Heads Up

Gamers worldwide will instantly recognize Recon Instruments’ newest line of skiing equipment as something straight out of Halo or Gears of War. Finally, this live and highly integrated informational system has made its way into the real world. Game Informer Magazine has recently featured Recon’s new set of goggles, retailing anywhere from $350-$450, tempting gamers to trade in the virtual for the actual with what is fondly known on the TV screen as the heads-up display or HUD. The HUD is a transparent interface between player and the game that gives live information such as character, ally, and enemy position on the game map, health information, available resources, and other, game-specific information. This information is displayed over the screen rather than below (like the dashboard in a car) so it can be seen easily during game play.

Recon Instruments has created something similar called a Micro Optic Display (MOD). With features like temperature, speed, altitude, distance of a jump, hang-time, navigation and buddy tracker, music, video camera, and, of course, smartphone connectivity, this MOD makes all the HUDs jealous. Other Bluetooth enabled accessories made by Recon Instruments turn any place a good place for live, MOD information including the belt, wrist, or head. This ski technology company may have what it takes to get everyone out on the slopes this year.

Probably not me, though. Despite the fact that I always wish it was warmer, so snowboarding and skiing is a "no" by nature, I might be tempted to take my turn downhill if it meant playing with those goggles. Especially if someone else got them for me. Unfortunately, though, my tailbone can still feel last year's attempt to shred or whatever. If I can't even sit on the floor comfortably, I decided there are just some places I don't belong. I'd rather sit and drink in the lodge while trying to justify getting the new MOD goggles for absolutely no reason.