HUD
Latest
Hands-on with Garmin's windshield HUD prototype
We've tracked Garmin's K2 since last year at CES and this year sees a HUD concept introduced into its navigation mix. In our conversation with Garmin, it seems that in large part this year's focus is on following NHTSA driver distraction guidelines. Interaction with the HUD is very simple as there are only three buttons on the steering column: a scroll wheel which is mounted in capacitive housing, a back button and a menu button. Each level of the menu is well thought out, and only requires a roll of the finger to get in or a tap of a button to hop back out of. Colors, fonts and general layout have all been chosen to work well in brightly lit, snow, dark and most other conditions you find yourself in while out driving making the task of peeking down at the HUD quick and simple. Of course, we've seen many similar setups, but Garmin's infotainment-focused offering adds a dimension of useful and quick interaction to the system that makes it much more compelling than a simple read out of speed, direction and time. We look forward to see this hit retail but in the meantime give the video a once over if you want to see s bit more.
Garmin shows off HUD concept that brings infotainment to your windshield
Garmin's been on a real heads-up display kick as of late. Back in September, the company showed off a bit of dash-mounted hardware for $150 a pop. Now the navigation giant's looking, ahem, ahead a bit, with a concept targeted specifically toward automakers -- meaning that you likely won't be installing this on your own car after purchase. Instead, the system works with with a proximity sensor and buttons built into a steering wheel, letting you activate routes, check traffic info, change stations or start a call, all without having to take your eyes off the road in front of you.
Epson introduces new Moverio glasses with head-motion tracking and camera
Everybody knows about those other smart glasses, but they're certainly not the only ones making a big fuss these days. Epson has been working on a similar product called the Moverio BT-100, for the last few years, and it's ready to show off the next iteration of its signature wearable at CES. This one, the BT-200, will retail for the same $700 price point as the original, and comes with Android 4.0 support and a few new features and capabilities: Bluetooth 3.0 support, head-motion tracking aided by sensors and Dolby Digital Plus for surround sound are among the new options. Also, there's a front-facing camera with image and video capture, but bystanders won't need to worry about asking you if you're filming them -- an LED lights up on the lower left corner anytime you're trying to capture precious moments. But how does it look inside the glasses? Thanks to a pair of tiny transparent displays built into the glasses, you can view movies, play games, do augmented reality and conduct other tasks while walking around, talking to other people or any other normal activity. It comes with an Android device attached that doesn't actually feature a touchscreen; rather, it acts like a mouse of sorts, mimicking your movements on the display and letting you drag the cursor around to wherever you want. It also features wireless mirroring, so other people can watch you fall flat on your virtual face on a HDTV. Sound good to you? Check out our full gallery of images and save up $700 before March. Mat Smith contributed to this report.
Time Machines: NASA goes virtual at CES
Welcome to Time Machines, where we offer up a selection of mechanical oddities, milestone gadgets and unique inventions to test out your tech-history skills. In the weeks leading up to the biggest gadget show on Earth, we'll be offering a special look at relics from CES' past. Our willingness to trade biomass for bits has flourished lately, and nascent virtual reality devices like the Oculus Rift owe at least some of the credit to NASA reasearch and its desire to delve into digital representations of reality. Head past the break for more of the story.
Nissan to join the wearable HUD wave, teases its entrance with trippy trailer (video)
With its next venture into the gadget world, Nissan wants to get on your face. Ahead of the Tokyo auto show, the automaker has released a David Fincher-esque teaser video for its head-mounted HUD, the 3E. Given how its smartwatch is specifically tailored for race car drivers -- displaying vehicle performance analysis, the driver's vital signs and social media presence -- we don't expect much different from this wearable. In theory, this could be a cheaper way to implement heads up displays that are better at keeping you in tune with your ride than traditional dashboard systems. Worried you won't find this gizmo on the the auto show's floor? We're betting it won't be too far away from the equally futuristic Batmobile knock-off.
