Harman to Offer Aftermarket AR Driving Device to OEMs Via Navdy Partnership

Harman will sell an aftermarket augmented reality driving device to automotive OEMs through a partnership and investment in head-up display (HUD) provider Navdy, it said in a Tuesday announcement. Harman will have exclusive rights to distribute the co-branded aftermarket Navdy with Harman device to automotive OEMs, specialty auto and audio channels, and select mobile carriers globally. Navdy launched an HUD last month that projects mobile app information and car data directly over the road, allowing drivers to look ahead while “staying connected.” The device uses AR technology to project car, phone and music information in the driver's line of sight, creating what the company calls “a new type of driving experience that is both safe and satisfying.” The transparent image projected on the road ahead incorporates software that lets drivers interact with their smartphones hands-free using hand gestures to accept calls and respond to messages, said Harman. Having maps, calls, messages, notifications, music and car information projected directly over the road “results in a safer connected driving experience,” it said. The augmented driving device software is also integrated with the car's OBD-II interface allowing access to car data such as speed and fuel level. Harman cited a recent IHS Markit survey saying 55 percent of new car “intenders” in the U.S. indicated interest in having HUD technology in their next car.