Heads Up Displays (HUD) in Cars

Has COVID-19 got you feeling down? Well chin up, because here to temper that dismay is Heads Up Display.

Okay enough with the dad jokes. It’s true that HUDs aren’t a new thing, especially in the military and gaming industry (look for those red dots on the mini-map), however it’s begun to pick up in cars, too.

Today, we’ll be looking at Heads up Displays (HUD) in cars.

So what Is It?

It’s information the user, say a driver, would need to know without having to avert his or her gaze. Simple right?

We’re talking things like the speedometer, navigation systems, anything that will take your eyes off the road. Heck even night-vision info can be displayed. Pretty sweet, wouldn’t you say?

Obviously it has way more uses in the military. That aircraft pilot being able to see everything they need to without looking at the various knobs and gauges could be vital in combat, where reaction times are essential to performance and survivability (cue top gun). Same goes for tanks. 

Why Use it in Cars?

The short answer? It will make life easier and driving just that much safer and more efficient. 

Longer answer? Something called Eyes-on-the-road-benefit. This includes increased situational awareness and less need to look away from the road, hence faster reaction times to danger and changes.

You know those pedestrians, cyclists or cars that drift too close? HUD will help make sure you’ve always got an eye out for them.

It also happens to be quite convenient. You can have your map right there on the corner of your eye, the speed you’re driving at, or just about anything you usually find on the dials.

The latest with HUD in the car industry

Corporations have tried many ways to implement HUD in cars. Side mirrors, windscreens, or just a separate screen placed on the dash. 

Increasingly, more and more cars are coming prepackaged with HUDs. But don’t worry if yours didn’t. There are a few options on the market, depending on your needs.

And the cost isn’t too hefty. You’re looking at around AED 66 for this simple HUD reflection mount, which works with your smartphone.

Alternatively, you can go for something more premium like the Automotive Head Up Display Security System at AED 412. 

HUD technology in cars is definitely beginning to find its feet, and its presence will be felt increasingly as the technology develops further. I for one just can’t wait for those holograms.

So here’s the question. Heads Up Displays (HUD) in cars: yay or nay? We’ll leave that to you to answer.

Liked the read? Why not check out some of our other pieces, including an epic wish list from our GOAT series and our Dummy’s Guide that answers some of the questions you’re afraid to ask out loud.