Eyes-on with HeadsUP, a smartphone-powered HUD for your car
Think of it as a smartwatch, but for people who need to keep their eyes on the road. HeadsUP, one of 10 semi-finalists for Engadget's Insert Coin competition, is a heads-up display for your car, allowing you to see notifications on your dashboard. Unlike other HUDs, though, the screen is powered by an Android device, allowing you to bring these kinds of notifications to a car that doesn't already have a fancy display built in. Once you download the app, you can customize which apps show notifications on your windshield. So, there's a good deal of opportunity for customization, but the company's founders hope to make it so that you can't open apps that will distract you while driving. So, you're looking at Facebook and Twitter notifications, for instance, but not the actual apps; email notifications, but without the ability to read the whole message. Other approved apps include Google Maps (naturally), a dialer, Google voice dictation and the ability to see who's calling. Ultimately, the hardware will look quite different than what we're showing in the photos below, so bear with us and use your imaginations a bit. Though the screen you see up there is transparent (at least somewhat), the final version will be more truly see-through, and will stand up even better against harsh lighting. In fact, Arnab Raychaudhuri, the company's founder, says he expects to use the sort of transparent OLED display that Samsung has already been showing off for several years now (check out the link there for an idea of what you an expect). As for battery life, the display plugs into your car's cigarette lighter, so you won't have to worry about it going dead.
Insert Coin semifinalist: HeadsUP is a smartphone-powered HUD for your car
HeadsUP is in the extremely early prototype stage, but that hasn't stopped us from falling in love with the concept. Unlike many other heads up displays for cars, this one can be added to any vehicle and relies on your phone to power it. So there's no worry about the technology becoming hopelessly outdated. It displays the UI from your Android phone (or tablet, we suppose) on a transparent overlay on your windshield, allowing you to check your notifications or get directions while keeping your eyes glued to the road. And, rather than have to worry about taking your hands off the wheel to tap tiny navigation icons, you can simply wave your fingers at it to control the UI through gestures. Or, you can just talk to it the way you normally would using Google Now or S Voice. You can see all of the Insert Coin semifinalists here.
Mini Cooper hardtop gets parking assistance and collision warning systems
It feels like the last time we thought about the Mini Cooper, it was pulling bank jobs with Mark Wahlberg. Since then, the diminutive coupe has apparently outgrown its rebellious phase and is now thinking about more mature notions, like safety. At next month's LA Auto Show, the 2014 hardtop will debut a new collision warning system that employs cameras -- instead of the feature's typical sonar tech -- for accident sensing, a video-based adaptive cruise control system and even auto-dimming headlamps. Nothing exactly new for automobiles, but definitely shiny features for the Mini line. For full details on these as well as the new assisted parking system, HUD and more, make sure to hit the PR after the break. Now if you'll excuse us, we're going to shut down the real Napster.
Optinvent Ora AR glasses boasts 'Flip-Vu' dual position display, aims to take on Google (hands-on)
While Google Glass might be the darling of the augmented reality wearable market, other companies like Vuzix and Epson have had skin in the game for much longer than the folks in Mountain View. One such firm to have caught the AR bug early is Optinvent, which debuted an early version of its ClearVu head-mounted display way back in 2009. Fast forward to 2013, and Optinvent is ready to move on to the final production stage of what it's now calling the Ora, which it hopes will give Google Glass a run for its money, not just with superior optics but a softer blow to the wallet as well. We had a chance to sit down with CEO Kayvan Mirza at the Glazed conference in San Francisco, where we learned more about the Ora and had a chance to try it on ourselves. One of the first things Mirza told us was that the Ora offers "true AR," which overlays the entire display in front of your eyes much like a heads-up display unit. This is unlike Glass, which he says offers more of a "companion display" where you have to look up to view it. Don't be concerned about the Ora completely blocking your sight however, as it has a very unique feature we've yet to see in wearable optics. It's called Flip-Vu, and it lets you pivot the display downward into what's called dashboard or glance mode so that it's now more of a companion display rather than one that dominates your entire field of vision (You can see a demo video of this after the break). Mirza says glancing downward is a much more natural position than looking up, as we tend to look down at our phones and other devices anyway.
