THE NEXT BIG THING IN MOUNTAIN COMMUNICATION
Today, we are all more connected than ever before. Whether you’re sharing your latest adventures on social media, finding your way to a new restaurant, or simply sending a text to a loved one, chances are, you’re on your smartphone, and you’re on it a lot.
According to Ericsson’s latest Mobility Report, the number of smartphone subscriptions worldwide grew from 2.6 billion in 2014 to 3.4 billion in 2015, and that number is expected to reach 6.4 billion by 2021. Clearly, connectivity is in demand. And with rapidly evolving technologies and the growing popularity of smartwatches and fitness bands, wearables will no doubt be a part of that trend as well.
However, connectivity on the ski hill is still behind the wave, and it needs to catch up. You can post pictures of an incredible day riding on Instagram, but when it comes to meeting up with friends on the mountain, you’re still stuck fumbling with your phone on the chairlift. There is no wearable connectivity solution for skiers and riders — yet.
YodelTECH is here to fill that gap with the world’s first on-glove wearable device, YodelUP. Wear YodelUP over your glove and sync to your iPhone or Android phone to makelive group conversations and to control your music while skiing and riding.
No one likes taking off their gloves on the mountain, and no one likes having to risk dropping their phone off the chairlift. Still, if you’re riding with friends, chances are you’ll have to round up your group, and if you’re listening to music, you’ll probably have to change the volume at some point. YodelUP makes all of those things easier, and it doesn’t require you to give up your favourite gear for pricy helmets and gloves with built-in controls.
With a design that fits over any glove, and extra-large buttons that you can use with gloves or mittens on, you’ll never have to fish for your phone while riding again. And with a long lasting battery and waterproof and shockproof design, YodelUP is ready to be taken anywhere on the mountain.
YodelTECH has partnered with Zello, the world’s number one walkie-talkie app, to bring you instant communication on the mountain. By harnessing the push-to-talk over cellular (PoC) technology, YodelUP delivers a streamlined communication experience similar to using a walkie-talkie.
Apps like Zello are increasingly popular (there’s a reason Facebook bought WhatsApp for $19 billion in 2014), and it’s easy to see why Zello is convenient. It’s easier than texting and faster than calling, and you can coordinate with a group on a secure channel.
It allows for instant, radio style communication with the push of the “YODEL” button, and since it works with any data or wifi network, is has unlimited range.
YodelUP is the perfect device for the mountain. With YodleUP, you can use Zello for walkie-talkie style communication on the hill without ever taking off your gloves — just press the YODEL button to communicate instantly with other friends with the app.
Certainly, interest in increasing connectivity on the ski hill is growing and resorts continue to expand data and wifi coverage. For example, Steamboat Ski Area in Colorado isadding free wifi on the mountain and at all of its restaurants — it’s aiming to compete on the connectivity front with Vail, which offers wifi on its gondola. Whistler Blackcomb has its own app that includes a GPS run tracker. Verizon was onto the trend back in 2013, turning on its 4G LTE service at over 40 winter resorts that season.
In other words, your mountain experience continues to stay more connected every day. Instant communication on the hill is the future. Watch this space for more updates from YodelUP (yodelup.com)!
Whether they’re on a chairlift, carving down a hill, or getting air-time, and regardless of skill level, anyone can use YodelUP to take their experience on the slopes to the next level. By keeping friends and family better connected, snow enthusiasts can have fun, share more moments, and stay safe.