https://www.navdy.com/?utm_source=Ad...utm_medium=CPC

This is a heads up display (HUD) unit that is powered by the OBDII port and will connect either directly to the iPhone/Android using a 3.5 mm jack or via BT (I would use a BT connection). I wrote to them to determine if it'll work with my current setup, and it appears it will (USA Spec with Belkin BT module via AUX jack to the head unit, so I have audio streaming via the Belkin, and can control advancing tracks and pause via the Belkin). I really don't use my iPod any longer, mostly Pandora, and at times, recorded music via the Music app on my iPhone (an iPhone 4...yup, I'm behind the times, but it's jailbroken so I still use it). It also shows functions of the car, like CEL, mpg, and speed on the HUD)..

Anyway, looking for opinions about the 'necessity' of this device. It's got a cool factor in that it'll do certain functions via voice control and uses hand gestures (not the bird of course) to accept/ decline calls, will show texts, and will show nav instructions via Google maps on the HUD, which is a cool feature (my TL has Nav). It's right in front of you so there's no need to fumble with the phone (which I don't do now anyway). I assume since there's a Pandora app it'll show the track title and Pandora 'station' name. Right now, the top bar in my car just shows 'AUX'. I like to keep my TL as up to date tech wise as you would see in newer cars (although I don't have a back up cam, but that's not really critical to me).

It's $299 if you pre-order (will be available in 2015) and then the price goes to $499 once they're in production. They can be returned if it's not what you want but they charge you right away (probably for some seed money to be able to meet production). $299 certainly won't break me and it looks like a useful device (and it'll prevent me from replacing my 06 TL in lieu of a newer car with all the tech).

Question: Buy or Pass?

 

Personally, I'd wait like 6 months to a year after this comes out before considering purchasing. That way any bugs or issues with current laws are somewhat ironed out.

Don't get me wrong it is a neat concept especially since there is only a limited list of cars that have a HUD, but I'd let this one simmer a little before consuming.

I'd also like to see videos where there was more natural and direct Sunlight and see how the projector works with that.

 

I agree...usually, I have a 24 hour wait period before I make a major purchase on a discretionary item (it's prevented me from buying a lot of things that I would have normally bought impulsively). The draw with the Navdy is the low pre-production price but as I already have the HFL in the TL and BT audio streaming, the only benefit of this for me would be a HUD with speed display (clearly nice but not a necessity) and ability to read and respond to texts (which I shouldn't be doing while driving anyway). It's a nice item, but for $500 once in production, it's a little pricey for the benefits.

For now, I wait...

 

Doc, I've got a HUD on my stingray and I love it. Just do your due diligence and go with your gut.