Look! Garmin HUD displays data on your car's windshield

Garmin announced a heads-up display that works with a Bluetooth-connected smartphone

Car-tech fans are going to see more HUDs in the future, and we're not talking Paul Newman movies or federal agencies. HUD is short for heads-up or head-up display, a device that projects information onto the windshield of a car.

The Garmin HUD.
The Garmin HUD.

HUD use in cars is poised to increase

A smattering of mostly high-end cars feature integrated HUD, but IHS Automotive predicts that its adoption will increase from two per cent of automobiles in 2012 to nine percent by 2020. Third-party options are less common. Pioneer just announced an HUD that's currently available just in Japan, but it costs US$3400. Garmin announced its own third-party version earlier this week. Called "HUD", it has a much more digestible list price of US$130.

Garmin's HUD is a display device that obtains data through your Bluetooth-connected smartphone (with data plan, of course). It can project navigation and traffic data onto its own reflector lens, or onto a transparent film that you stick to your windshield. The package includes both choices.

According to Garmin, the display can adjust its brightness automatically to remain visible in varying light conditions, an issue with some HUDs.

The connected smartphone needs to be running Garmin's StreetPilot app for iPhone or its Navigon app for Android, iPhone, and Windows Phone 8. The apps cost extra, starting at US$30 for a regional version of Navigon.

Driver distraction is a fact of life these days, as cars are increasingly seen as yet another mobile device needing access to real-time information. HUDs are theoretically a less distracting option than integrated or third-party displays located in the center dashboard area, though they're still taking at least a little attention away from the immediate task of driving. Garmin's HUD offers an inexpensive way to upgrade an older car to this new technology. As with any in-car display, use it carefully.

Join the newsletter!

Or

Sign up to gain exclusive access to email subscriptions, event invitations, competitions, giveaways, and much more.

Membership is free, and your security and privacy remain protected. View our privacy policy before signing up.

Error: Please check your email address.

Tags industry verticalscarsgarminCar TechAutomotive

Keep up with the latest tech news, reviews and previews by subscribing to the Good Gear Guide newsletter.
Melissa Riofrio

Melissa Riofrio

TechHive (US)
Show Comments

Most Popular Reviews

Latest Articles

Resources

PCW Evaluation Team

Cate Bacon

Aruba Instant On AP11D

The strength of the Aruba Instant On AP11D is that the design and feature set support the modern, flexible, and mobile way of working.

Dr Prabigya Shiwakoti

Aruba Instant On AP11D

Aruba backs the AP11D up with a two-year warranty and 24/7 phone support.

Tom Pope

Dynabook Portégé X30L-G

Ultimately this laptop has achieved everything I would hope for in a laptop for work, while fitting that into a form factor and weight that is remarkable.

Tom Sellers

MSI P65

This smart laptop was enjoyable to use and great to work on – creating content was super simple.

Lolita Wang

MSI GT76

It really doesn’t get more “gaming laptop” than this.

Featured Content

Product Launch Showcase

Don’t have an account? Sign up here

Don't have an account? Sign up now

Forgot password?