Bicycles

Haize keeps navigation simple by pointing cyclists in the right direction

Haize keeps navigation simple by pointing cyclists in the right direction
Haize is a small, circular navigation device that can be mounted on the handlebars of any bike
Haize is a small, circular navigation device that can be mounted on the handlebars of any bike
View 4 Images
Kind of like a mini-radar for your bike, the outer dot indicates the destination, while the central dot represents the rider location in relation to it
1/4
Kind of like a mini-radar for your bike, the outer dot indicates the destination, while the central dot represents the rider location in relation to it
Haize is a small, circular navigation device that can be mounted on the handlebars of any bike
2/4
Haize is a small, circular navigation device that can be mounted on the handlebars of any bike
Users enter their destination in the Haize smartphone app and a circular LED display comes to life with a pair of dots guiding the way
3/4
Users enter their destination in the Haize smartphone app and a circular LED display comes to life with a pair of dots guiding the way
Haize is a small, circular navigation device that can be mounted on the handlebars of any bike
4/4
Haize is a small, circular navigation device that can be mounted on the handlebars of any bike
View gallery - 4 images

Cyclists trying to navigate unfamiliar city streets have a growing number of options available to avoid yanking out their smartphone at every fork in the road. Signaling devices that mount on the handlebars and built-in LED indicators are just a couple of recent examples, and now UK-based startup Onomo is looking to get in on the action with its Haize navigation system. Working much like a compass, the device points the rider in the direction of their destination but leaves them to work out the route.

Haize is a small, circular device that is mounted to the handlebars of any bike by way of a wrap-around rubber band. Users enter their destination in the Haize smartphone app (iOS and Android) after pairing it over Bluetooth 4.0, and a circular LED display measuring 4.25 cm (1.67 in) across comes to life with a pair of dots.

Kind of like a mini-radar for your bike, the outer dot indicates the destination, while the central dot represents the rider's location in relation to it. As for how they go about getting there, the rider is mostly left to their own devices, though the central dot will flash faster the closer they get, or turn red should they are actually ride in the wrong direction.

Users enter their destination in the Haize smartphone app and a circular LED display comes to life with a pair of dots guiding the way
Users enter their destination in the Haize smartphone app and a circular LED display comes to life with a pair of dots guiding the way

Haize does actually have a navigation mode, too, where it sets a specific route and offers the rider turn-by-turn directions. A line of LEDs appear along the edge of the display to indicate the direction of the next turn, which disappear one-by-one while the central dot starts to flash as they arrive at the corner.

Haize strikes us a nice solution for those that like exploring a new city or area while keeping their bearings somewhat, rather than the time-poor looking for a most direct route. Nevertheless, the app also stores more detailed statistics about the trip for viewing afterwards for more attentive cyclists, as well as saving favorite routes.

Haize is charged via Micro USB, with each charge said to be good for two weeks of regular usage. With functioning prototypes in-hand, Onomo has taken to Kickstarter to raise the funds required for commercial production. An early pledge of £50 (US$76) will have one shipped your way in June 2016 if everything runs as planned.

You can check out the pitch video below.

Source: Onomo

HAIZE - minimalist urban bike navigation

View gallery - 4 images
3 comments
3 comments
HughRiddle
Is it or is it not like a compass? Does it always point toward the destination or only at the start of the journey? It matters quite a lot. Any ideas on how it works eg magnetic or inertial sensing?
Bob Flint
Imagine you venture out without knowing anything about where you are going, are people really that dumb? To think that they need a little disc to lead them along all the while staring down trying to see with the glare and distractions if they are on course. If you live in the area bound by the limits of cycling for a half an hour and don't know the area, while pre-programing the set course, and then can't wean yourself away from drive by instructions then you will need more help than this stupid gadget can give you. Please stay off the roads, pathways, etc...
KIWI-IN-LONDON
Hey Guys,
You know for every good idea there are always profits of doom - people without imagination only intent on covering their own inadequacies by trying to look like smart ars..s. - one of my pet hates along with warm beer and runny ice cream.
Oh, and the product frankly looks brilliant and once it is out there I guess it will go.
Fingers crossed.