Smart windscreens are one of the newer additions to vehicle technology. While they still lay mostly in the future, some versions are available now. They work by combining an augmented-reality overlay over your windscreen. This overlay works with smart technology to provide you with all kinds of information while in your vehicle. While this technology has been around for a handful of years now, it is becoming more and more common.
How does it work?
Augmented reality is a combination of computer-generated data and information and real-world environmental factors. This means that smart windscreens show information such as traffic delays, maps, speed and even news updates. The display on the screen allows for more visibility of information such as low fuel, as opposed to it being displayed on the dashboard or other parts of the vehicle. These windscreens even go as far as not just displaying information but providing solutions. For example, some displays will not only show low fuel but also where the closest location to fill up is.
Other options are also available with this technology. These include notifications of where other vehicles are and even alerts of nearby pedestrians. Several vehicles are already on the market with these features such as models by BMW, Chevrolet, Volvo and Mercedes-Benz.
What are the benefits?
The idea behind these windscreens is that it limits your need to look down at your dashboard and other areas. This means your eyes are almost always on the road. Having smart technology integrated into your direct line of vision also reduces temptation to use your smart device to perform tasks such as open directions. While many vehicles include screen displays these days which do this, it still requires you to look away from the road.
Another added benefit is the additional safety measures. Having alerts of where other drivers and pedestrians are can improve driving and make users more aware of what’s around them.
What are the negatives?
The benefits of the technology also goes hand in hand with being it’s fallback. Having all of the information in front of your eyes may prevent you looking down, but it can also obstruct your vision of the road. While they are designed to be discreet and out of the way, the risk of distraction is still there.
The added safety benefits also run the risk of having users rely on them too heavily. Some of these windscreens provide multiple safety alerts, reducing the need for drivers to be aware of these themselves. Checking over your shoulder while merging could become a thing of the past. This could present issues if technology starts to play up or users use a vehicle that doesn’t have a smart windscreen interface.
At Novus Auto Glass, we have integrated technology to meet the needs of this market. We are the only glass company to feature a resin specifically tailored to these vehicles with this technology. If your smart windscreen has a crack or needs replacing, Novus is the right choice for you. Contact us today.