Let’s not pretend like we’re going to manage to curb the use of smartphones in the car. We get too many calls and texts, and need the GPS functionality too much to just believe we’ll put them away and not want to use them. The trick is in finding a responsible way to do so, and Navdy seems just about right. It’s a standalone device that sits just above your dashboard and projects a heads-up display (HUD) right onto your field of view. The image is projected on a transparent screen, which makes it look like it’s floating 2 meters in front of you, that way you never have to take your eyes off the road. Navdy lets you see who’s calling, who’s texting, and where you are and where you should be heading. It’s controlled through voice and gesture commands, has its own dedicated applications, and connects to both iOS and Android devices. Texts are read aloud through a text-to-voice function, and can be replied to in a natural manner. If a call comes in, the navigation screen is simply shrunk somewhat, but doesn’t disappear, so you won’t get lost.
All in all, it looks like a solid piece of tech for anyone who doesn’t already have something similar integrated in their car. It’s currently on pre-order for $299, but is expected to shoot up to $499 when it goes full retail. We’re not sure that the $500 price point is really the best place to be given the proposition, but we haven’t come across too many products like this before.
Incidentally, you should totally check out the promotional video below. The actor is giving off some serious Zach Galifianakis vibes.
[ Product Page ]
