In a world where smartphones and mobile devices are replacing the way people do everything, it's hard for single-use electronics to keep up. Thanks to Apps like Waze and Google Maps, the GPS navigation system for cars is becoming a thing of the past. In order to keep up, Garmin has announced a new device that could help it compete in the modern electronics market.
The device connects to its StreetPiot and Navigon apps for Android, iOS and Windows Phone 8 over Bluetooth and displays basic navigation information on a HUD (heads up display) that projects right onto a car's windshield.
The HUD tells drivers where to turn, their distance to the next turn, current speed as well as local speed limit. It can also alert them to traffic backups and other delays. Since it simply uses Garmin's application mapping information it doesn't need to redo any mapping software and can simply continue to boast its record from previous products. Garmin currently claims the gadget offers up more navigation details than any competing heads-up display.
The Garmin HUD will go on sale for $129.99. While the display being projected on to the driver's windshield is a neat trick, it forces users to sacrifice things like detailed mapping display as well as a points of interest option. However, many could argue that the bare-bones display is a good thing as it minimizes the GPS' impact on driver's field of vision and keeps them focused on the road rather than a map.
With Apple and Google offering free turn-by-turn navigation applications to users, Garmin's best foot forward is a device that works in tandem with people's smartphones rather than a dedicated navigation system. This will allow them to stay competitive with convenience while still being able to sell hardware to consumers.
What do you think? Does a heads-up display for your car's windshield appeal to you? Tell us below.
