Austrian winter sports accessory company Zanier is gearing up to launch the world's first winter gloves with integrated GPS functionality. Called the X-Plore.XGX, these gloves can help you navigate through a planned route, downhill or even back to your parked car.
While you are skiing, snowboarding or snowshoeing, you can track your altitude, speed, distance, trip duration and other route data. All this information can be seen via the display mounted on the thumb of the winter gloves. Controls on the upper hand are simple to use with your other gloved hand and let you toggle between information and mark waypoints for navigation.
The winter gloves are supplied with software which lets you upload your data from the day, display your route and share all your stats with your friends. The package also comes with USB stick, USB cable and integrated lithium ion batteries.
The X-Plore winter gloves are waterproof, windproof and made with Gore-Tex X-Trafit technology for optimal grip, mobility and comfort. I was able to have a quick look at them at ISPO. The display menu is pretty basic- you can simply toggle between various stats and the navigation screen. No word yet on price as they will be available only as a limited addition to start.
I can see using these if you couldn't be bothered to carry a GPS enabled phone or watch around with you. I guess you would have your performance information literally at your fingertips but the functionality and coolness factor of the Zeal Optics Transcend goggles is much better! What do you think? Would you buy these GPS winter gloves?