SoundofMotion keeps cyclists safe, morphs phone into motorcycle

It may not be legal in most civilized nations to ride a Segway on the sidewalk, but for those still risking their lives on a two-wheeled machine, things are about to get a lot safer. SoundofMotion has developed a clever new warning system that turns your phone into what sounds like a roaring motorcycle, and not content with just playing a pre-recorded loop over and over, it's actually designed to rev up and down based on the speed and acceleration of your bicycle. The application will run on "any Bluetooth- and Java-capable phone," and it interacts with a "wireless BT sensor" that gets mounted on one of your wheels. Unsurprisingly, the device responds to the motion sensor and lets the carefree motorists around know you mean business when crossing an intersection. The app is currently sitting in beta, but the creators hope to have a final rendition ready to go before you make too many summer treks, but you better be willing to face total embarrassment (and have one loud speakerphone) to save your skin before picking this up. Click on through for a demonstration.

[Via Slashphone]

[Greg @ Apr 24th 2007 10:34PM]

APRIL FOOLS!?

[Matt @ Apr 24th 2007 11:02PM]

Beats the hell out of putting a baseball card in your spokes. =)

[Kev50027 @ Apr 24th 2007 11:08PM]

Wow, that is so lame it's laughable. Seriously, most phones aren't loud enough to be heard inside a car, at least my car..

I think putting big lights and warning signs all over the bike is more likely to get motorists' attention.

Also, what about the person riding the bike? With that, they wont be able to hear cars coming, which actually makes it less safe for the bicyclist.

[Paul @ Apr 24th 2007 11:11PM]

I'm wondering what the point of the cell phone is.
Why not just wire it up to a speaker and a battery?

[o0adam0o @ Apr 24th 2007 11:17PM]

As much as i wanted to bash this engadget post, i almost got hit by a bike today! I was talking to my friend while crossing the street and next thing i hear is a "hey hey hey" (from the cyclist) So i stop and the cyclist passes right infront of me missing me by a foot and a half.

Dang i still wanna say how dumb this thing is...but i cant! :(

[LordFarkward @ Apr 24th 2007 11:35PM]

instead of a 'roaring motorcycle', i'd like my phone to constantly shout 'hey hey hey'

[peshue @ Apr 25th 2007 4:33AM]

I don't even like motorcycles that make that much noise, I think they're just plain obnoxious. Why would I want my bike to do the same thing.

[EliasF @ Apr 25th 2007 2:37AM]

I too wonder why they are using a phone. I'm sure it would be horrible for your phone's battery life the way they have this thing working now. Whereas if you had it all on the bike you could use the motion of the wheels to power the entire system.

[jptech @ Apr 25th 2007 3:04AM]

the nerds are attacking!

I thought I was nerdy!

this is the most useless bit of tech I've ever seen.

I agree with Paul. but hook it up to a wheel spun generator, like the current lighting systems use.

[Ssco @ Apr 25th 2007 4:47AM]

Would it not just be easier and cheaper to use a bell?
All new bikes sold in the UK come with them fitted by law.

[Scooter @ Apr 25th 2007 7:10PM]

hows about a bell that sounds like a horse? Or a cow?
Yeah, that'd be fresh.

Personally I prefer the 'sumo wrestler' horn.
http://www.amazon.com/Pyramid-Pro-Bicycle-Squeeze-Horn/dp/B000AO7HQG/ref=pd_sim_sg_4_img/002-6325872-8196801

[h8rain @ Apr 26th 2007 2:00PM]

I would love to have this .......... when I was like 10 :) Although, I would not of had a cell phone. (Damn when I was 10, I don't think I have ever seen a cell phone). I knew they existed, but where for important people :)