The Holoswim 2 goggles “monitors, displays and records a wide variety of swimming metrics and provides live data at a glance to help improve the user’s swimming and optimize pool time.” The Holoswim 2 is a successor to an apparently successful predecessor product, the Holoswim. The goggles were developed by Hangzhou Guangli Technology Co., Ltd. (Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China), “a high tech enterprise focusing on consumer level augmented reality products.”
A video appended to the end of this article introduces the Holoswim 2 augmented reality smart swim goggles. The goggles are illustrated in the figure below.
The Holoswim 2 augmented reality smart swim goggles.
The goggles are capable of the simultaneous display up to five metrics of data. Users can choose what to see and display the data that is most important for their workout.
Some of the specifications and features of the Holoswim 2 include the following.
- Image source: OLED
- Resolution: 128 x 64
- 25 degree field of view
- 50% light transmittance
- Weight: 70g
- Optical solution: “augmented reality holographic resin optical waveguide” (These days, it seems like every product includes holographic or quantum as part of its description.)
- Wireless frequency: 2402 – 2480 MHz
- Max transmit power: 8 dbm (Note: dbm stands for decibel milliwatts. This unit is used in radio, microwave, and fiber optical networks as a measure of absolute power.)
- Sensor: inertial measurement unit
- Battery: 70 mAh lithium battery
- Charging voltage: 5V DC
- Battery life: 4 hours (varies depending on user habits)
- Supports over-the-air upgrades
- IP rating: IPX8 (Note IP stands for Ingress Protection. The IP rating classifies the degree of protection provided by an enclosure, for electrical equipment with a rated voltage not exceeding 72.5 kV. This standard defines levels of sealing effectiveness against “ingress” i.e. intrusion from foreign bodies such as tools, dirt and liquid water.)
- Use temperature: 0 0C to 35 0C
- Storage temperature: -20 0C to 45 0C
- Available in 3 colors
Other features and characteristics of the Holoswim 2 include the following. The Holoswim 2 is a single eye display. The display is on the right by default but can be switched to the left. Implementing the switch requires use of the associated app. The goggles include anti-fog and anti-scratch lens that eliminates reflections and provide excellent clarity. Also included is a blue light blocking layer to protect the user’s eyes. Furthermore, Holoswim 2 includes four nose bridge sizes for a leak-proof fit. 3D silicone eye seals and adjustable straps are provided to accommodate a wide range of adult face and head sizes. The company website makes particular note of the fact that the Holoswim 2 was specifically designed to have a shape that reduces water resistance. At this time, prescription lenses are not available for the Holoswim 2.
Holoswim 2 can be used independently as a smart wearable device that records swimming workout data. The goggles can also be paired by Bluetooth with a Polar heart rate meter or to an Apple or Garmin watch. Pairing will allow the user to share heart rate, GPS and other information. When swimming in a public area, the GPS can be used to track the user’s movements and generate a personal swimming map. In addition, incoming call notifications can be displayed on the goggles with a distance range of up to 50 meters. By this means, the user can leave their phone safely outside the pool and stay connected when needed.
Other capabilities of the Holoswim 2 provided by the app include three different modes of operation. A simple one button click allows the user to switch between these modes. The Live metrics mode records key data including distance, timing and the count of back and forth laps. In Goal mode, the goggles can be set to time or distance goals. The Workout and Plan mode features different swimming workout plans for all levels of user. Holoswim 2 automatically syncs to the swimming log to record results, provide analysis and track improvements over time.
During the development of the Holoswim 2, the company initiated a Kickstarter campaign that can be found here. The company set a minimal, all-or-nothing funding goal of $6,380. With such a low dollar amount as the goal, the Kickstarter campaign appears to be more of a means of advertisement than a means to raise funds. In fact, the campaign met this funding goal within 30 minutes of posting. At the time this article is written, the campaign has raised $37,739 from 256 backers. The campaign can, therefore, be expected to fund on September 6th.
Having reviewed the features and specifications of the Holoswim 2, it is worthwhile to make comparison to the product’s predecessor, the Holoswim. The principle differences are that the Holoswim 2:
- Is lighter
- Uses better lens material
- Has a display with a higher resolution
- Includes protective circuitry
- Includes a magnetic charging cable
- Application has a wider range of capabilities
The company reports that the Holoswim 2 has passed QA testing and is ready for production. Based on this, shipping by order number is projected to begin this October. Unit pricing for the Holoswim 2, as offered in the Kickstarter campaign, starts from as low as $89. -Arthur Berman
