditions, and POC says cycling helmets should be replaced after 3-5 years of normal use, or any crash with head impact. POC will release versions for all other markets later this year. And, in addition to normal standard certification it also comply with requirements of the European Directives for consumer electronics (2014/30/EU Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC), 2014/35/EU Low voltage (LVD), 2011/65/EU Restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances (RoHS) was proved by the application of the following harmonized Standards:EN55015, IEC62133/UN38.3/, EN62321, RoHS 2011/65/EU , C-Tick AS CISPR15, FCC Part 15 Report SDOC, subpart B).

Powerfoyle is not damaged by sunshine or cold weather but of course can be affected by dirt and snow. Exeger’s Powerfoyle is a revolutionary light-converting material that works much like a plant cell; harvesting light based on the natural principle of photosynthesis. Its unique dye-sensitised monolithic photovoltaic (PV) material converts ambient light into usable electricity and can enhance any consumer electronic product by providing extended or even eternal battery life. This, in turn, can dramatically increase a product’s own lifespan.

The helmet will be available for purchase in size M, in Europe on pocsports.com in June 2021 for €250. It will then be available in all sizes, and globally this Fall.

The post Bike Industry Gets Push Forward With POC’s Omne Eternal Self-Powered Helmet with Endless Energy appeared first on VANISH TODAY.

Already known as an innovator and a disruptor, the German brand’s new Diract Voice beacon technology  is sure to make waves throughout the industry and among the backcountry skiing and guiding communities.

According to brand representatives, Diract Voice represents the culmination of many years of research and development for ORTOVOX, bringing together product designers and human behavioral experts to produce a transceiver that supports rescuers in every phase of a search — offering calm, clear commands to help provide steadiness when the survival of a partner is on the line. The product will not be available for purchase until September 2021. “Our values are rooted in the protection of both people and the environment in the mountains,” says Tom Mason, U.S. brand manager at ORTOVOX. “The goal with the development of this transceiver was to make the most effective rescue device possible while focusing on intuitive design and user interface. The key for us was creating a product that speeds up the rescue process, while helping rescuers remain calm and focused. The confidence you feel when the transceiver talks to you, supports you and protects you throughout the rescue is really eye opening.”

Founded in 1980, ORTOVOX developed the first multi-frequency transceiver, the F2, which unified the disparate beacon market in 1980. Later, the F1 Plus offered the world’s first visual LED reference—a feature long since standardized across the market. More recently, ORTOVOX Smart Antenna Technology solved for antenna misalignment, extending stable search ranges for burials that are off-angle.

With Diract, voice commands are paired with a streamlined, logical design that features a single operating button with an extra-large display. The cold-tolerant Lithium-Ion battery is long-lasting and rechargeable, which is a massive win. A secure, handy toggle switch quickly changes from transmit to search mode, so that the device is easy to operate with gloves. Additionally, the new and improved harness is superbly comfortable and functional, with an innovative Velcro release tab.

Additional key features of the new product include:

// Easier Searching:
–Clear speech commands for every search phase
–Single operating button allows you to easily mark avalanche victims. In transmit mode, the button helps you quickly switch to standby mode
–Flagging function and group check
–Quick-access carrying system, where the device is automatically released upon opening the latch and is ready for use straightaway
// Get Found Easier
–Patented Smart Antenna Technology which analyzes the device location in the avalanche and provides double support
–RECCO reflector (in carrying system)
–Permanent self-test
–Full graphic, extra-large display optimally assists readability even under extreme lighting conditions
–Clear symbols and the 360 degree real-time display ensure intuitive user guidance
// Product Specs
–Number of antennas 3
–Number of avalanche victims 4
–Rechargeable, long-lasting and environmentally friendly lithium ion battery
–Rechargeable USB C
–Bluetooth
// ORTOVOX App
–Allows you to automatically update the software or change settings on your DIRACT VOICE directly from your iOS or Android mobile device. The app also provides video instructions and additional options for transceiver personalization and registration
// Dimensions
–3 x 4.7 x 1 inches
// Weight
–7.4 oz / 2.8 oz

“For many rescuers, the stress of an accident clouds our thinking and we have seen that this results in staring at the beacon while conducting a search. This can have devastating consequences in the case of a shallow burial where the victim is visible on the snow surface.”

“With DIRACT VOICE, if the rescuer ventures off track, the device will immediately course correct with clear instructions. This support allows rescuers the confidence to keep their eyes on the debris field for surface clues, which could have real, positive impact on their search outcomes,” explained Dieter Kotlaba, global head of hardware at ORTOVOX.

A non-voice version, the DIRACT (MSRP: $320) will also be available for purchase. ORTOVOX is a four-season mountain brand known for its avalanche rescue equipment and wool apparel designed specifically for ski touring, freeriding, mountaineering, alpine climbing and alpine touring.

Since its founding in 1980, ORTOVOX has stood for a sophisticated approach to protection and comfort in the mountains, characterized by the responsible treatment of people and nature. As pioneers in avalanche rescue, ORTOVOX has played a key role in the development of emergency equipment and targeted training measures for mountain sports, with protection as the brand’s most important value. This ethos extends to include safe and fair working conditions for its employees, setting the highest standards of animal welfare on the brand’s Tasmanian merino farms, and ensuring environmentally friendly manufacturing of its products.

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