Captain's Log: More Star Trek Online help for the new player
The news is out! Lobi are now accessible account-wide! They're no longer bound to a single character! While I would love to be able to write an entire column about how happy the change has made me, I won't make our readers endure it, but it sure was a fun way to start off this week's Captain's Log. The good news for some is that this week's column will be dedicated to the brand new players of Star Trek Online. This decision was triggered by an email I received from a reader who wanted to know how he could change his character's outfit without having to go to the tailor all the time. He was a very new player and was embarrassed to ask anyone else, and trusted I wouldn't make him feel a fool. It was then I realized that there are lots of little things in Star Trek Online that aren't obvious to new players. While many of those things are second nature to me now, I recall with bitter clarity what it was like to be so new that asking a stranger for help was akin to playing Russian roulette. So join me past the break as I touch on what all those tiny little icons on the HUD mean.
Garmin's smartphone-compatible HUD makes an appearance at IFA 2013, we go eyes-on
The connected car concept has gained plenty of traction, but not everyone can afford an Audi or BMW to get that functionality built in. Deutsche Telekom's hoping to bring a taste of that luxury to the masses by pairing its Navigon Telekom Edition app with Garmin's heads-up display. This version of the app, available exclusively for German customers, brings heads-up directions, speed limit and other important stats to the HUD, provided it's connected to your smartphone via Bluetooth. Garmin's dash-mounted hardware is already available stateside for $150, but it's up for grabs here at IFA for €149. We go eyes-on in the gallery below. Zach Honig contributed to this report. Follow all of our IFA 2013 coverage by heading to our event hub!
Testing the Garmin Heads Up Display (HUD) for navigation
Garmin is just beginning to ship the company's first HUD (heads-up display) unit for in-car use with Garmin and Navigon apps. The U.S. $129.99 device (sale pricing for the summer) sits on your dash, and can project navigation information on your windshield using a supplied transparent film or a built-in reflector. DESIGN The unit plugs into a 12-volt supply in your car with an included cable and then connects to your iPhone via Bluetooth. The HUD notifies the driver of upcoming turns with an arrow in the appropriate direction and the distance until the turn. It also gives you your estimated time of arrival at your destination, along with your current speed. It also notes the speed limit for the road you are on if that data is in the Garmin or Navigon databases. (Most public roads are.) Turn by turn spoken directions come through your phone speaker. The hardware does nothing on its own, so if you don't already have the Garmin Street Pilot or Navigon apps, you'll need to include those in the projected cost. %Gallery-195858% FUNCTIONALITY I gave the Garmin HUD a lengthy test today. Pairing the unit with my iPhone was quick and easy. After the link was successful, I received a message that there was a firmware update needed. I downloaded that through the Navigon app I was using. On a 4G connection, it took less than a minute. Then I was off. I selected a destination, and the navigation information was instantly posted to the HUD. I was afraid the display would be dim in the bright Arizona sunlight, but the display was easily visible. In the gallery below, you'll see 2 sample photos of the display that I took when the sky was bright. The HUD also has automatic brightness control so it won't blind you at night. It was a pleasure driving with the Garmin HUD. Even with my car navigation system, I am always taking my eyes off the road. With the HUD, I can keep my attention on the road, even though my eyes need to refocus on the HUD screen. I only saw one glitch with the unit; when I was driving on a road where Navigon did not know the local speed limit, the estimated speed I was driving was about double the real thing. I did not see this error when the HUD was displaying the speed limit and my current speed. This should be an easy fix, but you have to wonder how the error slipped through quality control. I wasn't wild about the power cable hanging from my dash, but I understand the HUD has power requirements that would make battery operation impractical. I didn't try the stick-on film (knowing I would have to pull it off to return the sample unit), but the add-on reflector lens worked great. It also means the HUD is great for travel, because it can be placed on the dashboard of any rental car. The HUD unit has a sticky bottom, and even during some aggressive turning on winding roads I never saw the HUD move. I didn't expect to like the Garmin HUD, but I really did. After I got used to it, driving without the HUD felt a bit naked and unsafe. PROS Easy to install and pair Easy to upgrade firmware Integrates perfectly with Garmin and Navigon apps Bright display even in lots of sunlight Should provide additional safety factor to keep your eyes on the road Can easily be moved from car to car using reflector lens CONS Power cord hangs from dash Speed not always reported correctly -- firmware bug Pricey (It's on sale this summer for $129.99 but will then go up to $149.99)
