Filed under: Aftermarket, Gadgets, Etc., Tech
Azentek nav-equipped SmartMirror coming end of year
Everything is in line to be a convergence device, and now the boring rear view mirror has stepped under the lights to get stuffed with extra equipment. The Azentek SmartMirror has a four-inch touchscreen on the right for a 2D and 3D text-to-speech GPS display. It's also offers Bluetooth connectivity, a call log, and caller ID. It has two video inputs, one that can be used for a rear view camera, and an SD card slot in case you want to record... well, whatever you might want to record with your rear view mirror.
The only thing missing from the mirror is availability -- it's been so popular that Azentek can't supply enough of them. The company says that will change later this year when you'll be able to get it at major retailers. The other potential hitch: it'll cost you $800 to do what your phone, TomTom, and regular mirror already do.
[Source: Engadget]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Michael 9:08AM (10/15/2008)
No thanks.
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tristan 9:37AM (10/15/2008)
it is truly a great product! very high quality and it can do way more then listed.
BoneHeadOtto 10:52AM (10/15/2008)
yeah no kidding this is a bad idea. Who wants a tiny screen, out of reach, and every time you interface with the nav, you have to re-adjust your mirror.
Personally i just want to drive and care absolutely ZERO about having a nav screen. I hate that otherwise nice sports car interiors are getting these square TVs disrupting the design. They will make cars look dated and will ultimately hurt resale IMHO.
Flashpoint 11:01AM (10/15/2008)
Sometimes, I can get by without my rear view mirror, but I was taught to constantly check it during merging just in case someone tries to cut me off from behind.
This thing looks like a CAR ACCIDENT IN THE MAKING.
A GPS/Nav should me in the dash and no where else.
MemphisNET 12:16PM (10/15/2008)
Just bought an 05 Crossfire to retire the Neon. This is an AWESOME idea because I don't want anything sticking to the window, and installing a backup camera will do wonders -- as much as I love the new car, reversing is a pain in the ass!
The price however ... well, if it's coming to big-box stores at least we can count on sales.
kfm423 9:22AM (10/15/2008)
Wow, I bet these will get stolen amazingly quick.
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tekd 10:06AM (10/15/2008)
I was thinking the opposite-I think it'll be a great option compared to the windshield mounts that clue in GPS thieves and get your windows smashed.
Plus even if the thieves see it it's pretty hard to steal this quickly without trashing it and all the wiring. You can't really smash front windshields easily so they'd have to break into the car then uninstall it which would take way longer than most thieves want to spent in a car with the alarm going off and the windows smashed.
rpm773 10:08AM (10/15/2008)
I came here to write exactly this.
Now I need to slap a "Not a GPS unit" on my rear-view mirror when I leave my car in a bad part of town.
TexRob 9:47AM (10/15/2008)
Man, imagine if it could do an overlay on top of the visual image. It could get tricky with obscuring your view, but maybe someday.
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Phil L. 9:52AM (10/15/2008)
Touchscreen?
Prediction: Mirror constantly needing adjustment from finger bumps. Oh, and fingerprints everywhere.
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Alex 10:01AM (10/15/2008)
My thoughts exactly, the last thing i want to deal with is constantly re-adjusting my mirror because i moved it around while tapping out an address.
i'll pass.
tristan 10:02AM (10/15/2008)
the mirror is mounted very sturdy. so when you touch it with normal pressure it will not move. finger prints your on your own
BrunoT 4:04PM (10/15/2008)
I predict fake "nav screen" decals will soon be sold for poseurs to put on their rearview mirrors.
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Nitromax 5:50PM (10/15/2008)
Not a very smart idea at all. The driver needs to take their eyes off of the road to view it. Not a big deal for quick glances to check whats in your rear view because thats only for a second, but adding another second or two to now glance at the nav screen, and those seconds start to add up. Better off keeping the nav screen on the dash as close to the view of the road in front of you as possible.
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Bogus 3:27AM (10/17/2008)
This company is full of laughs. I first head about their revolutionary products a few years ago after SEMA. You still can not purchase their famed Carputer they have been showing for 3 years. Just another scam that is a horrible product and will never be sold. You want one? buy one on ebay i saw them their a month ago, and you will probably be able to actually get it from there.
FAIL
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