Rear-view mirror doubles as GPS radar
With all the technology that's poured into the interior of today's cars, perhaps most surprising is the evolution of the lowly rear-view mirror. As we've noted, various automakers are outfitting them with Webcams to check blind spots, including some that fade away when not in use. Now, it's being used as a radar to detect speed traps too.
(Credit: NaviGadget)The "GPSMirror" checks traffic conditions as well, using its built-in database to look for "accident black spots, common mobile cameras, and fixed safety camera locations," according to NaviGadget. It's not clear how that database gets updated, which would seem crucial for this system to work, or whether there's any cost associated with that--the way some onboard GPS systems require you to buy new mapping CDs.
That aside, this looks like a pretty nifty gadget. The $400 price tag seemed a bit steep at first, but then we figured it would probably pay for itself in savings on the cost of a couple speeding tickets.
Rear-view Mirror GPS To Come to US,Named PHOPS
Previously named the PH-438, the PHOPS is a GPS system that is mounted in place of your conventional rear-view mirror, and has a rear-facing cam input. With Navigon Mobile Navigator 6.5 inside, it's got "reality view", a 4.3-inch touchscreen, integrated speakers and Bluetooth and takes SD cards. It's actually got two inputs for rear-view cameras, which may be good news for the parking-skill-challenged. It sounds like a neat solution, but I'm a little unconvinced that mounting a GPS high up there on the windscreen isn't actually going to distract you from looking in the rear-view mirror? after all, we know how distracting GPS can be
Rear-view Mirror GPS To Come to US,Named PHOPS
Previously named the PH-438, the PHOPS is a GPS system that is mounted in place of your conventional rear-view mirror, and has a rear-facing cam input. With Navigon Mobile Navigator 6.5 inside, it's got "reality view", a 4.3-inch touchscreen, integrated speakers and Bluetooth and takes SD cards. It's actually got two inputs for rear-view cameras, which may be good news for the parking-skill-challenged. It sounds like a neat solution, but I'm a little unconvinced that mounting a GPS high up there on the windscreen isn't actually going to distract you from looking in the rear-view mirror? after all, we know how distracting GPS can be