We’re living in crazy times, fellow travelers. The future is now. We’ll likely see more advancements in the way of travel, portable media, and “social” technology in the next few years than in all of the twentieth century combined. Seriously.
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From Google’s heads-up, augmented reality glasses to transforming clothing to personal mobile video broadcasting systems (say what?), we present our choices for the most high tech travel devices & wearable technologies for travelers.
#1: Google’s Project Glass
No roundup of drool-worthy travel gadgets would be complete without mention of Google’s latest amazing bit of innovation, Project Glass. The goal is to develop a pair of standard eyeglasses with a built-in heads-up display. Augmented reality software will process and relay various bits of metadata (including location-specific information, social media updates, email alerts, weather, etc) to the wearer’s line of sight.
Although the concept is nothing new, the project has received substantial backing from the search giant and the New York Times reports that a version may be available as early as this year. Love it or hate it, a well-developed variation of this concept will substantially change the way we travel.
#2: SCOTTEVEST Transformer Jacket
If one company sets the standard for smart, innovative, high tech apparel, it’s SCOTTEVEST. Their latest Transformer Jacket is a travel jacket and vest all in one. This is accomplished with the incorporation of twelve magnets embedded in the shoulder seam, allowing easy conversion from jacket to vest and back again.
More importantly: it’s carry-on luggage that you can wear. On the outside, the jacket’s clean lines reveal nothing — it appears as any other travel jacket. The inside features 20 pockets for storing your mobile phone, wallet, keys, passport, water bottle, the sleeves and even an iPad. All at the same time. MacGyver would be proud.
#3: Arrivalguides to Go
Arrivalguides to Go gives you access to 400 destination guides – all fully packed with restaurants, sightseeing, maps, cosy cafes, cool bars and clubs, sights, events and much more! All guides are updated frequently and every time you are online, the app automatically updates your guides to the latest version. Free download via Intel’s AppUp Center.
gives you access to 400 destination guides – all fully packed with restaurants, sightseeing, maps, cosy cafes, cool bars and clubs, sights, events and much more! All guides are updated frequently and every time you are online, the app automatically updates your guides to the latest version. Free download via Intel’s AppUp Center.#4: Vuzix Wrap 1200 Video Eyewear System
If watching a full-length movie on your iPad or even [gasp] iPhone’s tiny screen isn’t enough for you, Vuzix’s line of high end video eyewear is just what you need. Their latest Wrap 1200 system sets the bar featuring a huge 16:9 widescreen 75-inch display, as seen from 10 feet.
Other features include support for 2D and 3D content, the ability to connect to virtually any media source, and a wealth of user customizable features such as focus, eye-separation and viewing angle. It’s like a personal big screen entertainment theater that travels with you anytime, anywhere.
#5: ioSafe Rugged Portable Hard Drives
ioSafe manufacturers the baddest of the bad in external hard drives, with protection for even the world’s most extreme environments. Their Rugged Portable SSD series provides crush protection up to 5,000 lbs., drop protection up to 20′, immersion protection up to 30′ for 3 days, USB 3.0 SuperSpeed capability, lightning fast Intel Solid-State Drives, and PC/Mac compatibility.
Plus, ioSafe offers the world’s best hard drive warranty – basically whatever it takes, no questions asked. They’ll even provide up to $5,000 in data recovery service if things really go sideways.
For travelers who take their data and backup solutions seriously, there is no other option.
#6: Phiaton PS 210 BTNC Bluetooth + Noise-canceling Headphones
Phiaton designs high-end headphones for the audiophile who appreciates great sound, comfort and portability. Bluetooth headphones are nothing new of course, but the PS 210 BTNC are unique in combining both bluetooth 3.0 and noise-cancellation in-one half in ear headset.
They also make it easy to plug in the audio cable to bypass wireless mode/battery operation when needed. For the traveler who appreciates the finest in audio quality but doesn’t want to sacrifice portability, your headphones have arrived.
#7: Looxcie Personal Video Broadcast System
That’s a long-winded, technical-sounding way of describing a tiny video camera that clips on your ear. For the real over-sharer or social media addict, Looxcie provides nonstop hands-free recording of … well, every moment of your life if you’re so inclined.
With an available wifi or other Internet connection, you can live stream your travels and other goings-on to friends and family on your own personal “LOOK AT ME!” web channel.
#8: Fujitsu Arrows Waterproof Tablet
And because we couldn’t resist finding one ridiculous piece of travel gear … the Fujitsu Arrows Waterproof Tablet debuted at this year’s CES.
Sure it’s high tech and maybe useful to a (very) narrow niche of mobile users. But seriously: who exactly is this being marketed to? Wreck divers who need to Facebook sea cucumber photos NOW? Or jacuzzi-loving housewives who can’t wait twenty minutes to get their Words with Friends fix? Whatever the reason, shelling out an extra few hundred dollars for a waterproof tablet seems silly. Just slap a Lifeproof case on your iPad and be done with it.
Disclosure
This post is brought to you in partnership between Vagabondish.com and our friends at Intel, whose technology enables so much of the lifestyle in which we thrive.