Garmin announces a portable heads-up display for StreetPilot and Navigon apps
Garmin is bringing something new to smartphone navigation in cars. Today, the company announced the late summer availability of a portable heads-up display (HUD) for iPhones running the Garmin StreetPilot app or a Navigon app. The unit will retail for US$129.99. "HUD redefines the navigation experience by allowing drivers to find their way without taking their eyes off the road," said Dan Bartel, Garmin vice president of worldwide sales. "Head-up displays currently have their place in select high-end cars, but HUD makes this technology available as an aftermarket accessory for any vehicle, at an affordable price." The unit, designed to sit on your dashboard, will provide turn-by-turn navigation, plus distance to the next turn, current speed, speed limit and estimated time of arrival. It even lets drivers know what lane to be in for the next maneuver and alerts them when they exceed the speed limit. HUD also warns users of potential traffic delays and upcoming safety camera locations if that is a feature of the navigation software you are using. The display automatically adjusts the brightness level so the image is visible in direct sunlight or at night. Hooking up the unit requires power from your car, and the HUD has a USB port so your iPhone can be plugged in and charged from the device itself. Garmin will ship the unit with a transparent film for the windshield or a reflector lens. The film pasted on your windshield could give a purchaser pause, plus setting it all up will make for a tangle of cables at the top of the dashboard. Given the always-on nature of the display, battery operation is probably not an option. The Garmin HUD is an interesting idea as an after-market device. Heads-up displays are increasingly popular as built-in features of some of the latest cars. We'll have a review unit shortly and will let you know how it works.
Garmin's $130 smartphone HUD limits distractions with line-of-sight directions
We've become so dependent on GPS that a three-minute drive often means frequent glances at an in-car navigation companion. But taking your eyes off the road can be very dangerous, even if it's only for a moment. If you're fortunate enough to have one, a head-up display will let you get to your destination efficiently and safely, and Garmin's got a new aftermarket solution to keep you cruising on the cheap. The company's new HUD projects bright directions onto a transparent film mounted on your windshield, serving up guidance within your regular line of sight. The simple interface displays your current speed and the speed limit, turn arrows, the distance until your next turn and an ETA. The Garmin HUD is compatible with Bluetooth-equipped smartphones running Garmin StreetPilot and Navigon apps. It's expected in stores this summer with a MSRP of $129.99.
Recon Jet HUD now available for pre-order in $499 Pilot Edition
Want to embrace Recon Instruments' sunglasses-based vision of the future before it officially reaches store shelves? You can: the company has just started pre-orders for its Jet heads-up display in a $499 Pilot Edition. The inaugural eyewear will come with apps for both cyclists and triathletes, and it should beat the production model to market by several months. There's even a financial incentive for that impatience, as the pricing goes up to $599 on July 21st. If you don't mind a potentially rough experience while tracking your mid-race performance, the Pilot Edition is waiting at the source link.
Recon Instruments reveals Recon Jet, a sports HUD so bright it needs shades (video)
We know Glass comes with some snap-on shades, which is no doubt great when casually vlogging in the sun. If you're heading down a mountain, though, you're going to need something a little more like Recon Jet. You may know Recon Instruments from its line of technolicious HUD ski goggles, but Jet sees the firm leap into more casual (yet no less useful) eyewear. Inside you'll find a dual-core processor, WiFi, GPS, Ant+, Bluetooth and an HD camera, plus all the sensors you could want (altimeter, thermometer, accelerometer etc). Recon Jet comes with its own open platform (which typically has been based on Android), and will have some existing native apps (video streaming, Facebook integration, etc.) on display at Google I/O this week. Comparison with Mountain View's own product will be inevitable, but we're guessing that Recon hopes you'll leave Glass on your desk, while popping Jet on for the weekend.
