Garmin HUD projects directions onto your windshield

[Throckmorton]

The only thing I don't like about this is the need to use a Smart Phone with it. They need to offer the same HUD features on an ordinary type of GPS unit. There should be no need for a Smart Phone (and probably the data usage with it as well) just for vehicle navigation systems.

The smartphone integration fad is getting out of hand. Companies are interfacing every damn device with smartphones, because it's the cool thing to do. But it sucks. It makes things worse. Your oven doesn't need to communicate with freaking Android!! And what will happen when these smartphonerized appliances, cars, etc are outdated in 2 years?

 

[bruceb]

Yes, it is and I am one of the many that do not need or want a smart phone. I don't need to check my Emails or post to Facebook or Twitter. And I also do not like how in order to get a Smart Phone, we need to pay the Cell Phone Provider exorbitant data rates. A plan with a smart phone can easily run $90 per month. In some areas, if you have a major cable tv company (such as TWC, Comcast or Cablevision) and you have their internet, you can usually set your smart phone or tablet to use that internet connection. But for the GPS, what happens when you are in an area without cell coverage (like parts of the midwest USA) ? ? This is why it needs to depend just on the GPS satellites that are up in orbit. They will get you within 10 - 20 feet of where you want to get to. What is more of an issue is the Map that is on the device is never 100% up to date, as far as showing newer streets.

 

[Kaido]

The smartphone integration fad is getting out of hand. Companies are interfacing every damn device with smartphones, because it's the cool thing to do. But it sucks. It makes things worse. Your oven doesn't need to communicate with freaking Android!! And what will happen when these smartphonerized appliances, cars, etc are outdated in 2 years?

Yes and no. The right stuff needs to be integrated, that's all. I don't need my toaster hooked up to my network and I definitely don't want my oven hooked up to my network ("yeah there was a software glitch and it burned my house down"), but stuff like lights & music could definitely benefit from being integrated into a control system using your smartphone as a remote.