New innovations in virtual navigation and smart tracking for drivers powered by WayRay and Orange Business Services
The US is the first commercial market to receive two innovative telematics devices that apply aerospace technology to land navigation. Navion, from Swiss start up WayRay that is focused on advancing connected car telematics, is an augmented reality navigation system that projects holographic GPS imagery and driver notifications onto the windshield of a car, a first-of-its-kind for the automobile aftermarket.
WayRay Element is a smart tracker that can be plugged into the diagnostics port of any automobile for monitoring driver performance, safety and fuel efficiency.
WayRay Navion for the first time brings true augmented reality to driving without the need of clunky eyewear or headgear that could impair one’s field of vision. A small mini projector that fits on top of any dashboard overlays a holographic image over the windshield of the car. The image overlays the real road with the virtual route line; it helps drivers not to refocus their eyes to the windshield or to be distracted by looking to their embedded GPS. The device utilises gesture and voice control for an effortless driving experience.
B2B global telecom operator and IT solutions integrator, Orange Business Services, is supplying wireless connectivity and service management across WayRay’s entire US fleet. This allows cars employing WayRay Navion and WayRay Element to receive, send, track and display data.
The scope of Orange’s international network ensures 24/7 access and quality of service anywhere in the US with an option that would allow WayRay to easily expand to other regions of the world, such as Asia and Europe.
“These devices represent a giant leap forward in the concept of the connected car,” said Vitaly Ponomarev, founder and CEO of WayRay. “We’ve adapted cutting edge aerospace R&D in augmented reality and analytics into easy to use commercial devices, and thanks to Orange Business Services we can cover any automobile in the US. This is real innovation that can change the way cars are driven in the US, save lives and bring us one step closer to self-driving automobiles.”
WayRay Element is essentially a wearable for the car. It plugs into the on-board diagnostics (OBD) connector of any car model after 1992 to track driver performance, trip history, costs, fuel usage, location and the overall health of the automobile. This information is all visualised and made accessible through ones smartphone, tablet or PC. Built into the device is an automated driving coach app that analyzes the data to offer steps for improving driving skills.
Commented Anne-Sophie Lotgering, senior vice president, Europe, Russia and CIS at Orange Business Services: “Orange Business Services’ extensive telecommunications infrastructure and M2M expertise have enabled WayRay to provide its connected car innovations to US drivers. We are proud to be pioneering with WayRay technology that redefines the driving experience.”
Orange Business Services has proven expertise in the connected car market, providing fixed and mobile connectivity to leading automobile manufacturers and providers, such as Tesla Motors, Renault Group and PSA Peugeot Citroën. Orange’s connected car solutions combine safety, navigation, entertainment and travel ease into a rich, comprehensive experience for the driver.
