Xplova, a subsidiary wholly owned by Acer, is releasing a so-called cycling computer, Xplova X5, that bikers can use to fulfill their social cycling needs.

The Xplova X5, a first of its kind, has the ability to monitor a biker's heart rate, provide global positioning system (GPS) tracking, and record its environment - able to perform each feature simultaneously.

From a glance, the Xplova X5 seems a bit bulky with its seemingly outdated design as it looks rigid and boxy, unlike most of the elegant and sophisticated designs seen from tech gadgets today.

The question now is: will cyclists prefer style over convenience?

Build

The Xplova X5 packs an IPX7 water resistant feature that protects the device from any weather conditions, even as extreme as torrential rains.

Xplova claims that its dashboard will continuously display a biker's metric state, as well as GPS tracking information, despite extreme outside factors that could make other devices shut down in the middle of a cycling session.

These metrics include heart rate, strength gauge, cycling speed, cadence, and much more. Bikers have the option to display a detailed graphical analysis to let them compare current statistics with previous training sessions.

Camera

The Xplova X5 has a front wide-angle camera that can record videos in 720p resolution. This camera can be configured to automatically record 3-second videos whenever the cyclist's heart rate reaches a target number or a point of interest is nearby.

Of course, manual recording can be done and the device can handle up to eight video clip compilations that can be shared easily on social media. Its transflective color screen allows cyclists to preview these videos even in direct sunlight.

Cloud

The Xplova X5 has a dedicated cloud system that syncs with the device in the background.

Using Xplova's Smart Sign Guidance, the X5 can use its gathered information to provide users with a detailed route, intelligently highlighting specific points of interests where automatic recording can be triggered.

App

The Xplova X5 works together with an Xplova Moment App that offers "four unique values to enrich the cyclist's journey:" Find Me, users can track other cyclists; Remember Me, integration of videos captured by the device for easier management; Lead Me, curated scenic routes shared for use by other Xplova users; and Challenge Me, an online leaderboard that lists other rider's lap times which users can compete with.

Availability

The Xplova X5 will be available in the third quarter of this year. Exact prices and specifications will depend on the region and interested consumers may visit Xplova's website for more details.

The promotional video may be viewed below: