A heads-up display is a feature found on some newer and some higher-end cars, however thanks to Garmin, that same feature can now be added to any vehicle. This functionality will be arriving as the Garmin HUD and it will work with the Navigon (or Garmin StreetPilot) navigation apps. While not yet shipping, the Garmin HUD has been priced and is expected to begin shipping later in the summer.
The Garmin HUD works over Bluetooth which means that in addition to Android, it will also be compatible with other smartphones including the iPhone and Windows Phone. The unit is said to be “easy to set up” and will offer users the option to choose between having the information displayed on a transparent film on the windshield or the included reflector that attaches directly to the HUD.
The Garmin HUD also has a USB port that will allow you to keep your smartphone charged while in the car. The unit also ships with a cable to do just that. By way of the supported apps, the HUD will display information including lane guidance, speed limit warnings, real-time traffic and more. The unit will also allow for audible turn-by-turn directions by way of the smartphone speaker or the car speakers.
Additionally, any music that is being streamed to the car stereo will fade out when the voice guidance comes in. The unit will also continue to display navigation details during any incoming calls. That said, the Garmin HUD is priced at $129.99 and the Garmin website has a “processing time” of 5-8 weeks at this time. But again, officially Garmin has said it will be available sometime this summer.
Bottom line here, the Garmin HUD is a heads-up device that should help users keep their eyes on the road, or at the very least — looking forward towards the road.
SOURCE: Garmin
There’s another navigation app that does this called Navier.