2014 Sena Product Lineup
With 400 exhibitors present at the inaugural American International Motorcycle Expo (AIMExpo) held last week in Orlando, new technological advances in motorcycling were at the forefront.
And one company that used AIMExpo exposure to unveil new Bluetooth devices was Sena Technologies, Inc., based out of San Jose, Calif.
Two products highlighted the Sena exhibit – the new 20S, the first motorcycle communicator to feature Bluetooth 4.0 technology, and the Bluetooth Action Camera, which allows riders to use voice prompt with a 1080p HD camera.
We caught up with Michael D. Maiello of Sena’s Outside Channel Development, and he explained both of these new Bluetooth devices.
Sena 20S Motorcycle Bluetooth Communication Headset
The Sena 20S is the first motorcycle communication headset featuring Bluetooth 4.0 technology with dual Bluetooth communication modules.
Besides an enhancement in high definition audio quality and reliability, the 20S allows the rider to have a “seamless blend” of incoming and outgoing audio versus the traditional interruption-based audio technology. This gives the 20S a more natural feeling while using a mix of devices, such as music from the iPhone, FM radio, and voice instructions of GPS navigation, while communicating with either your passenger or other riders.
The 20S has an extended, 1.5-mile range between riders, and is able to communicate with other makes of motorcycle bluetooth communication headsets, such as those offered by Cardo or Uclear.
The 20S also features a more aerodynamic design, and a jog dial, which optimizes ease of use for riders. The Sena 20S will be available for ordering by the end of the year, and shipping will begin in early 2014. Sena has yet to report the price.
Sena 20S Features:
- Bluetooth 4.0
- Industry first dual Bluetooth module communication system
- Audio MultitaskingT: advanced audio management of intercom, phone, music and FM radio (Patent pending)
- Advanced Noise Cancellation
- Versatile biketobike conference intercom
- Intercom working distance up to 2.4km (1.5 miles) in open terrain
- HD Quality crystal clear and natural sound
- Intuitive voice prompts and commands
- Builtin FM radio tuner with station scan and save function
- Allinone helmet clamp kit
- Quick Bluetooth pairing
- Universal Intercom: intercom with other brand communication systems
- Water resistant for use in inclement weather
- Firmware upgradeable
- Two-year warranty
Sena Bluetooth Action Camera
One device we as motorcycle journalist are excited about is the Bluetooth Action Camera. This 1080p HD camera features Bluetooth-based remote control and voice prompt when used with a Sena headset such as the 20S.
This camera will allow riders to use voice activation for the controls of the camera, such as turning it on, or asking how much battery power is remaining. Also, it allows for voice recording while filming. This will bring a more natural feeling to on-board video, and some real-time voice data capturing, a technology that will prove useful for people like motorcycle journalists when testing products while piloting the bike.
Sena will also offer a unique mounting system, the QRMM (Quick Release Motorcycle Mounting). This will allow the Bluetooth Action Camera to quickly attach and detach from a variety of locations for various on-bike angles. The mounts will be available for places such as the mirror or windscreen.
Like the 20S, the Bluetooth Action Camera will be available for ordering by the end of the year, and shipping will began in early 2014. As for a price, it has yet to be determined.
Sena Bluetooth Action Camera Features:
- Bluetooth 4.0
- Bluetooth Audio Recording(Patent pending)
- Quick and easy Bluetooth Remote Control using Bluetooth headsets
- Unique QRMM (Quick Release Motorcycle Mount) system
- Versatile microphone option: Builtin microphone, Bluetooth headsets or Bluetooth microphones
- Voice prompts
- 1080P HD video recording with 5MP still shot image capture
- Video mode: 1080p:30fps, 720p:30/60fps, 480p: up to 120fps
- Versatile photo mode: shot, time lapse and burst
- Optional color LCD video display
- Water resistant for use in inclement weather
- Use while charging
- Firmware upgradeable
Besides the 20S and the Bluetooth Action Camera, Sena is also releasing some other innovative products for 2014; following is info from Sena.
Bluetooth Pack for GoPro
The Sena Bluetooth Pack for GoPro is a specially designed adapter for the GoPro Hero3 and Hero3 Plus, creating a unit that will provide Bluetooth capabilities. The new unit is designed to connect to both Sena and non-Sena Bluetooth units allowing users to record audio to accompany the video.
The Sena Bluetooth Pack for GoPro allows for voice recording from Bluetooth headsets and receives up to four microphone inputs with a conference intercom feature. The unit is perfect for single adventures or group adventures and helps enhance video by allowing voice recordings to narrate the video and capture the entire experience.
The Bluetooth Pack for GoPro is priced at $99 and will be available for shipping in November.
Bluetooth Mic & Intercom
The Sena Bluetooth Mic & Intercom is an ultra-slim, light weight microphone that allows users the functionality of making intercom calls. The unit also functions as a microphone when paired with the Sena Bluetooth Action Camera or Sena Bluetooth Pack for GoPro, and offers the ability for voice recording to accompany the videos.
Additional features of the unit are the ability to work as a headset and intercom through the use of an earphone as well as communication with other Bluetooth intercom devices. The Sena Bluetooth Mic & Intercom allows for up to a four-way intercom conference and features voice prompts for ease of use while riding.
The Sena Bluetooth Mic & Intercom is priced at $149 and will be available for shipping in the December.
For additional information, log onto SenaBluetooth.com.
