Shortlist 
The production of the world’s first augmented-reality (AR) ski goggles is well and truly underway – and they’ll be controlled by your eyes. The RideOn Goggles, set to launch later this year, will use orientation sensors, a camera and network connectivity to place a see-through user interface in the centre of your field of vision.
Still with us? It basically means you can interact with the weird virtual reality stuff without being visually impaired while you ski or ride.
Image courtesy of RideOn's Indigogo campaign page.
Wearers of the goggles will be able to do things like message their friends, record videos and view practical information about the weather and altitude in just the blink of the eye. The company also hopes to add another feature at a later date that will reveal wait times for the ski lifts. Handy.
There’s also an option to play games and complete challenges while wearing the high-tech goggles. Choose from navigating your way through a virtual slalom track to score points, or chasing an AR version of your favourite ski athlete down the mountain.
And the actual technology is not the only cutting-edge thing about these goggles. The method for producing and launching them is also fairly unique – although admittedly increasingly popular over the last few years for start ups looking to raise cash.
The new start up company behind the goggles is currently raising money to produce and test them on crowdfunding site, Indigogo. Ski and snowboarding fans can donate anything from $1 upwards to help the goggles get to market, receiving various ‘perks’ depending on the size of their donation.
Image courtesy of RideOn's Indigogo campaign page.
The crowdfunding project raised $40,000 in less than five days and looks all set to reach its goal amount of $75,000 by 19th February. The goggles will then be tested, produced and shipped ready to be rolled out in September 2015.
Keep your eyes peeled.
