Staying Connected While on the Slopes

By Michael Santo
Contributing Writer, RealTechNews

Burton Snowboards and Motorola will soon allow those on the slopes to stay connected as well as listen to their iPod. The jackets will retail for $599.95 and will hit stores in December.

We Say: Definitely cool … at least for the iPod connection … though it would be nice to be able to use other MP3 players. And considering the studies of late on how cell phone usage affects driving, I’m not 100% sure I want people skiing next to me and talking on their phone.

Embarking on a long term wireless integration collaboration, Burton Snowboards and Motorola Inc. recently revealed plans to launch a collection of Bluetooth-enabled winter gear for snowboarding tech types that want to stay connected.

Burton and Motorola have been and will continue to work together to explore the possibility of integrating Bluetooth Wireless Technology into snowboard apparel, enabling users to control their music and mobile phones while on the slopes, the companies said.

The end result is a series of three technologically advanced Burton Audex Snowboard Jackets with wireless connectivity that give consumers access to their cell phone and iPod (or both at once) without having to handle the devices in any way.

When you talk about Bluetooth headsets, the typical person uses them on-the-go, whether in the airport, walking down the street, or wherever else,” Scott Martin, Global Marketing Director of Motorola’s accessories business, told Ziff Davis Internet.

“However, there are also huge segments of the population where technology isn’t so relevant to their lives, so we want to take technology out to their world. Partners like Burton allow us to take Bluetooth to entirely new spaces.”

The Bluetooth-enabled jackets, with phone and iPod zipper pockets, utilize embedded Audex technology.

The Audex system operates via a removable module (with large buttons and tactile feedback for easy access), which gives consumers one-touch control for their mobile devices, according to a company representative.

Each device connects in various ways; Users can access their mobile phone through Motorola’s Bluetooth wireless link, while a hidden wired iPod connection links the MP3 player and detachable hood stereo speakers to Audex’s next-gen outerwear.
Source: PC Magazine