Rear View Mirror Android Concept

Sin_Chase · 16 Jan 2012 at 04:13

http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/15/android-integration-for-cars-hands-on-video/

Well, this is certainly interesting! Other than concerns full screen apps might block out visibility in the rear view mirror it's a pretty cool concept.

I've always been sorely empted to run a Car-PC of sorts but lack of room and the integrated look has put me off time and time again.

Something like this, assuming it did not look super-cheap would be really useful to me. An available in-view screen that when not in use is just a plain old rear view mirror. Could be removed easy if selling on, no dash cutting.

Even without more Androidy like functionality it would be an awesome place to overlay a reversing camera.

One to keep an eye on!

ThePirateHulk · 16 Jan 2012 at 05:01

I would have thought that would be incredibly dangerous.

paradigm · 16 Jan 2012 at 07:25

Rear view mirror satnavs have been available for years. They do suck though.

TehBluebear · 16 Jan 2012 at 08:32

Quite frankly, we have enough of a problem with drivers using phones, iPods etc while driving without having a critical piece of safety kit (the mirror) being used for further distraction. It's all very well and good glancing up to check behind you when its a mirror, but if theres a sat nav app or something running on it which takes a lot longer than a glance, you're not looking ahead for that amount of time.

I can see the merits of it, but it's not worth it imo.

NathWraith · 16 Jan 2012 at 09:20

ThePirateHulk said:
I would have thought that would be incredibly dangerous.

TehBluebear said:
Quite frankly, we have enough of a problem with drivers using phones, iPods etc while driving without having a critical piece of safety kit (the mirror) being used for further distraction. It's all very well and good glancing up to check behind you when its a mirror, but if theres a sat nav app or something running on it which takes a lot longer than a glance, you're not looking ahead for that amount of time.

I can see the merits of it, but it's not worth it imo.

I agree with both of these statements.

A stupid idea IMO.

Overlag · 16 Jan 2012 at 10:24

funny how the only people that think its a good idea are girls...

Django x2 · 16 Jan 2012 at 11:37

I can honestly see no purpose for this at all unless you want to fit it to something like a Vauxhall Nova

Uriel · 16 Jan 2012 at 11:38

Just when I was thinking an audio only mode for my satnav app would be less distracting...

[TW]Fox · 16 Jan 2012 at 12:06

I'd suggest its in a completely unsuitable place for Satnav but given the sheer number of completely boneheaded positions the general public seem to place sat nav units this might well appeal to the masses.

But only if it has a feature where you can leave it on superbright day mode in the middle of the night.

mattyfez · 16 Jan 2012 at 12:10

Seems like a solution that's in search if a problem to me!

PistolPete · 16 Jan 2012 at 12:14

I like the idea of the double din head unit......but the rear view mirror is a court case just waiting to happen.

Rybo89 · 16 Jan 2012 at 12:15

What a stupid idea.

sovietspybob · 16 Jan 2012 at 12:32

I LOVE the idea of an android headunit, i'd snap one of them right up.

The rear view mirror though... can't really see the point.

pepsilol · 16 Jan 2012 at 12:33

Im guessing everyone is seeing it as a mobile in the rear view mirror instead of it as an OS in the mirror.

SteveOBHave · 16 Jan 2012 at 13:15

Not smart at all.

Skeeter · 16 Jan 2012 at 14:59

"Excuse me sir, were you using a phone, taking a sip of water, or otherwise distracted from driving when you ran that red light just now?"

"Oh, no Officer, I was just browsing OcUK on my rear view mirror."

"Oh thats ok then, off you go..."

lordrobs · 16 Jan 2012 at 15:04

I was sat behind someone today who was more interested in doing her make up in the rear view mirror than actually concentrating on driving. Now these people can check facebook at the same time, excellent.

Outcast · 16 Jan 2012 at 15:24

The only other usage I'd want for my rear view mirror is if can be used as a screen for a reversing cam. (In other words, only activated when reversing)

Skeeter · 16 Jan 2012 at 15:32

Outcast said:
The only other usage I'd want for my rear view mirror is if can be used as a screen for a reversing cam. (In other words, only activated when reversing)

Uh... wait a minute....erm.....

Nope, you definitely did just say what I think you said.

Basher · 16 Jan 2012 at 15:51

Outcast said:
The only other usage I'd want for my rear view mirror is if can be used as a screen for a reversing cam. (In other words, only activated when reversing)

That has to be the funniest post of the year.