Navdy I saw this device on Engadget earlier today. It seems like a relatively cool aftermarket HUD idea, but I have my concerns. I guess I'm not super clear on how it connects to the phone/car, as in whether it uses Bluetooth to connect to both or not, and where the power cable gets passed around. I figured I'd make a thread here to see what people think of the device. Note: I'm not quite sure this was the best sub forum to post it under, mods feel free to move as appropriate.
Their website says it gets it power from the OBD port of your car (as well as some data like speed and miles to empty, etc). It connects to your phone via Bluetooth. It also has an optional 12 V connector for your cigarette lighter if you don't want to connect it to your OBD port. It looks interesting.
Can I watch movies on it? Actually, I can't believe that HUD displays like this aren't standard (safety) equipment in cars already!
Very cool! And that's why you need to stay in school boy's and girl's. There's always something new and ingenious that still needs to be invented.
I'm also considering Navdy, just 13/14 days till their 40% preorder discount is over. It won't display emails with the first iteration. Well ... good. I do not want emails popping up on my windshield view in real time. Other than that, some other concerns. The cord to the OBD is out of focus in all the visuals on Navdy.com except "tech specs" when you scroll down to that (maybe others, but I tried and did not see). Is not all of the info Navdy displays available on your smartphone or via the current Prius screen or audio functions? Finally, I know as a connectivity junkie, when I rely on a feature and have to regress to a less feature filled environment, it takes a second to retrofit my in-brain OS. Cost is exponentially lower than HUD package, and portable so my car when old will (and my last Toyota > 10 years) not be locked into old tech. But it is a cost, so that is where the pros/cons come in. Would not pay $500. Was considering $300. My initial compulsion was to order up. I am reconsidering. HATE the cord. Don't mind getting to my updated communication after I park. Any other things I should consider?
Placement on the dash. It seems like the Fusion dash sits higher than the Prius dash. Actual date of shipping, with any kickstarter you are not guaranteed it will ship on time. And the product is still a beta, it might not look the same when it's finalized, for better or worse. Don't get me wrong, I still want one. At $500 it's a definite no. At $300, still on the fence, but on the no side for now.
Commuter, I think we are on the same page as far as whether it's a good idea. From the video, I was sure placement was in the trunk . I was wondering if the curved dashboard overhang would interfere. You are absolutely correct about paying now for something that will not, if ever, exist until sometime after the new year. If one decides that HUD is necessary, this seems a better option than the costly HUD included package from Toyota (or other carmakers). The hardware portability/switchability is one reason. And apparently, the product is better than what is available at car purchase. I am still leaning "no", but it sure looks cool! Except for the cable to the OBD....
I don't disagree, but the distraction is the text coming in, which is going to come in regardless of what I do. Navdy is simply your interface with the incoming text. In my Prius I have 3 options: 1) The safest but the one the least people do is simply ignore it. 2) Look down at my phone, unlock it, find the texting app, locate the new text and read it then type my response and send it (current fastest method). 3) Use the head unit's Entune features. The text comes into my phone and the head unit displays "New Incoming Text". I then press the phone button, and locate the Messages icon. Then I need to find the text message at the top, open it, and press the tiny icon to have Entune read it to me. Now I can use a preset response, or wait until I'm stopped to type a response with the clunky interface. Much, much slower, even though the read out function is cool. Now, Navdy introduces a new method to deal with the distraction of the text message. The text comes in, is read to me, I reply with my voice and send. I think this minimizes the distraction's effects. It's like Bluetooth receivers being the solution to talking on the phone while driving versus holding the phone in your hand. You're still going to drive, but instead of having one hand on the steering wheel you have two. With Navdy, instead of having both eyes looking down at my phone or head unit they'll be fixed up where other cars are in my field of view.
