Garmin HUD-Bright Ming launches a navigation device projecting to the windshield of the car, introducing new navigation methods

For many motorists, smart devices are already pretty good as navigational tools. But some countries are not allowed to use smartphones while driving, and if there is no such thing as a smart dashboard at the moment ...

Today, Garmin released a product that works with its streetpilot and Navigon smartphone navigation applications: HUD, introducing a new way of navigating.

HUD is a shorthand for head-up display, which can be projected into the driver's field of vision, and can be projected onto a transparent film attached to the windshield of the car, or on the reflective lenses of a HUD device instrument. Of course, the film and reflective lenses are included in the device.

Garmin points out that HUD automatically adjusts the brightness of the projection, so that the display can remain clear both at night and in direct sunlight. The device is powered by a 12V charge data cable, and the built-in USB interface can also charge the smartphone.

So how do mobile phones and HUD work together? HUD data comes from Garmin navigation applications Navigon or StreetPilot, which includes Android, Windows Phone 8 devices, and the IPhone. HUD is paired with a smartphone via Bluetooth and uses data communications for navigation applications.

The navigation data provided include the distance from the next turning position, current speed and speed limit information, and HUD also shows the estimated time of arrival, traffic delays, the location of the next surveillance camera, overspeed warning, and so on. Garmin also said "HUD can improve the safety of driving and reduce the distraction of motorists" because the data are displayed entirely within the driver's field of vision.

Garmin HUD is priced at 129.99 dollars (about 798 yuan) and is expected to go public this summer. Of course you also have to pay extra for your smartphone to buy 29.99 dollars (about 184 yuan) of streetpilot or Navigon applications.