CARDO JOURNEY
LEADER OF THE PACK
Cardo Systems delivers cutting-edge Communication devices for groups in motion. We connect motorcycle riders, outdoor enthusiasts, and adventure seekers worldwide to their phones, music, and most of all, to each other.
Cardo was established in 2003 and has focused on class-leading innovations ever since. Today Cardo communicators are being sold in over 100 countries. From day one, we have been creating the world’s leading communication devices.
THE BIRTH OF A LEGEND
In 2003, we were one of the few tech companies creating Bluetooth earpieces for cell phones. Our Scala earpiece gave end-users the ability to talk and listen hands-free.
What made our earpieces so special was their unique wind-suppressing technology. This technology, which was developed in-house, provided the ability to speak, and be heard crystal-clear and noise free.
One day, while riding on his motorcycle, our founder had an epiphany. What if we take the same Bluetooth and wind-suppressing technology, wrap it inside a sturdy waterproof shell, and attach it to a helmet? This way, we should be able to connect riders to their music, their phone, and to each other.
We always believed that riding a motorcycle shouldn’t exclude enjoying the company of our friends. With that in mind, we put our best developer to the challenge. When we say our best developer, we really mean it. He is still working for Cardo 20 years later and is currently our oldest employee.
After a year of development, we launched the world’s first motorcycle Bluetooth headset in 2004. All our time and effort went into this true marvel of innovation, and perhaps we forgot to come up with an innovative name. The Scala Rider changed how motorcycle riders experienced riding ever since.
STRIVING TO BE THE BEST
Once Scala Rider was out, we knew we were onto something. Our focus shifted, and we stopped making earpieces for phones. We started working on making the lives of our fellow riders better and easier. The goal was to innovate and deliver new ground-breaking features from day one. Two decades later, we still strive to be the best and to set the standard for the entire industry.
In doing so, we have been at the forefront of the majority of the industry’s significant breakthroughs. After being the world’s first motorcycle Bluetooth headset, we became the world’s first rider-to-rider Bluetooth headset. In 2007 we launched the Q2. A device that connects two riders up to 700 meters/ 0.45 miles apart. This was a game changer, but the hunger to go further stayed.
We extended our intercom range in 2009 with the revolutionary G4 communicator that broke the 1mi./ 1.6 km barrier stretching the limits of what was possible with Bluetooth technology. Having taken the technology to its limits, we felt restricted by Bluetooth and created the world’s first Dynamic Mesh communicator, the Packtalk in 2015. It revolutionized the world of motorcycle communicators and leaped beyond the constraints of Bluetooth. We could now connect up to 15 riders with no hassle, no frustration, and no time wasted.
The sky has been the limit since then, as we introduced the first communicator with Natural Voice Operation in 2017, and the world’s first communicator with premium sound (courtesy of JBL) a year later. In 2021 we introduced Over-The-Air software updates giving our riders a break of always having to connect their device to a computer when updating the software of their devices. And that is but a small collection of Cardo innovations. Keep reading to know about all of Cardo’s developments and innovations in the communicator market over the years.
CARDO’S INNOVATIONS THROUGHOUT THE YEARS
World's 1st Motorcycle Bluetooth headset
In 2004, Cardo revolutionized the motorcycle experience by introducing the inaugural Bluetooth headset for motorcycles, marking a groundbreaking milestone in the industry.
2004 About World's 1st Motorcycle Bluetooth headset
World’s 1st built-in FM radio
Scala Rider FM debuts an integrated FM Radio feature, allowing riders to stay connected to their favorite radio stations and stay informed with the latest news. This release also introduces the industry's first automatic volume control, ensuring optimal sound quality regardless of riding speed.
2005 About World’s 1st built-in FM radio
World's 1st rider-to-rider intercom
The release of the Q2 was the first true rider-to-rider long-range intercom. Connecting two riders over distances up to 700m/0.45mi.
2007 About World's 1st rider-to-rider intercom
World’s 1st long-range intercom
Pushing the boundaries of Bluetooth technology, the G4 represents a groundbreaking achievement as the world's first intercom with a remarkable range of 1.6 kilometers or 1 mile. Additionally,itpioneers internet firmware upgrades, setting a new standard in innovation.
2009 About World’s 1st long-range intercom
World's 1st music sharing
The G9x introduces music sharing over Bluetooth with the most fully featured communicator of its day. Around this time, Cardo realized that Bluetooth technology had reached its maximum potential and started to work on something completely new.
2012 About World's 1st music sharing
World's 1st Mesh communicator
In a move that still resonates today, Cardo revolutionized the world of motorcycle communications and introduced the world’s first mesh communicator – the Packtalk. Powered by Dynamic Mesh Communication (DMC) technology, the Packtalk leaped beyond the constraints of Bluetooth to connect groups of up to 15 riders with no hassles, frustrations, and wasted time.
2015 About World's 1st Mesh communicator
World's first Natural Language operation
With the release of the Packtalk Slim, and its brother the Packtalk Bold, Cardo introduced operation via an always-on natural language operation. They are also the 1st communicators to interact directly with “Hey Siri” and “ok Google”, enabling our end-users to keep their eyes on the road and hands on the bars.
2018 About World's first Natural Language operation
World’s 1st premium sound
In response to global rider feedback for superior audio quality, Cardo collaborated with audio specialists at JBL. The result: the Freecom 4+ and the Packtalk line emerged as the world's first motorcycle communication systems to deliver an unparalleled audio experience featuring Sound by JBL.
2019 About World’s 1st premium sound
World’s 1st Outdoor Mesh Communicator
Recognizing the desire of our end-users to extend the use of their communicators beyond motorcycle rides, we introduced the inaugural outdoor communicator in late 2020. The Packtalk Ski claimed the distinction of being the first Mesh communicator in its category.
2020 About World’s 1st Outdoor Mesh Communicator
World’s 1st over the air software updates
Realizing that updating a communicator software via computer cables and WiFi dongles is cumbersome and unreliable, Cardo's Spirit line introduced Over-The-Air software updates directly from the Cardo Connect mobile app. A feature rolled out to every new Cardo product ever since.
2021 About World’s 1st over the air software updates
World’s first Air Mount
The launch of the PACKTALK EDGE marked Cardo's introduction of the second generation in the Packtalk line, featuring a magnetic Air Mount. This communicator effortlessly attaches to the helmet, securely staying in place with a simple yet effective magnetic connection.
2022 About World’s first Air MountCardo's 1st ORV Communicator
Cardo entered the off-road scene. The PACKTALK EDGE ORV revolutionizes UTV and ATV communication. With JBL sound, magnetic attachment, and seamless helmet-to-headphone transfer, it's a leap forward in off-road connectivity. You can elevate your off-road experience with superior wireless communication.
2022 About Cardo's 1st ORV Communicator
Cardo acquires Riser
Cardo Systems acquired RISER, a popular navigation app.This collaboration will offer riders an integrated solution for communication, social, and navigation needs. Initially, Riser will maintain its current functionality, aligning with Cardo's commitment to providing advanced solutions for riders of all levels.
2023 About Cardo acquires Riser
TECHNOLOGY NEVER SLEEPS
Cardo Systems became so much more than just that motorcycle communicator brand. We deliver the best communicators not only for motorcycles but also for outdoor adventure seekers and Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) drivers. Expanding our goal to bring communication in motion to riders, adventure seekers, and professionals the world over. Together with RISER we will provide riders with the most advanced and user-friendly communication and navigation systems.
The Cardo journey has only just begun. We will keep working hard to release the best innovations to our communication devices. Stay tuned, the best yet could be just around the corner.