14 DAY TRIAL // A flashlight, also called a torch in certain parts of the English-speaking world, usually doesn't do much besides providing some illumination when no natural light is to be had, or during nights when the moon and stars just don't cut it, which for us humans is most of them.
A startup company by the name of Fogo Digital, however, has decided that it was high time someone did something to the flashlight.
“Something” meaning that they wanted the portable light source to be capable of more than the regular “switch me on and I'll light your path” stuff.
The result of their ministrations was a “digital Swiss Army knife” whose actual name is the Fogo Adventure Gadget. In a nutshell, it is a flashlight that also doubles as a GPS and a walkie talkie.
The Fogo Adventure Gadget
While it still mostly looks like a flashlight, it has some obvious additions on the side, including a greyscale display to show the temperature and weather details.
You can use the GPS system to set navigation waypoints via a paired smartphone. Yes, the new device has Bluetooth support for that.
Thus, you could, in theory, attach the flashlight to your bike's steering system and go on a trip. The device will guide you on your path.
Being a digital walkie talkie allows you to use it during a trip in the mountains to keep in contact with friends that might be exploring other paths.
The flashlight also includes a pedometer (tracks the distance you walk) and an ambient light sensor which will control the brightness of the LED light (maximum 1,000 lumens). This also moderates the drain on the battery.
Speaking of which, Fogo gave the Adventure Gadget a USB port through which it can attach to a backup battery of 6,800 mAh. The normal batteries won't last that long when everything is on.
The Fogo flashlight also boasts 128 MB of integrated storage, on which an app-based, rudimentary OS is installed. Three buttons give you control over it, with the various functions (flashlight, maps & messaging) each having a control app of their own.
The walkie talkie attachment will, in the future, be possible to swap with a satellite modem, laser rangefinder and avalanche beacon. The crowdfunding campaign needs to succeed first though.
Availability and pricing
$175 / €155 is the early bird pledge, but you'll need to add $50 / €44 in order to get the walkie-talkie attachment. Shipments will begin in September 2015 if things go well.
