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Lights, camera and lots of action with Vudu7’s fully integrated smart computer

Vudu7 launches feature-packed smart computer that does just about everything

Is this the smartest cycling computer you've ever seen? Quite possibly, we reckon. Vudu7 has launched the V, a fully integrated smart computer that houses a pair of 1200 lumen LED lights, a 1080p HD video camera, an 110db siren, stereo speakers for listening to musing, Bluetooth and ANT+ compatible to connect sensors, and a SIM card slot so it can be used as a phone. 

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The company proudly boasts that this is the all in one system for cyclists. "We wanted a single device that could do everything well at an affordable price…” explains Ian Dunn, Vudu7’s CEO. “There are many great individual lights, sirens, and computer products on the market but nothing like the V in one neat convenient and affordable package."

vudu7 computer5.png

We’re in the era of connected smart devices with electronics playing an ever bigger part in cycling, from wireless gears to smart trainers and smartphones that can track all your data and route during a ride. The new V looks to decreased clutter on your handlebars massively with a device that packs just about everything you could possibly want, or ever need, in one pretty compact device. 

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It’s powered by Android smartphone software with a powerful quad-core processor, with a 4in touchscreen to navigate its many features. The use of Android as the operating system means you have access to many apps, and we presume most of your favourites like Strava will be compatible. It can do basic ride data like distance and speed and use GPS can provide turn-by-turn route navigation. 

vudu7 computer3.png

There’s a pair of 1200 lumen lights integrated into the unit, a spot and wide angle beam, and the brightness can be controlled via the computer. There’s also a wide-angle 1080p HD video camera and you can also take still photos and GPS tag them. The Snapshot mode can take photographs at pre-determined intervals.  

Other features include a siren horn with multiple sounds to choose from, a stereo speaker so you can listen to music during a ride (and annoy your cycling companions), a tamper alarm that detects movement of the bicycle and can track your bike if stolen, and a crash alert that detects a crash and can send an SMS message to a friend. 

You can even plug your SIM card into the V so you can leave your smartphone safely in your jersey pocket and allows the device to operate all the functions of a phone, and you can make calls and send SMS messages. 

vudu7 computer1.jpg

Powering all these features is an 8000 mAh battery which the company claims is good for a full day. The V is packaged in a tough polycarbonate case and is IP67 rated, and there’s a supplied aluminium handlebar mount. The V weighs 360g and measures 20 x 70  x 135mm.  

What do you think? Is the V for you?

If you’re interested, the company is soon to launch a crowdfunding campaign but it is offering the first 1,000 units for a special price of $300, saving you $150. You can register your interest on the website and you’ll get an email as soon as the offer is live. 

More at www.vudu7.com

David worked on the road.cc tech team from 2012-2020. Previously he was editor of Bikemagic.com and before that staff writer at RCUK. He's a seasoned cyclist of all disciplines, from road to mountain biking, touring to cyclo-cross, he only wishes he had time to ride them all. He's mildly competitive, though he'll never admit it, and is a frequent road racer but is too lazy to do really well. He currently resides in the Cotswolds, and you can now find him over on his own YouTube channel David Arthur - Just Ride Bikes

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12 comments

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Disappearinghead | 7 years ago
0 likes

The ability to make calls and send text messages whilst riding. I'm sure a few motorists will have something to say about that.

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hawkinspeter replied to Disappearinghead | 7 years ago
0 likes

Disappearinghead wrote:

The ability to make calls and send text messages whilst riding. I'm sure a few motorists will have something to say about that.

They'd be wrong to make a comment as it's entirely legal (although not always advisable). The legislation specifies "motorcycle" and "driving": https://www.gov.uk/using-mobile-phones-when-driving-the-law

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Simon E | 7 years ago
1 like

It might be 'smart' but it's pig ugly, the sort of thing kids would have wanted on their Raleigh Burner in the 80s.

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Beatnik69 replied to Simon E | 7 years ago
1 like

Simon E wrote:

It might be 'smart' but it's pig ugly, the sort of thing kids would have wanted on their Raleigh Burner in the 80s.

Raleigh Vektar?

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davel | 7 years ago
0 likes

Enough of the press release: what do we have at the moment? A case and some pictures?

Take my money!!1!

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armb | 7 years ago
0 likes

Bluetooth would have been enough to let you leave your phone in your jacket. The SIM slot means you can leave your phone at home. Whether that's really worthwhile, I'm not sure. (I have a waterproof phone with ANT+ and Bluetooth.)
But compared with, say, a Cycliq Fly 12 and a Garmin 810 at Aldi prices, it sounds potentially good value if it delivers as advertised.

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muhasib | 7 years ago
0 likes

I hope the final design has the angles worked out  - if you have the screen tilted slightly up towards the rider for visibility how will this affect the angle for a dipped light and the camera needing to be on the horizontal for a forward view?

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eddyhall | 7 years ago
1 like

So we are now at the point where we are pre-ordering before a croudfunding Kickstarter has even gathered the funds for production? Wow... this is getting so very far from products-on-shelves.

I think that this is a play to get early adopters in without the (limited) protection that even the crowdfunding sites offer.

I thought that promoting crowdfunding efforts with news stories was pretty bad, but now the press are reporting on pre-crowdfunding? I am actually a bit amazed.

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kitkat | 7 years ago
4 likes

Interesting device.

How do you adjust the angle for viewing the computer while adjusting the light for directing the beam where you want it?

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flathunt | 7 years ago
10 likes

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bendertherobot | 7 years ago
1 like

Thing is, it's massive. Properly huge. And as useful as it might be for winter commuting you won't want all of that on a summer sportive. It's reasonably priced though. 

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macrophotofly | 7 years ago
0 likes

Whilst it initially looks bulky I suspect it is actually lighter then a phone, Cat light and Garmin put togther. Not sure the mount is going to work with all stems though?

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