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

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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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