while there that is Bicycle helmets with built-in wireless communication systems will replace helmets that are otherwise perfectly fine. The Punks system is an alternative to adding wireless communication to almost any kind of bicycle helmet.
The setup, which is currently in a Kickstarter campaign, is made by outdoor tech company Aleck.
Hardware-wise, the Punks consist of two electronic modules that clip to the helmet’s chin strap on either side of the wearer’s face, in front of the wearer’s ears. Both units are linked via her Bluetooth to an app on the user’s smartphone, which uses the local cellular network to communicate with multiple sets of multiple punks from multiple other riders.
Alec
By pressing a button on either module, users can toggle between party mode, where all members of the group are always heard, and push-to-talk, which keeps things quiet. The wearer can also use Punk to listen to music and make and receive phone calls. And importantly, the module doesn’t block the ear canal, allowing users to hear what’s going on around them.
Wind noise is reportedly not an issue thanks to the Punks’ trio of features.
First of all, the main mic is covered in open-cell foam and protected from the wind by the module body. As a side benefit, the module also protects the user’s ears from wind noise. This is the same fuzzy cat year we covered 11 years ago.
Then use the secondary mic to monitor and cancel wind noise. And third, it utilizes cloud-based algorithms to further reduce noise.
Alec
According to Aleck, each module weighs 16 grams (0.56 ounces) and should run for 7 hours after charging the 180 mAh lithium battery for 1 hour. The electronics he is IP65 water resistant and can withstand his jets of low pressure water.
Assuming the puncture reaches production, you can buy a pair for an $89 USD pledge. Planned retail price is $149. They are demonstrated in the video below.
Punks: near-ear audio. Clear communications.spatial awareness
Source: Kickstarter, Alec
