AWIRE Smart Two-Way Radio Pairs With Your Smartphone

You've ample options for recording your outdoors adventures, but communicating with your friends while out in the wild is still largely limited to old-school radios. AWIRE is an update to that trusty technology, mixing in some smart features that allow hikers, cyclists, and other outdoorsy folks to stay in communication with each other and their smartphone. Two people can talk with each other using the two-way radios, then, for example, seamlessly switch to listening to music from a paired smartphone, as well as take calls when they come in.

The AWIRE radio is relatively small, and clips to one's clothing as a wearable device. A pair of ear buds run from it to the wearer's ears, while the AWIRE also pairs with the user's smartphone, which must be running the AWIRE app. Users can then listen to music from the phone while wearing it, but also accept calls that come in through the phone and messages from other nearby AWIRE users.

The AWIRE features one-button operation that allows the wearer to communicate with the rest of the users nearby. The radios have a 2-mile range and work sans any available networks. The unit weighs 40 grams, has a 500mAh battery, and an LED status indicator. It measures in at 2 x 3-inches, and will run for 5 hours on a charge, needing half an hour to recharge.

The maker behind the AWIRE radios is seeking $125,000 CAD on Kickstarter, and has thus far raised a little over $10,000 CAD with 22 days remaining. Interested potential backers can score the Solo-AWIRE radio pack with a $100 CAD pledge — this is the Early Bird offering, and it is estimated to start shipping in September.

SOURCE: Kickstarter