Heads Up Displays
When traveling, it is common to use one's phone as a GPS. However, what happens when the phone slides of the drivers lap? The simplest solution is to get a phone mount, but the driver still has to take their eyes off the road every time they check the map. The same is true when a standard GPS is used.
A heads up display enables the driver to check their GPS (and more depending on the type they use) while still looking at the road. The directions and other information are projected directly on the windshield. The projection is transparent, and looks like an overlay that allows the driver to fully see the road.
For cars there are a few options for a heads up display or HUD. The first type is like a phone mount with a reflector. This product is inexpensive, starting at $16. However this often requires an app that correctly projects the maps so that the driver can properly view the information. The height of the driver is also a factor that influences readability. This is because the information is being projected on an additional surface (not the car windshield). The reflector can be adjusted to a degree, but the mount could potentially limit the optimal angles at which the driver can see the information. However, a HUD film eliminates this problem because it can be applied directly to the car windshield.
Another HUD for cars projects directly on to the windshield. This device plugs into the car and projects the cars current speed in both Kilometers per hour and/ or Miles per hour. The lowest price these have sold for is about $50.
This next product has it's own applications and uses a wireless connection to your phone. I think Adam from Navdy does a great job describing the benefits and features of their product. This device has a GPS, uses hand gesture controls, and can connect to your car, even notifying the driver when the car is low on gas. The HUD Navdy display costs about $500.
There is also a HUD for motorcycles. Nuvez sells the most expensive, and best reviewed, on amazon, HUD add-on for a motorcycle helmet. This device costs about $700. The device is attached to the helmet with a circular controller for the handle of a motorcycle. This device connects to your phone to project the directions onto a corner of the helmet's visor. The attachment also has a built in camera and can record audio. If the driver turns their head the bulkiness of the attachment can cause the helmet to strain your neck a little. The wind does interfere some with the audio quality. Over all it is a good product for an innovator.
The next and last product I want to talk about is the CrossHelmet project. They have raised #344,336 and have 346 backers. Their goal was to create a comfortable, aerodynamic smart helmet. This product includes a HUD with GPS, weather, and time; a rear-view camera, Bluetooth; cross sound control; touch gestures, and safe led for night driving.
This is in it's proto-type phase and is only available to per-order for $1,600 on the CrossHelmet website http://www.crosshelmet.com/. You can find them on kick starter at
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