I just preordered a NAVDY (1 Viewer)

[Ronald Epstein]

https://www.navdy.com


Thought it would be great for my new vehicle. I have always wanted a "heads up" display and not many vehicles offer it these days.


I don't see a discussion forum where developers can address customer questions.


For that reason, I sent NAVDY support a list of questions I had. I will let you know their responses.



1. How long does the projection bulb last? How much does it cost to replace that bulb?

2. I take it that Navdy plugs into the car’s internal system so it displays current speed and other internal dashboard notifications?

3. Since most vehicles already have an integrated bluetooth phone connection, how do Navdy and the car system compete for answering calls? Do both systems alert at the same time? I take it one has a choice which system to use to answer phone calls?

4. If Navdy plugs into the vehicle’s internal system, does it have the ability to work off of the vehicle’s navigation system (displaying map directions from the vehicle system) rather than the phone?

5. Is Navdy upgrade ready for all future enhancements? Rather than having to buy another Navdy, will most updates be done through software port?

6. What is the current ship time frame for Navdy?

 

[Alf S]

Wow. That seems like it would be majorly distacting/annoying to deal with. I don't WANT to be that connected to my phone. Let alone have that big chunk of plastic/metal sitting on the dash only to be stolen or get in te way when I try to put up sun shade etc. I wonder what heat/cold does to it over time.


I say folks need to try to stay somewhat disconnected for their drives to and from wherever it is their going. Do people REALLY need to see the latest Tweets while driving? Do I really need to see a text floating in my face? Ugh,.. no thanks.


I'm thankful that my SUV nav system reads any text message to me if I chose to hear it.


This seems like a gadget the world could do without and I don't see how it will go anywhere sales wise.

 

[Alf S]

What happens in a wreck when that huge thing come zooming at you or your passengers head(s)??

 

[Ronald Epstein]

Wow, Alf, you are back with a vengeance. You would think I brought up the Apple Watch again


A few things...


Heads-up displays already exist in vehicles, although not many. I just leased a new luxury vehicle and was disappointed that a heads-up unit was not included.


So, for me, this kind of fills that void.


You are most correct that this device might not look pleasing on the dashboard, though it is said to be remarkably thinner than most would think.


It's portable. It sits on a mounting mat. I don't know how secure it will be, but if I don't personally find it's secure enough, I can use velcro to keep it in place. I kind of, sort of think the company is working to make certain they cover things like that (see my remark about regulatory approval below).


It easily can be unplugged and stowed it in a bag when parked somewhere, then take it out and plug it back in. No big deal, if you think about it.


It doesn't project an image dead straight in front of you. It works like any other "heads-up" car display where the image goes below the line of sight.


The device was supposed to be out in September. Now shipping in December because they are working to get regulatory approval. If the device is not deemed safe, it won't come to market.


Certainly, Alf, this device isn't for you. You have somehow made that clear. However, according to what I am reading on several sites, preorder sales have been very, very good for this device. There is an interest out there.


If I decide it's not for me or unsafe, I will do what anyone else has the ability to do -- return it for a full refund (which the company offers).

 

[Ronald Epstein]

By the way, answers to my questions to NAVDY support...


Hi Ronald,
Thanks for reaching out! I'll attempt to answer your queries below-
1. Navdy uses long-lasting LEDs which will not need to be replaced
2. Correct, via the OBDII port
3. The phone connects via bluetooth to your car and to Navdy simultaneously. If you’ve ever connected your laptop simultaneously to a Bluetooth mouse and a Bluetooth keyboard, you’re probably familiar with this type of set. Your phone will establish a Bluetooth audio link to your car and a Bluetooth serial data link to your Navdy.
4. No, Navdy requires your smartphone to operate.
5. Yes, Navdy will be upgradable via over-the-air software updates
6. fter selecting our manufacturing partner and working with them on detailed plans for certification testing, regulatory approval, and the manufacturing ramp-up, we’ve revised our estimated ship date to December 2015 for the start of pre-order shipments and will continue to fulfill pre-orders through early 2016 as manufacturing efficiency improves.

 

[Sam Posten]

Not for me, I think it's gonna be Coin Jr. but good luck Ron!

 

[DaveF]

I like the idea. As an optical engineer, I daydreamed about designing such a device in school. But someone else actually implemented it. Kudos to them.

But I don't think it's for me, now.

I don't think it's a big business, but this looks like a niche gadget that isn't being fast-tracked to obsolescence yet.

Write a review when you get it.

 

[Ronald Epstein]

 

[Edwin-S]

Looks obstructive to me, but good luck with it.

 

[DaveF]

Interested in your experience, Ron. If you have time and are motivated, you could test drive a Mazda 6 with its integrated HUD of similar design, to compare.

 

[Ronald Epstein]

The reason I have this is because Lincoln (at least for 2016) does not offer HUD.

This does a really nice job of replacing that void.

Not obtrusive at all. It falls below the road/eye line of view. You have to look down in order to view the gauge.

 

[Alf S]

Looks obstructive to me, but good luck with it.

I'd have to agree. Plus all the wires. I'd hate to constantly disconnect it all and hide it every time I got out of the car. IMO it doesn't seem worth all the work etc.for what you get.

 

[Clinton McClure]

That would definitely be stolen the first time I parked my car in downtown Little Rock and left it on the dash.

 

[Ronald Epstein]

That would definitely be stolen the first time I parked my car in downtown Little Rock and left it on the dash.

You remove it from the dash.

It's very easy to connect and disconnect. All done by a signal magnet that attaches to the mount.

Not obtrusive in any way. It's rather cool. It reads my text and emails while I have my hands on the wheel.

 

[Alf S]

Curious...Doesn't you iPhone already have that capability via Siri (and I'm assuming it would be played through your cars speakers)??

 

[Ronald Epstein]

Siri is voice only. You have to make an inquiry to Siri to read you texts, alerts, mail, etc.

NAVDY presents all of it on its dashboard display without having to make a query.

Anytime email, text, Facebook or Twitter alert (and many more) is pushed to your phone, it appears right in front of you, on the NAVDY display, as you are driving. Press a button and Siri will read it aloud to you through your car speakers.

It's really a neat device.

 

[Alf S]

Do you even have time to pay attention to your driving staying so "connected" to all those distractions?

 

[Ronald Epstein]

I manage, Alf.

 

[Alf S]

Oh I'm sure you do sir.

Me, I'm old school (LOL), I'm all about just driving and listening to my tunes, No texts to read/check, no emails, no Tweets, no FB updates...

 

[Ronald Epstein]

Alf, unfortunately, I need to be connected all the time.