Heads-up displays used in the automotive industry kept AR elements to a minimum, showing mostly driving-related data and at most some sort of guidance for the lane. GhostDash is a HUD that does so much more, by helping rookie racers to get better at driving against rivals.
Competition is good, and not only because the lack of it leads to monopolies in all sorts of industries. Competition is what motivates us to work harder and go beyond our limits. In motorsports, rivals are essential, as they represent a reference, a point where we must get and a limit we must exceed. Motorsports wouldn’t make much sense if there would be only one driver at each event, unless it’s breaking records we’re talking about. With that in mind, High Rise Garage developed GhostDash, an HUD that puts virtual rivals on the dashboard, so you can give your best on the track.
The GhostDash kit includes a GPS unit that collects raw data, a device that makes sense out of all that information, a projector and a 15″ display screen. The good part is that the contrast of the projected virtual rivals is just right, meaning you won’t have to squeeze your eyes in order to see them, nor will it obstruct your visual field so you don’t see the road. Since the system runs on Windows, High Rise Garage recommends you to use a Surface Pro tablet as the interface between the GPS unit and the projector. In case it wasn’t obvious already, the tablet isn’t included in the price.
High Rise Garage’s GhostDash is currently featured on Kickstarter, where its creators are looking to raise $43,500 for turning the AR HUD into a reality. At the time of writing, backers had pledged less than 5% of the needed sum, but you need to take into account that the campaign still has 27 more days to go. Early birds can get the GhostDash software (without the kit) for $25, while the regular price is $40. The GhostDash HUD itself costs $1,700, which is quite a hefty sum, but this won’t even make a dent in the wallet of people who can afford a Ferrari or a Lamborghini. After all, you wouldn’t buy this AR HUD to equip a Dacia Sandero with it, now would you?
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