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Poc release the obex connect

POC release the Obex Connect - one-touch communication on the mountain

December 05, 2024

POC is proud to release a brand-new innovation in snow sports and safety: the Obex Connect. A helmet which has 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.

two skiers standing in mountain landscape
POC Obex Connect

INTRODUCING THE OBEX CONNECT AND MESH TECHNOLOGY, POC’S TECHNOLOGY AND RESEARCH DIRECTOR, JOHAN WEMAN, SAID:

“Safety and innovation are at the very centre 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. 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, e.g., 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.

Xray image of POC Obex Connect
Kristofer Turdell

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.”

Kristofer Turdell and Leoni Zopp
Person skiing down a 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 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.

POC Connect App

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.

Product images of the new obex connect
Leonia Zopp wearing the new POC 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.

POC’S TECHNOLOGY AND RESEARCH DIRECTOR, JOHAN WEMAN, ADDED:

“Our ‘Whole helmet concept™’ illustrates that in today’s world, a helmet can, and should, do significantly more than manage impacts. 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.”

NOTES TO EDITORS

AVAILABILITY
The Obex Connect will be available immediately online and in-store.

POC CONNECT APP
App Download – Available for Apple and Android

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.

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.

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.

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™ to 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.

CONTACT
press@poc.com


Product & Technology

Photos by: Elias Lundh & POC Sports

Obex Connect & Connect Headset

NEW

Obex Connect

Obex Connect

910.00 NZD

2 Colors

Out of Stock

NEW

Obex Connect

Obex Connect

910.00 NZD

2 Colors

Out of Stock

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