LAS VEGAS 9 January 2005 Next winter, the world's snowboarders will add another "trick" to their repertoire with the ability to switch between their iPOD playlist and incoming calls in mid-air thanks to three new products from Motorola and Burton Snowboards. Launched at the 2005 Consumer Electronics Show, these Bluetooth-enabled jackets, helmets and beanies will provide wireless, high-performance connectivity and playability on the slopes for the 2006 winter season.
Motorola and Burton's relationship also includes a three-year global sports marketing alliance, which includes a strong Motorola presence at Burton's world-renowned Open Snowboarding Championship Series and event tour.
The products introduced at CES include a jacket, a helmet and a beanie, each with compelling functionality for snow sport enthusiasts.
The Bluetooth-enabled jacket links a rider's cell phone and/or iPod with an imbedded system operated via an easily removed control module on the jacket sleeve. Stereo speakers are built into the hood of the jacket and a microphone is embedded in the upper section near the collar, allowing seamless, unobtrusive wearability and playability. Elements can be swapped between products, used as stand-alones and removed and reinserted easily.
Helmet and Beanie - Bluetooth technology built into the helmet and beanie keep riders connected to their music and wirelessly to their phone. When the modules are removed from the helmet and beanie, they can double as a stereo headset.
Motorola believes the greatest technological advances are made to make everyday tasks easier. For snowboarders, using a cell phone or an iPod in cold temperatures can be a significant challenge. With these new products, Motorola and Burton will allow snowboarders to overcome extreme conditions through their innovative designs and improved technologies, making the snowboarding experience on the mountain that much better.
Infineon and O'Neil released a jacket with similar functionality during 2004