POC releases the Obex Connect, offering one-touch communication on the mountain

December 5, 2024

POC partners with audio leader Harman Kardon to create pioneering new communication system integrated in Obex series helmets.

STOCKHOLM, Sweden (Dec. 5, 2024) /OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – POC, the Swedish brand known for pushing boundaries in sports safety and protection, today unveiled a pioneering new innovation in snow sports and safety, the Obex Connect. The Obex Connect integrates a unique Mesh communication system that allows users to communicate with each other in closed groups as they ride around the mountain, all simply with the touch of a button. With Sound by Harman Kardon, the Obex Connect brings class-leading audio and connect Mesh technology to skiers and snowboarders.

“Safety and innovation are at the very center of what we do. Inspired by our mission, we are driven to explore and innovate to improve protection for all. Over the years, we have led from the front, especially with digital integration in helmets,” said Johan Weman, POC’s Technology and Research Director. “We are introducing a technology that can make a real difference. Simply pressing a button on the headset will allow you to speak to everyone in your group, even when they are some distance away.”

The Connect system is developed around POC’s well-known and highly regarded helmet, the Obex. An all-mountain helmet, the Obex is available in several versions, including models for kids or backcountry users, and has gained many fans around the world. Developed in collaboration with audio industry pioneer HARMAN, the Connect system, which houses the Mesh technology and can support music, calls and voice assistant, will also be sold separately and can be retrofitted to all existing Obex helmets simply by changing the replaceable earpieces.

David Jeon, Senior Director of Engineering Project, Product and Solutions Engineering at HARMAN Embedded Audio, said: “POC is known for its open-minded and innovative approach to safety and HARMAN is recognized for industry leading audio and voice technologies. When our teams started to consider the importance of connectivity to safety on the mountain, it was clear that we could develop something that had not been done before. We are incredibly proud to have worked together to design, develop and release the Connect system, which has great sound and Mesh technology to enhance protection on the mountain.”

Who is it for?

POC has always believed that digital technology can enhance safety for all users, and Obex Connect provides an extra layer of safety and practicality to a host of different users and groups.

Examples include families skiing in the resort, who can always maintain contact to ensure that no child or member of the group takes a wrong turn or fails to hear the call to stop. Other users could be coaches or friends who can provide immediate tips and assistance on technique as they watch you ski or board. Importantly, communication could be to an individual or to a group, such as friends who like to hang out in a group as they ski around a mountain on their annual holiday.

It can also support use in the backcountry. Clear and precise communication is a simple prerequisite to being in the backcountry; it is not a place for ambiguity. When on a rope traversing glacial territory or setting off to the next safe spot in possible avalanche terrain, being able to communicate clearly to all will lead to better decision-making and risk evaluation.

All controlled by the POC Connect App

The Connect Mesh system can be left open in public mode. This is an unconfigured mode that allows any other Connect system to connect automatically between headsets. This is particularly useful for skiing with children who may not have a smartphone. In this instance, the headsets would connect to each other automatically.

Creating a private Mesh group is simple and would be established and managed through the Obex Connect App (Apple or Android), which has been developed specifically to allow users to connect and manage preferences for private groups. The App lets you create a group and invite specific people, up to a maximum of eight, to that group. Everyone in the group can then talk freely to each other by simply pressing their headset and unmuting their microphone which is located in the ear set.

The headset has integrated Bluetooth, which can be used as a traditional Bluetooth device to take calls, play music, use a voice assistant, etc. The right side of the headset controls all these functions. The Mesh communication system is managed from the left-side ear pad, making it easy to use and get to know.

Obex Connect Product details

The Obex Connect helmet is built on the base of the Obex BC (Back Country), which has been developed for all types of skiing, including backcountry, and is already packed with enhanced safety and technology.

It features a lightweight EPS construction with optimized impact performance and a hybrid hardshell with adjustable integrated ventilation. An embedded NFC chip by Twiceme, which is a passive memory chip, holds your medical ID and can be read from a mobile phone. In addition, the helmet features a RECCO radar reflector, so rescue teams can always find you from a distance and at speed.

