A new device that will let you see only what is needed from your smartphone on a heads up display, called the Navdy, was announced today. It combines a clear projector screen with voice and gesture controls to create what they call a safer, intuitive connected driving experience.
The driver sees essential information from a smartphone through the display that projects through the windshield (HUD Heads Up Display). A camera sensor allows the driver to use gestures to navigate, communicate or control music. Navdy is available for pre-order right now on for $299.99 with a release date expected in 2015.
Navdy claims that built-in consoles like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are just bigger touchscreens that do nothing to solve the problem.
Navdy is being built from the ground up to be the safest and most intuitive way to make calls, use navigation, listen to music or access notifications without ever looking away from the road.”
Navdy has developed its own simplified app interface with consistent fonts and sizes so that navigation will not disappear when a call comes in and a split screen is shown.
On the windshield, a bright transparent image seems to float six feet in front, allowing the driver keep eyes on the road while simultaneously seeing navigation instructions or incoming phone calls. The image light is dimmed and stabilized. It works with smartphones with iPhone (iOS 7+) and Android (4.3+).
Navdy has devised both voice and gesture controls to navigate menus and listen to commands and text message responses. Swipe left to answer a call, or right to dismiss an untimely notification. Voice commands such “compose new tweet”, “write new text” or “call mom” work with Google Voice or Siri.
Navdy mounts on most car dashboards and connects to the OBD II port. Navdy works with Google Maps, Spotify, Pandora, or Google Music. Navdy reads or displays text messages or social media updates and has parental controls.
After Navdy has been paired over Bluetooth for the first time, it can share data with the smartphone over Wi-Fi.
Navdy is available for pre-order for 30 days at the introductory price of $299, at 40% discount from its projected retail price of $499. Backers will give feedback and offer suggestions.
Navdy is expected to ship in early 2015.
Specs include, 5.1″ wide transparent Head-Up Display (HUD), projector, IR camera for touchless gesture control, accelerometer, e-compass, ambient light sensor,WiFi (802.11 b/g/n), Bluetooth 4.0/L connections to 3.5mm minijack/mini-USB port, internal speaker and microphone with noise canceling DSP, dual core processor running Android 4.4, OBDII connector and friction mount.