A head-up display (HUD) can be a handy device in a car, especially when facing low visibility conditions. Such devices provide valuable data for drivers and, because they display information on a transparent screen in front of the windshield, drivers don’t have to look away from the road to see that data. However, most HUDs are expensive, whether they’re purchased built into a luxury car or bought separately as an aftermarket product.
Hudway Glass is an affordable alternative –- a car accessory that gets placed on a car dashboard and transforms smartphones into HUDs in conjunction with several mobile applications. Users place their smartphone on the accessory’s cradle with the display facing up. Its attached, transparent optical glass reflects the data received from the accompanying Android and iOS smartphone apps, allowing a driver to see road maps and other needed information just by looking straight ahead where the windshield is.
Its makers set a Kickstarter goal of raising $100,000 by Nov. 7. The device will ship in March. Retail pricing isn’t provided, but Kickstarter backers are able to order one at special pricing starting at $34.
There is likely a large audience for Hudway Glass –- certainly a far larger one than for the headsUP motorcycle head-up display that recently had a Kickstarter campaign. Although the Hudway Glass makers say their device will work with any smartphone if at least 90 percent of its screen size is caught by the glass, those brandishing a phablet bigger than the iPhone 6(s) Plus need not apply. Also, visibility may be a factor depending on the time of day with the best results coming at night.