Intel seems to be shifting its business to wearable devices as it made a major investment in Recon Instruments, a company known to be a possible competition of Google Glass.
Recon Instruments, maker of the world’s first heads-up display products for sports fans, got financial boost from Intel Capital.
Recon Jet – a device apt for bikers, golfers, runners and anyone who wants to get access to further information, like an overlay of information on top of reality, while on the go – is Recon’s upcoming project which will be shipped in February. However, the Jet Pilot Edition is in partial release now.
The Recon Jet has a high-definition camera, a high-resolution display, an optical touchpad, a microphone and speakers.
Recon also is making a Jet SDK that will be launched before the first Recon Jets ship. The Jet SDK will allow developers to create applications for an array of activities, which will stretch the Jet's reach beyond hard-core athletes and into such industries as fitness and health care.
The price wasn’t divulged yet, however, Recon said the price was “significant.” The monetary boost will sustain Vancouver, Canada-based Recon’s product development growth, as well as its marketing and global sales. Intel is said to lend expertise in technology and manufacturing.
“Wearable computing is a major, accelerating phenomenon that re-defines how we use and interact with information,” said Mike Bell, vice president and general manager of the New Devices Group at Intel Corporation in a press release. “In Recon Instruments, we see compelling technology and a solid strategy to capitalize on the wearable revolution. This is an area of significant focus for Intel Capital, and our investment in Recon Instruments is a key part of our approach to innovation in this emerging space.”
Dan Eisenhardt, CEO of Recon Instruments said the company has transported over 50,000 heads-up displays so far and a new version will be coming early next year.
