Navdy offers car owners its heads-up display technology which will allow you to take calls, message, view directions and notifications while driving
Navdy, as US-based startup is planning to give your car windshield a makeover. After tasting success in implementing its heads-up display (HUD) technology in luxury vehicles made by Cadillac, Mercedes-Benz and BMW, this startup is looking to move its product for customers. The visual projection technology will alert the driver of the car speed, raise obstacle alarms and it can also be connected to your phone to receive calls or messages.
Techcrunch.com says, “Navdy has raised a $6.5 million seed funding for its connected car tech, which focuses on the heads-up display it created.” The USP of Navdy’s HUD is that the text or instructions will appear on the transparent windshield which will look like it is floating in the air. Drivers can also reply and respond to texts and calls with a hand gesture instead of touching a screen or turning a dial. It also has a voice recognition feature where you can ask the device to compose messages, tweets or call someone using voice commands.
Voice controls such as Apple’s Siri or Google Now will be compatible, claims Navdy CEO and co-founder Doug Simpson. It currently works on the iOS and Android platform. Notifications from various social networking sites and apps will also be displayed. Navigation and calls will be displayed side by side on mirror screens. This will help you keep track of your route and take calls while driving. The device has 5.1 inch wide transparent HUD, high quality projector, infrared camera which enables hand gesture control, accelerometer, e-compass and internal speaker connected to a microphone. It is also WiFi and Bluetooth-enabled. The startup initially raised around $2.4 million worth of devices from consumers to test initial demand in October last year. When it first came into the market, the product was priced at $299. But the company is planning to hike the price to $499. Shipments have already started says Navdy.com. “Currently Navdy is only offered in English and will not be localised for international orders. We will ship Navdy to anywhere in the world, but orders outside the US are subject to an additional $10 shipping fee,” says Doug.
The startup initially raised around $2.4 million worth of devices from consumers to test initial demand in October last year. When it first came into the market, the product was priced at $299. But the company is planning to hike the price to $499.
kaviya@newindianexpress.com