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Hudly is an aftermarket HUD that can mirror your smartphone

Hudly is an aftermarket HUD that can mirror your smartphone

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Heads-up displays or HUDs are one of the best features in newer vehicles, as they allow drivers to keep their eyes focused on the road instead of on their in-dash navigation or their smartphone running Google Maps. Now, Hudly is looking to bring that technology to drivers whose vehicles don't currently support the feature with its aftermarket HUD.

Hudly is a three-part system featuring a projector, transparent display, and a plug-in for the OBD-II Data Link Connector, which is standard on every vehicle built after 1996. The company says the system can mirror your iPhone and Android phones using an HDMI connector (you'll need an adapter), allowing you to display your apps and turn-by-turn directions on the HUD. It can also display vehicle information collected from the OBD-II including your speed, fuel gauge and efficiency (MPG), and the outside temperature.

Controlling the Hudly while driving might be an issue. There is no built-in UI, and the company says users should control their phones using voice commands, which just about any smartphone owner can tell you isn't always reliable. That could lead to users manually controlling their phones when they get a call or a notification, which isn't really ideal.

Hudly isn't the only aftermarket HUD on the market either, with Navdy (as you can tell creative names aren't a specialty of this industry) already shipping out beta units of its own system that comes with a built-in UI and gesture controls.

The company says it expects to begin shipping Hudly units in December. The Kickstarter project will retail for $249 when it's officially available, but early backers can get one for $199 while supplies last.