Posted on Mon, Sep. 20, 2004

Bluetooth-enabled motorcycle helmet is revving up

We're not sure how we feel about motorcyclists yakking on their mobile phones while weaving in and out of rush-hour traffic.

But if you can't resist the urge to reach out and touch someone while you're two-wheeling, you may as well do it in style. Toward that end, Motorola and helmet-maker Momodesign will soon release the first Bluetooth-enabled motorcycle helmet.

The HS830 Bluetooth Helmet Headset will allow riders to leave their mobile phones in their coat pockets or backpacks and still make and receive phone calls. Most of the important functions -- answering and ending calls, redialing, voice dialing and setting the volume -- can be done from the cover of the helmet through the Bluetooth wireless connection.

A noise-reducing microphone minimizes traffic and wind noise.

Talk time is as much as five hours with 100 hours of standby time.

Best of all, bikers don't need to break off their conversations when they hop off their choppers. The headset module can be quickly detached from the helmet and hung around a person's neck without interrupting the call.

Motorola also plans to sell the headset as an aftermarket kit. So if Momo helmets don't get your engines racing, you can attach the headset to your own helmet.

The Momo helmet is expected to be available sometime in early 2005.






Talk'n'Ride With the First Bluetooth(R) Enabled Motorcycle Helmet From Motorola and MOMODESIGN

Tuesday September 14, 11:43 am ET  
Motorola / MOMODESIGN Bluetooth(R) Enabled Motorcycle Helmet Extends Wireless Communications to Highly Mobile Individuals on the Motorcycle


MUNICH, Germany, Sept. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Motorola (NYSE: MOT - News) and MOMODESIGN today announced their first Bluetooth enabled motorcycle helmet that will make it possible for motorcycle riders to scoot around town and stay connected.


Built on the award-winning design of Motorola's popular HS810, the wireless helmet headset is the latest addition to Motorola's leading portfolio of stylish and innovative Bluetooth products.

The best-dressed riders are already wearing MOMODESIGN's helmets, and now they can stay in touch whilst looking good, as the new helmet marries MOMODESIGN's distinctive style and innovative design with Motorola's technology expertise. The helmet is stylish and open-faced, its design draws inspiration from air force pilots helmets, with anti-scratch visor and carbon fibre details for fashion conscious people with a modern approach to travel and city life.

Whether chatting to friends or work, the Motorola / MOMODESIGN helmet means riders will no longer get tangled up in awkward wires getting on and off their bikes. Taking and making calls is easy as all functions (answer, end, redial, voice dial and volume) can be made from the cover on the helmet.

An essential accessory for urbanites who demand to stay in touch at all times, whether in the car, on a bike, in the office or at home. The Motorola / MOMODESIGN helmet offers you seamless communication due to the unique headset module. There need be no break in the conversation when you get off the bike -- just remove the headset module from the helmet, attach it to the neck loop and continue talking -- no one will even know you've changed location!

The Motorola wireless helmet headset is manufactured with a noise reducing microphone to help minimize traffic and wind noise when riding at highway speed, as well as a cover designed to withstand whatever nature throws at you.

The battery lasts for up to five hours talktime and 100 hours standby time, so you won't need to charge it too often. When you do, just remove the headset module from the helmet and plug in!

Bruce Hawver, Vice President and General Manager, Companion Products, Motorola, commented: "Motorola's working on many different technologies to offer consumers the ability to stay in touch at all times, no matter where they go, or how they get there. Our new wireless helmet headset is one of our first products that fit this category. In addition, this particular product serves as further affirmation of our commitment to lead in Bluetooth technology. We are pleased to be able to offer this to motorcycle riders in partnership with MOMODESIGN."

Paolo Cattaneo, Vice President and General Manager, MOMODESIGN, added: "Our customers choose our helmets for their cutting edge design and safety features. We've set high standards and consequently our customers are always expecting more so it's exciting to be working with Motorola to now offer cutting edge technology to help our riders stay in touch on their bikes whether it be for work or pleasure."

The Motorola wireless helmet headset also will be available as an aftermarket kit. The kit, containing the helmet adapter (microphone, speaker, cover), Bluetooth headset module, lanyard and charger, would easily attach to a consumer's own helmet with the included strong 3M adhesive. Both solutions are universal, making them compatible with any Bluetooth enabled handset.

Availability is expected in early Q1 2005.

About Motorola

Motorola, Inc. (NYSE: MOT - News) is a global leader in wireless, broadband and automotive communications technologies that help make life smarter, safer, simpler, synchronized and fun. Sales in 2003 were US$27.1 billion. Motorola creates innovative technological solutions that benefit people at home, at work and on the move. The company also is a progressive corporate citizen dedicated to operating ethically, protecting the environment and supporting the communities in which it does business. For more information: http://www.motorola.com .

About MOMODESIGN

MOMODESIGN is a style centre headquartered in Milan. The company designs and develops its own brand products (helmets, clothing, footwear, watches, eyewear) and also works on design projects for third parties and international clients.

MOMODESIGN's collection is distributed worldwide in exclusive shops as well as in the company's flagship stores. MOMODESIGN's products are recognized by their innovative and personal design, excellent quality and attention to detail. http://www.momodesign.com


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