The smartphone-linked Navdy device gives drivers a heads-up display. (Image: Navdy)
Do you spend a lot of time driving for business, but don’t like the thought of constantly looking at your smartphone as you try to stay in touch on the road? A new device makes it possible to handle communications and directions while you continue staring straight ahead at the road.
The new Navdy calls itself “the world’s first augmented driving device.” It links up with iOS and Android smartphones and projects information onto a small transparent screen that sits directly in front of the driver.
“Navdy lets you make and receive calls, listen to messages, control music, receive calendar reminders and stay connected to the apps on your phone,” the company said. “Navdy also connects to your car with Navdy Dash to show your speed, RPM and automatically recommend nearby gas stations when your fuel level is low.”
This video gives you an idea of how it works:
The Navdy device is fully portable, using a magnetic mounting system, and comes with a small dial that lets drivers scroll, zoom and navigate menus, and access Siri and Google Now. Drivers also have the option of using hand gestures to accept a call or message. Its navigation system is based on Google Maps, and directions are projected as a transparent image in front of the driver. “With its own high precision GPS chip and local storage of maps drivers don’t have to worry about losing navigation if they are out of network coverage,” the company noted.
The product is currently priced from $71 a month, or $799 as a one-time purchase with no monthly fees. If you don’t like it, you can return the unit within 30 days for a refund. For details, go to www.navdy.com.
The company said it will offer free same-day delivery at setup service for customers in the San Francisco Bay area, Los Angeles, Chicago, Manhattan, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta and Miami.
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I’m not sure, but I will ask. Based on the noise created by this post, we might be doing more with Navdy. Stay tuned.
I remember seeing this a few months ago. I think some MIT folks are involved.
I assume in California, this needs to be mounted in either lower corner of the windshield? Many visitors and Californians are unfamiliar with this requirement, as I see many GPS’s mounted either in the center of the dash or right in front of the steering wheel.
I did, yes.
You can return the unit within 30 days if not satisfied. Did you?
I preordered and received this device. While it is very nice, the software is definitely in its early stages. You can’t use Google Maps or Waze, you have to use whatever map software that’s in the app.
The glass heads-up portion of the device is a bit annoying to adjust to your correct eye level and if you’re like me and you hide it out of sight to deter theft, having to readjust it all the time is cumbersome and potentially time consuming.
It also utilizes the OBD2 port only–no option for use with another power source if all you want is just maps & notifications.
And HOLY CRAP that thing is $799??? I did the whole crowdfunding for $299.
more ways to drive distracted it seems