Head-up displays project vital information at a driver's line of sight. Above, Mercedes-Benz's conceptual Dynamic and Intuitive Control Experience. (Daimler)
Your windshield is about to get a lot more interesting.
Head-up displays, or HUDs, project turn-by-turn directions and other vehicle information onto a windshield or reflector screen, and the technology is quickly making its way into new vehicles.
They pair with GPS hosted either by a car's own system or a driver’s smartphone to display everything from simple directions to blind-spot detection, pedestrian recognition and collision warnings.
The idea behind HUDs is to communicate critical data without diverting the driver's eyes from the road. BMW claims its HUD system allows drivers to process information 50% faster than when it is served up by a dash-mounted multimedia screen.
Though they were pioneered by General Motors in the late 1980s, HUDs were only found in 2% of new cars sold last year, according to industry analysis firm IHS Automotive. But by 2020, IHS expects that percentage to rise to 9% – more than 9m vehicles worldwide. Right now, most HUD technology pick-up comes from luxury brands, but mid-range models and after-market offerings are starting to take off as well.
Garmin recently introduced a portable HUD model that pairs with a smartphone via Bluetooth to display turn-by-turn directions on a small, transparent film on the windshield or reflector attached to the device.
Aside from regular navigation, the unit indicates which lanes allow turns at intersections, if the vehicle has exceeded the speed limit and where traffic cameras are located.
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