We’re excited to announce that CrewNerd is the first rowing or paddling app to provide real-time performance metrics through the ActiveLook family of heads-up displays! With ActiveLook eyewear, the information you need is provided right in your field of view, positioned in a way that is “glanceable” but unobtrusive.
CrewNerd makes it easy to pair with ActiveLook devices, choose the data layout that works best for you, and choose the specific data fields that you want to see. This works with all supported devices, including iPhone and Android smartphones, and even the Apple Watch.
After pairing, your sunglasses work like a secondary display, meaning you only need to look at your smartphone or Apple Watch when using touch gestures to interact with the app. During your workouts, everything you need is right in your field of view!
We think this a great option for several common situations:
- Smartphone displays can be difficult to read in bright sunlight. CrewNerd provides a high-contrast (black on white) option to help with this, but ActiveLook displays may be an attractive option as well. ActiveLook displays offer both automatic and manual brightness modes giving full control over the display brightness.
- Coxswains stand to benefit tremendously from a heads-up display since it allows them to turn their head to look in any direction without having to turn back to see critical information about their crew’s performance or progress through a race.
- Apple Watch users using CrewNerd in “watch only” mode face the challenge of looking at their wrist while rowing or paddling to check their pace or stroke rate. With ActiveLook, they can see all of their critical data without sacrificing good posture or disrupting their flow.
We’re very impressed with the ActiveLook technology. We looked into a different Augmented Reality solution several years ago but abandoned the project due to usability issues with the available technology at that time. By contrast, ActiveLook eyewear is lightweight, has great battery life, and can be used “off the shelf” by most people who require reading glasses.
Rowers and paddlers will also find the ActiveLook eyewear great for other activities like running and cycling!