This latest version of an aftermarket automobile HUD is presented by HeadsUP!, a California based startup company and includes the Amazon Alexa voice recognition system as its input system. The device comes with its own curved mirror, avoiding any double image creation on the windshield.
The voice recognition system allows you sending texts, making phone calls, get directions, finding gas stations and even turning off the lights in your house (I guess your house needs some smart devices to achieve that). Since the input is all voice based, the device comes with a noise cancelling microphone array to improve voice recognition accuracy, which is still an issue for many OEM-installed voice command systems.
Source: HeadsUP!
The other specs include a 6” 720p display, WiFi, Bluetooth, NFC, GPS, and a couple of forward and driver facing cameras. If you find this odd, you have to recognize that road cameras are becoming more and more popular either for providing evidence after an accident or just for entertainment purposes. There is also a micro USB for data transfer and charging. The device claims a 7h battery life in non-stop use. They also claim a gesture tracking functionality. It is not clear if this is another way to control the system or if is just to turn functions on and off.
There is no detail on the processing capabilities of the system as of yet, however they are running a custom version of Android 6.0, so we can expect a decent processor to handle the data transfer, voice recognition as well as the graphic output. They also claim that the system will work with Android and IOS based smartphones. It appears that the device relies on a connected smartphone for connectivity to the internet.
The device is now on pre-order for $299, with a projected retail price of $499. The projected shipping date is in the fall of 2016, and they specifically say that the product has not been produced yet and specification may change in the future. – NH
