Garmin Announces "Head-Up Display", A Windshield Projector

GPS-maker, Garmin, is coming out with a new device that promises to be a one-of-a-kind. It's called Head-Up Display or simply HUD which connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth. The device requires the Garmin StreetPilot or NAVIGON app to work. An interesting concept! Here is the complete scoop (picture included)…

Being called their "first portable head-up display for smartphone navigation apps", HUD is basically a projector that comes included with a transparent film that needs to be attached to the windshield and a reflector lens which can also be used to display projected information.

From the lone picture available from Garmin at this point, the device looks like a palm-pilot of the years gone by. The projected information looks minimalistic. Turn-by-turn directions are provided from the respective navigation app used on the smartphone. The device works with iPhone, Android and Windows Phone 8.

When it comes to safety while driving, Garmin suggests "HUD redefines the navigation experience by allowing drivers to find their way without taking their eyes off the road" and "HUD can help increase safety and reduce driver distraction".

HUD displays turn indicators, distance to the next turn, current speed, speed limit and the ETA. The display looks easy to read and is supposedly self-adjusting to brightness depending on the time of day or night.

HUD is going to be priced at $129.99. Add to this the price of maps for the respective app which start at $29.99. The device is not available for purchase yet but is expected to go on sale later this summer.

You can read the rest of the news release on Garmin's Blog.

Source: Garmin