Navdy wants to give drivers the ability to focus on their smartphone and the road at the same time.
The new product from the San Francisco based startup is similar to Google Glass, only the mobile technology is designed for car windshields and gives drivers the capability to access information on their smartphones without having to take their eyes off of the road.
The HUD system from Navdy is an aftermarket console combining gesture and voice controls with a projection display.
The head-up display (HUD) system is designed to sit between the windshield and steering wheel and projects a translucent image that appears about 6 feet in front of the windshield. On the transparent display, drivers can view notifications, maps and access music apps from their phone.
The system can connect to the user’s Android phone or iPhone through Bluetooth and data can be shared via WiFi. In addition, the system can be connected with Google Maps, and the navigation that is projected on the windshield will not disappear when the user receives a message or phone call. Instead, the screen splits, allowing both to be seen.
Upon receiving a call, all the driver needs to do to answer is to give thumbs up above the steering wheel. To hang up, they just need to swipe. As for messages, they can be read to the user while they drive. Additionally, the system has been designed to display car alerts once it has been connected to the car’s computer, such as speed, battery-voltage and miles-to-empty. It is compatible with any car that was manufactured as far back as 1996.
The mobile technology enables users to customize their experience.
The Navdy system has parental controls and enables users to choose the type of notifications they receive while driving. For instance, they can choose to only receive social media notifications and texts when the car is stopped or these notifications can be shut off completely.
The co-founder and CTO of Navdy, Karl Guttag, told Mashable that “It’s obvious that touchscreens and nobs and buttons all force you to take your eyes off the road.” He added that “Theres a lot of opportunity to improve that whole experience and make the whole experience safer and more natural and intuitive.”
Therefore, while drivers will not be able to browse Facebook while they drive using this mobile technology, they can receive notifications and stay connected with their smartphones without having to fiddle with their device.
