# Smart Paintball Masks This Paintball Gear from CES 2016 Features a Heads-Up Display By Malika Renee Butss | Published 2016-01-06 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paintball-gear References: [engadget](http://www.engadget.com/2016/01/06/recon-paintball-hud/) & [google-software.net](http://www.google-software.net/2016/01/06/recon-empire-evs-smart-paintball-mask-highlights-intels-wearable-ambitions/) [Intel's](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/google-glasses) Recon Instruments developed a nifty piece of paintball gear titled Empire EVS. Outfitted with smart features, this paintball accessory is designed to keep all paintball enthusiasts at the top of their game. Most paintball players know that the game can turn into quite the war zone. To advance the skills of a player, Recon Instruments partnered with [Empire Paintball](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/belmonts-curse) to create a super smart mask and goggle hybrid. This paintball gear uses a technology known as 'Snow2' to withstand an array of paint-based problems. However, the most interesting feature on this gadget is the heads-up display, which is designed to show critical information during battle, such as ammo counts, field maps and teammate locations. While the [dual-pane lenses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/advanced-snow-goggle) prevent internal fogging and promote ball bouncing, the mask features a 1GHz dual-core processor, Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-fi, as well as GPS. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.4/10 - Popularity: 69% | Activity: 86% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Smart Paintball Gear:** The development of smart paintball gear with heads-up displays presents opportunities to enhance player performance and gameplay. - **Heads-up Display Technology:** The inclusion of heads-up displays in paintball masks opens up possibilities for incorporating real-time game information and enhancing situational awareness. - **Integration of Technology in Sports Gear:** The integration of advanced technology, such as processors and connectivity features, in sports gear like paintball masks demonstrates the potential for innovation in other athletic equipment. ### Where This Applies - **Sports Gear Manufacturing:** Manufacturers of sports gear can explore opportunities to integrate technology into their products, creating smart and innovative equipment. - **Wearable Technology:** The wearable technology industry can tap into the paintball market by developing advanced heads-up display devices and other smart gear tailored for sports activities. - **Gaming and Entertainment:** The gaming and entertainment industry can leverage the popularity of paintball and develop immersive virtual reality experiences that integrate with smart paintball gear. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Real-Time Performance-Tracking Eyewear Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-eyewear1.md) - [Augmented Helicopter Helmet Displays](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/helmet-display.md) - [AR-Enabled Ski Goggles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ar-goggles.md) - [Paintball-Shooting Security Cameras](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paintcam-home-security-system.md) - [AR-Enabled Ski Rescue Helmets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/argus-ar-helmet.md) - [Augmented Reality Motorcyclist Helmets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shoei-eyelights-gtair-3-smart.md) - [Intelligent Hockey Player Helmets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bearmind-helmet.md) - [AR-Enabled Sports Glasses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/engo-2.md) - [Underwater-Safe Smart Goggles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-swim-2.md)