Satellite navigation giant Garmin has launched its first Head-up Display (HUD) unit which will enable motorists to display traffic directions on the windscreen of their car.
A new way of viewing in-car navigation, this clever bit of kit aims to help make the driving experience safer by displaying the map and direction graphics directly in the driver’s line of sight.
There is no compromise in functions from the current portable device: lane guidance, speed limit warnings, real-time traffic and turn-by-turn navigation is all available.
The system involves a transparent film fitted to the windscreen, or alternatively the map can be projected via a reflector lens. Brightness levels are automatically adjusted meaning it can be used night or day and voice prompts can be set up through your smartphone’s speaker or car stereo.
Similar head-up display systems are already available as a factory-fitted feature in some cars such as the Audi S6 performance saloon or the Peugeot 3008 compact people carrier, but it is usually only available as an option at extra cost or on the top trim levels only. Garmin’s gadget makes the display an option for practically any car — at a far more affordable price.
Garmin has said that its HUD will cost around £86 when it went on sale, while regional maps for the associated Garmin app will all cost you approximately £20 each.
On sale later in the summer, you’ll need to download the Garmin StreetPilot or NAVIGON app to be able to use the display and it is available for iPhones, Android and Windows Phone 8 handsets via Bluetooth.
