Garmin Debuts Aftermarket Head-Up Display

This summer Garmin International Inc. aims to introduce a $130 aftermarket kit that enables drivers to display navigational information from a smart phone on a head-up screen they stick to their windshields.

The HUD system requires users to buy one or more Garmin apps for their Bluetooth-enabled phones. The apps deliver such features as maps, turn-by-turn navigation, speed limit warnings and real-time traffic updates.

Content from the apps is relayed via Bluetooth to the Garmin HUD device, which mounts on the dash beneath the windshield. The unit can either project an image onto a transparent film affixed to the windshield or through a reflector that can be attached to the HUD. Garmin says the unit automatically adjusts brightness as ambient light levels change.

The setup can provide audio alerts and navigation instructions through the smart phone or the car's Bluetooth-connected audio system. The HUD displays distance to the next turn, turn arrows, estimated time of arrival and travel speed.

Garmin notes that its system cannot be sold in the U.S. until it wins approval from the Federal Communications Commission.