Inside the helmet, a Mips system is included, and the Connect earpads include a mic and the integration of a Mesh antenna. This allows the creation of a device network over Bluetooth. As with most Bluetooth devices, it enables functions from your phone and one-to-one Bluetooth communication.

“Our ‘Whole helmet concept™’ illustrates that in today’s world, a helmet can, and should, do significantly more than manage impacts,” Weman said. “By integrating digital solutions, we can protect a user before, during and after an accident. Our integration of a mesh communication system opens a world of new opportunities, establishing better communication with various users, such as families, coaches, friends, and backcountry skiers, which will lead to enhanced protection.”

The Obex Connect will be available immediately online and in stores. It retails for $550 U.S. for the Obex Connect Helmet and $300 U.S. for the Obex Connect Headset the can be retrofitted into Obex helmets.

Extended product details for Obex Connect

Sound by Harman Kardon — The headset delivers crisp and clear tones thanks to Sound by Harman Kardon, with individual presets for voice, music and bass boost.

Mesh technology — The Mesh technology allows up to eight Obex Connect Headset users to communicate with every other member of the group. The Mesh connection does not interfere with your phone’s functionality, so you can still make and receive calls.

Self-Healing Group — If one person drops out of the Mesh group, the rest of the group stays connected with each other. Anyone who drops out will automatically rejoin the group once they come back into range.

Bluetooth Intercom — If you do not wish to utilize all the features of the Mesh Intercom, a Basic Connection via Bluetooth with your smartphone gives basic sound functionality and allows for a short-range one-to-one connection with another headset user.

IP54 Certified — The headset, when mounted on a ski helmet, offers protection against dust and splashing water, ensuring reliability in snowy and wet conditions.

Product images

Assets and an extended range of product images are available here.

Obex Connect Headset

https://poc.com/product/obex-connect-headset-uranium-black?utm_source=PR&utm_medium=organic

Obex Connect helmet

https://poc.com/product/obex-connect-hydrogen-white-fluorescent-orange-avip?utm_source=PR&utm_medium=organic

About POC

Born and based in Stockholm, Sweden, POC is a safety and performance pioneer on a global mission: protect lives and reduce the consequences of accidents for athletes and anyone inspired to be one. Creating all types of protection for cycling and snow sports, POC uses research, scientific methods and rigorous testing in its pursuit of innovation. For more information, visit https://poc.com.

POC’s Whole helmet concept™

Advances in science and research consistently reveal the brain’s awe-inspiring complexity and role in shaping who we are. It is central to our wellbeing, it makes us unique, it drives us, but it is also delicate, fragile and needs protecting. It hurts when you break a bone, but in most cases, it will heal. Damage the brain and the outcome is altogether less certain. That is why we created our unique whole helmet concept™ for development and testing, where each feature, component, shape and material is designed specifically to work together. The whole is greater than the sum of its parts and our whole helmet concept™ with innovative materials, integrated electronics and rider optimized details is designed to work long before, during and after an impact is felt so we can enhance safety and protect any user.

About HARMAN Embedded Audio

HARMAN Embedded Audio, a specialized consumer business unit within HARMAN International, is a full-service audio and voice technology provider that embeds proprietary hardware and software systems into partner products. To elevate the audio and voice performance of every partner product, HARMAN Embedded Audio combines an expert team of sales, operations, engineering, and development professionals to create true product differentiation and winning business solutions with Sound by JBL, Sound by Harman Kardon, or Sound by Infinity co-branding opportunities. HARMAN Embedded Audio works with leading global brands to provide tuning expertise for audio and voice integration in a variety of industries including consumer electronics, enterprise, fitness, Internet of Things (IoT), safety/security, healthcare and recreation. In 2017, HARMAN became a wholly owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. All third-party trademarks referenced by HARMAN remain the property of their respective owners. For more information, visit Embedded.Harman.com.