HUD (Heads-up Display) Apps for Androida and iOS – an analysisand comparison
The heads-up display (HUD) for cars has been making a flutter in the automotive
industry for the experience it delivers to end users.
The Automotive Heads-up Display (HUD) market is expected to reach $2.09 bn by
2022, according to a report released by Credence Research in May 2016.
In the automotive value chain, OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) or car
manufacturers provide a dashboard infotainment or a car HUD system in some of their
latest car models.
This HUD system, which is designed by the car companies’ equipment supplier,
technology vendor or in-house product team, is as an assembled product that comes
with a pre-packaged hardware and software.
There also are HUD systems designed by the after-market companies. These cater to
customers who own an older model of the car and are not willing to upgrade for an
HUD. This is also an assembled product.
A software-only HUD system:
A heads-up display mobile app qualifies as an all-software system for which the mobile
phone acts as the hardware. With increasing popularity of in-car infotainment and
automotive HUD systems, there are many HUD apps flooding the app-stores.
These apps give end users a glimpse of the HUD experience with the following
advantages:
No additional hardware purchase
One can buy additional features, as per the individual requirement, through in-app purchases
It’s easier to uninstall a particular HUD app and install another based on the preference
Now, what are the downsides?
You will miss out on the whole gamut of features (offered by OEMs/suppliers/after-
market companies) that can enrich your driving experience
gesture and voice control (touch-less controls)
Driving/navigation alert,
receiving/making calls and messages through dashboard
zero-distraction driving
Having said that, an HUD app can be a good start before you buy an assembled
product from the after-market or upgrade to a more advanced car model.
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Here is an analysis of what’s available in app stores.
HUDWAY App
An offering from a Russian start-up, the Hudway app projects the navigation from your
cellphone onto the windscreen. The app only works at night and in low light settings
though.
(Source – hudwayapp[dot]com)
To combat this deficiency, the company has developed Hudway Glass, a device that
will project from the smartphone at all times. Hudway Glass is stil l in the works and will
cost $49.
The app, which is freely available, has mixed reviews. Complaints of bugs are plenty
and while users are impressed with the concept, the execution leaves much to be
desired.
Tesla for Glass and Hyundai for Glass (wearables)
Working with Google Glass, two different apps are present in the market—to sync with
Tesla and Hyundai vehicles.
The apps let you sync your Google Glass with your car to help display navigation,
check battery levels, and lock and unlock the car ’s doors.
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The obvious downside is that you need to own Google Glass and a Hyundai or a Tesla
to use these apps.
(Source – glasstesla[dot]com)
Sygic Head-up Display
The product of a Slovakian company, this is a navigation app with the HUD feature to
project on your windscreen.
While the app is free, more features are available on payment.
Sygic’s overall reviews are above average, but in regions of Asia, the Middle East and
Australia, users complain of poor coverage.
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(Source – sygic[dot]com)
Navier HUD
Whilerain Studio’s HUD has found fans with its efficient functioning and customizable
display, but those who want finesse from the HUD aren’t satisfied.
Occasional errors in navigation and the app’s inability to sync with contacts leave
users who want a top-notch experience dissatisfied.
(Source – techgravy[dot]net)
Related Posts – learn more about Car Heads-up Display and Infotainment
What is Car HUD system? Learn about all the critical hardware modules
What is heads-up display (HUD) for Cars? Learn about the embedded software, device
drivers and stacks
Car HUD embedded software, hardware design – an EFY analysis
Car Heads-up Display (HUD) – product features
© 2016 Embitel. All Rights Reserved
Automotive Terms and Definitions:
What is an automotive OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer)?
An original equipment manufacturer (OEM) is a company whose products are used as
components in the products of another company. The OEM generally works closely
with the company that sells the finished product and customizes designs based on that
company’s needs.
Source: Investopedia.com
An automotive OEM manufactures parts that are used in vehicles, e.g. infotainment
systems.
What is an aftermarket company in the automotive industry?
The automotive aftermarket is the secondary market of the automotive industry,
concerned with the manufacture and sale of all vehicle parts, chemicals, equipment,
and accessories, after the sale of the automobile by the OEM to the consumer. The
parts, accessories, etc. for sale may be manufactured by the OEM or an aftermarket
company.
Source: Wikipedia
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