Lamborghini Egoista Concept centers entirely on its very fortunate driver (video)
Many automakers talk of building driver-focused machines; for its 50th birthday, Lamborghini is taking that idea to its logical extreme through the Egoista Concept. The commemorative supercar centers on a cabin that only allows room for the driver and a bare minimum of instruments, eliminating pesky distractions such as passengers and stereos. Lamborghini isn't exaggerating when it likens the interior to a jet fighter's cockpit -- the pilot gets a heads-up display as a matter of course, and has to climb over the car body just to crawl inside. We'd certainly like to give the narrow-purpose vehicle a spin when there's a 600HP, 5.2-liter V10 involved, although that's sadly unlikely. As hinted by the self-centered name, the Egoista Concept is built to let the company toot its own horn, and won't be sold -- anyone who gets a test drive will be part of a very exclusive (and likely ecstatic) club, as you might gather from the video after the break. We'll just have to make do with an Aventador, then.
Pioneer's Cyber Navi units crowdsource traffic photos, watch for crosswalks (video)
Pioneer's nicer Cyber Navi GPS units already revolve heavily around cameras that dish out augmented reality. That clearly wasn't enough for the company, though, as its new tilt-screen AVIC-VH0009 and fixed-screen AVIC-ZH0009 models wring even more value out of that front sensor. Their new Smart Loop feature automatically snaps photos at traffic hotspots that it shares with fellow drivers, giving them a crowdsourced glimpse of any trouble that lies ahead. Other upgrades don't depend quite so much on collective wisdom, however. The AR Scouter Mode is now smart enough to spot upcoming crosswalks, and the voice search lets drivers freely speak keywords rather than follow a strict syntax. Pioneer isn't divulging pricing ahead of the Cyber Navis' June release, but their Japan-focused location services hint that we won't see either navigator reach the US anytime soon. We can at least live vicariously through the (very detailed) video after the break.
Harman preps in-car infotainment with Android, shows concept with gestures and HUD
Harman often works behind the scenes to supply the infotainment systems for the cars we know. This year, it's hoping to catch more of the limelight by putting mobile front and center. Its high-end car system for 2013 runs a unique virtualized platform that keeps vital car functions running on QNX, with an Android-based interface on top: drivers will have access to Android's usual app suite as well as an automaker-run app store. While exacting details aren't available, Harman does promise integration with mobile devices (including Apple's Siri and Google Voice Search) as well as an interface that expands the touch target when fingers get close. If that's not sufficiently future-forward, the company also has a potentially distraction-free infotainment concept waiting in the wings. While the prototype isn't quite groundbreaking in carrying a heads-up display with augmented reality information, it builds in a pair of gesture control sensors as well; drivers won't have to take their eyes off the road, or their hands off the wheel, just to decline a call. Harman is likewise promising LTE data and a possible smart grid tie-in that shows messages only when the car is stopped at a red light. Any adoption of the infotainment updates will depend on car manufacturers lining up at an unspecified point in the future, but those who can't wait can learn more (including word of a third, basic system) after the break.
Texas Instruments reveals plans for DLP and OMAP-powered automotive infotainment and HUD systems
Texas Instruments has already shown off some new DLP technology here at CES, shrinking it down and shoving it into phones packed with pico projectors. It's not done, however, as TI has plans to put DLP into next-gen car infotainment and HUD systems. Why the shift into automotive? Well, TI already makes infrared cameras, sensors and other components for cars, and because infotainment systems are becoming de rigeur, DLP based systems are the next logical move for the company. TI thinks DLP is a perfect fit for cars because it delivers higher brightness, wider field of view and better color reproduction than competing display technologies, and it can be used in curved displays. Plus, DLP-based HUD displays can be optimally positioned and changed in size on the fly based on drivers seating positions. To power those systems, TI has also announced a new OMAP 5 chip codenamed Jacinto 6 tailor made for automotive applications. It's got two Cortex A15 cores, two Cortex M4 cores and PowerVR SGX-544 graphics to provide ample computing power and electrical efficiency. We won't be seeing DLP in-dash systems in showrooms anytime soon -- Jacinto 6 won't go into production until 2014 -- but TI has brought a few concept systems to CES, and you can see one of them in a demo video after the break. Oh, and we'll be bringing you an in-person look at TI's wares from the show floor later this week, so stay tuned. Follow all the latest CES 2013 news at our event hub.
