For better or worse, we’re using our phones more and more each day. While technology has made our lives easier, it is also a potentially dangerous tool. The hazard of driving and using a smartphone is well known. While there are car mounts that elevate your device to eye-level, some users desire a more refined experience. CarPlay has made its push into the automotive industry but the reception has been somewhat mixed.
This is where Exploride comes in. A transparent head-up display (HUD) unit that shows all of your pertinent information, including vehicle diagnostics, smartphone notification, GPS directions and more. Since its launch on Indiegogo, Exploride has blown past its initial goal and is enjoying massive support from online backers.
With just five days remaining, Exploride has surpassed its initial goal by over 400%, raising $455,000 towards this project. This HUD uses gesture controls and a Bluetooth connection to your device and car to relay information while controlling music playback, GPS, and other features. Exploride sits perched upon your dash, where its transparent six-inch display shows your information. Unlike Navdy, another HUD project, this device does not project on to your windshield.
Exploride is capable of handling a lot of the tasks that we try to accomplish while driving. It displays a map of your location with turn-by-turn directions, shows your music with controls, reads your messages and alerts you of phone calls. All of these actions can be handled by gesture controls that in theory minimize the distraction of driving even further. Additionally, it can connect with some modern cars to read your on-board diagnostic system for a deeper understanding of your car’s health.
There is a built-in hard drive that helps store some data for apps in addition to cloud connectivity. Exploride also has a 3MP dash camera that is capable of recording your driving, if you prefer to record your travels. Currently, a pledge of $299 will deliver a Exploride unit in January ($200 off the retail price). There are additional larger bundles available for multi-car homes or larger fleets of vehicles.
Not ready to dive into the world of crowdfunded head-up displays? Check out this $7 magnetic smartphone mount for your car that will at least provide a solid perch for your iPhone or Android device. Amazon customers love it, over 2,400 users have given this mount a 4.5/5 star rating.
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