Wearables Technology Analysis - O’Neill NavJacket
O'Neill NavJacket is a high-performance GoreTex parka with a built-in GPS navigation tool, speakers, e-textile keypad and a flexible LCD sleeve display.
It is a parka specially designed for on-snow navigation. The featuring wearable technologies make it stand out from the winter clothing market.
NavJacket contains following man design features:
Bluetooth component allows the jacket download data via phone, and the LCD display in the sleeve shows realtime data, such as wearer’s current speed, updated weather forecasts, time and in-depth route details while skiing
Wearer is able to get the information easily just by looking at their sleeve, yet, the display is not very clear and limited by the size it provides.
Wearer gets navigational guidance along mountain ski trails with both visual and audio cues.
It is a good function because the wearer can focus on skiing
Provide Friend-finder feature, allowing wearer to track down and follow GPS-enabled friends after the slobbering begins.
Another good function that allows wearer to have closer connection with friends. The GPS tracking function also ensures the safety of the wearer.
Wearer can connect to mobile phone, create, edit and select new routes, waypoints and choose to share and exchange routes with other members of the NavJacket's online community.
The jacket provides many customise functions, allowing the user to set up personal skiing plan.
I think the jacket did a pretty good job at providing the informations that rider need. However, the product is not able to survive on the winter clothing market, I think it could be due to the high prices and the market competitor.
The price of the NavJacket is €1,635.00 (around HKD$14,420), which is around 5 times more expensive than normal Gore-Tex parka (around €295.00, HKD$2,600). Only a certain number of top-tier consumers are able to afford the high price, and finally leads to the failure of this smart jacket.
Market competitors are also the threat. Indeed, the featuring functions of the jacket, such as providing realtime data, exchange routes with other members can be integrated and done by a smartwatch or mobile application. Many companies already developed smart ski watch, like the Garmin Fenix 5. It tracks the wearer’s data and provides GPS locating function, and suitable for multi-sport activities. What make it more exciting is that the fabric strap lets you wear it over your jacket and use it as a remote control for action camera to record your ride. It only costs £499. Why bother to buy a heavy jacket when you can have a handy watch for different sport activities?
Besides, many smart jackets are sold at an affordable price. For examples, an intelligent heated jacket provided by Ministry of Supply will adjusts the jacket temperature to wearer’s body heat and the environment. It also have an integrated app inside, wearer can activate the jacket with voice or app control. It only costs USD$495 (around HKD$3,886).
After all, the main purpose of wearing a jacket for skiing is to protect the body and keep warm. Adding different functions into the jacket could be a bonus, but that is probably not an attracting reason to spend a load of money on.