Head-up display technology is no longer a luxury for expensive cars like the Corvettes or high-end BMWs. That’s because today, satellite navigation expert Garmin revealed a new product called HUD, which is a portable head-up display for smartphone navigation apps.
A good example of a simple but effective idea, Garmin’s HUD projects bright directions onto a transparent film on the windshield or an attached reflector lens. The the driver gets road guidance at a glance and right within his line of sight, also helping increase safety and reducing driver distraction.
All one needs for the HUD to work properly is a Bluetooth-enabled smartphone that can run a Garmin Street Pilot 1 or Navigon app (starting from $29.99).
“HUD redefines the navigation experience by allowing drivers to find their way without taking their eyes off the road,” commented Dan Bartel, Garmin vice president of worldwide sales.
Garmin says its HUD offers more navigation details than other portable head-up displays while presenting them in a simplified way that doesn’t distract the driver. HUD displays current speed, speed limit, turn arrows, distance to the next turn, and estimated time of arrival.
The device also lets drivers know what lane is required for the next maneuver and alerts them when they go over the speed limit. It also automatically adjusts the brightness level in order for projections to be visible in direct sunlight or at night.
Spoken turn-by-turn directions are provided simultaneously by a compatible Garmin or Navigon app, through either the smartphone speaker or a Bluetooth-connected car stereo. Priced from $129.99 (€101), HUD will be available in the U.S. this summer.
By Dan Mihalascu
PHOTO GALLERY
