After a quarter of a century, head-up displays might actually be catching on in cars.
At least CNET acknowledges a trend in more cars offering the systems that first saw the light of day in the 1988 (!) Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme, as an adaptation of aviation technology. While the system later trended towards high-end luxury and sports cars as more of an electronics gimmick, head-up displays are filtering back down to the mainstream part of the market as a way to fight driver distraction.
Modern head-up displays that feature speed, navigation directions and vital vehicle information are actually somewhat compelling if not bundled in expensive option packages, as a work around for complicated infotainment controls at a time we’re increasingly concerned with our electronics while driving.
But more interesting is the system startup Navdy is working on as an aftermarket accessory. It’s a pretty comprehensive display that looks well-engineered, and even includes gesture controls for infotainment and smartphone functions that’ll make you look really strange behind the wheel. But I guess you’re slightly less distracted, right?
For the first time in 25 years, head-up displays might actually be relevant to new cars instead of a bragging right. And you even might be considering one to add to your existing car.