Innovative BeeLine GPS navigation system launches on Kickstarter
With the BeeLine navigation system you simply plug in your destination and it points you towards it - the route from there is up to you
Earlier this year we brought you an early look at a prototype of a revolutionary GPS navigation device that gets you to your destination by simply pointing you in the right direction.
BeeLine is the brainchild of Mark Jenner and Tom Putnam and is designed to put cyclists back in control of their journeys, rather than following a fixed route.
Putnam and Jenner are now looking to raise £60,000 to get their project further off the ground, with £30 enough to secure you one of the devices - a 50 per cent discount on its projected £60 RRP.
>>> BeeLine navigation system could revolutionise how we cycle in cities (video)
Putnam, co-founder of BeeLine, added: “We have worked very hard on the design to ensure BeeLine slots seamlessly into a cyclist’s lifestyle.
"We’ve been working with electronic engineers and industrial design consultancy, Map Project Office, to get BeeLine to where it is today. Now we’re launching on Kickstarter to raise funds to go into mass production and we’re very excited to be bringing BeeLine to the Kickstarter community.”
A common scene when riding around a town you don't know too well, or a city so large that it's impossible to know every road, is stopping to have a look at a map on your phone.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
>>> Best cycling apps for iPhone and Android
With the BeeLine, though, you simply plug in your destination on the Smartphone app and the device on your handlebars will point you in the right direction and tells you the distance to your end point. Your route from there is up to you.
The prototype product looks great as well - small, sleek and something that wouldn't look out of place on your handlebars. When it's not attached to your bike it doubles up as a keyring, so you can even use it while walking.
Check out the BeeLine Kickstarter page and get donating. We'll be having a look at a prototype soon, so we'll report back on how it performs.
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Stuart Clarke is a News Associates trained journalist who has worked for the likes of the British Olympic Associate, British Rowing and the England and Wales Cricket Board, and of course Cycling Weekly. His work at Cycling Weekly has focused upon professional racing, following the World Tour races and its characters.
-
‘There's no point to race for 50th place’: Peter Sagan explains why he’s a cycling esports ambassador but won’t compete
As a MyWhoosh ambassador, Sagan admires the sport’s evolution, but does he have the watts to compete with today’s virtual cycling stars?
By Christopher Schwenker Published
-
Rapha's loss, your gain: prices slashed sitewide amid profitability concerns
The British clothing brand unveils an almost unheard-of 25% discount across its entire product range
By Hannah Bussey Published