SF Startups at SXSW: Smart Helmets and Shazam for Street Style

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SF's startups did their hometown proud at the 2014 SXSW Interactive's Accelerator Awards. Three of the eight finalists in the wearable tech category hailed from our fine City by the Bay. And it was SF-based Skully Helmet that nabbed the win. The startup's helmet uses an integrated display to provide motorcycle riders with a 180-degree wide angle rearview camera, Bluetooth connectivity, GPS navigation, and voice control, combining tech and safety into one sleek, protective hat. The next gen of Skully helmets will also include designs for cyclists, skiers, and military personnel.

Another SF-based startup that made a good show in the finals was Fashion Discovery Labs. Its Google Glass app allows users to take photos of real-time street style and to find similar clothes at local retailers or online. The handy tool would altogether eliminate the need to approach strangers and ask where they bought their outfits. Then again, it also requires that you photograph complete strangers—which is a big reason why Glassholes give us the creeps in the first place.
· Wearable Tech Startups Pitch Their Wares at SXSW 2014 [Live Science]
· 2014 SXSW Accelerator Finalists [SXSW]
· Now Your Dog Can Have Its Own Fitbit-Style Wearable Tech [Racked SF]