The average car on U.S. roads is now almost 11.5 years old, and it probably doesn't have a navigation system. If it does, it's likely so bad it's

practically useless. Chances are, it doesn't have a head-up display either.

And it most definitely doesn't have the ability to respond to you giving it a thumbs-up.

A San Francisco-based company wants to change that. It's created Navdy, a portable device that aims to reinvent the car's user interface, is about the size of an

iPad Mini, and sits atop your dashboard on a non-slip mat. It has an infrared camera aimed at you, and a flip-up screen to provide a head-up display.

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The HUD uses a pico projector that Navdy claims is 40 times brighter than an iPhone, so that it can be easily read even in direct sunlight. Our demo was in

a dark conference room with the projector turned down to 25 percent of its full output. It was bright, clear, and vividly colorful-and the production

unit's 5.1-inch wide-screen display projects an image that appears to float several feet in front of you.

The idea is simple and smart-Navdy connects to your car either via an audio cable or Bluetooth. Then you pair your iOS or Android phone to the Navdy via

Bluetooth. An app running in the background on your phone tells Navdy what to display: turn-by-turn navigation instructions, caller ID, music information,

or text messages.

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Because it gives your phone an uncluttered way of visually interacting with you, it means your phone can display navigation instructions while talking on

the phone, for example. No more screaming over the navi-lady. And with the infrared camera, you can swipe in front of you to hang up the call. Or activate

Siri.

Navdy is powered by your car's OBDII port, so it also has access to vehicle data-meaning it can display speed, engine rpm, or any other information

available on that port. Fuel mixture graph, anyone? (If your car is pre-1996, it can also be powered via a lighter.)

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Navdy itself runs Android, and the company plans to eventually make the device open-source, meaning you'll be able to create apps to show anything you

like. With, one hopes, the restraint to have text messages displayed only when you're stationary.

Navdy is currently ramping up for production, and pre-orders start August 5, 2014, at the discounted price of $299. (MSRP will be $499 when the device goes

on sale early 2015.) If it seems steep, consider that your smartphone is far more advanced than any in-car system is, and you can update it far more often

and at a much smaller expense.

We look forward to trying Navdy in a car, on the road, as soon as possible. In fact, I'll be doing it in one of my 1980s cars. I've just updated all of my

cars with an inexpensive audio head unit with full Bluetooth integration. With Navdy on the dash, I'll not only be able to use my phone for all of my

infotainment needs, my 30-year old cars will have a better HUD and nav system than any brand-new car. And unlike any other car, mine will be watching me

swipe your call straight to voicemail as I savor the pleasure of an old car with all the modern tech stuff I want.

I'll keep you posted.

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