FIRST LOOK: Azentek SmartMirror gives us that Jetsons vibe

Daniel Long | Nov 5, 2008 4:52 PM
Azentek | http://www.azentek.com
First Look
RRP: $1499 (time of review)
Overall Rating: 
User Rating:  No user ratings.
We road tested the futuristic Azentek SmartMirror and got the feeling that it could be the next big GPS must-have or the next big safety hazard.
A short history lesson

The humble GPS has come a long way since it was first developed as a tool for military use in the 1970’s. It wasn’t until the Soviets intercepted and destroyed a Korean Boeing 747 passenger airliner that President Ronald Reagan allowed GPS to be used for the benefit of worldwide civilian use thereafter.

In the late 90’s, we started to see factory installed GPS units appear in a number of high-end vehicle models, but the cost was majorly prohibitive to most. Fast forward a decade and witness the growth of the windscreen mounted GPS. Popularity has also increased as prices have steadily decreased; a decent model now costs around $300.

Different types of GPS

There are three main types of in-car GPS available:

- factory installed in-dash models
- windscreen mounted models
- mobile phone enabled models

Azentek have just added a fourth category – the rear-view mirror model.

Look into the mirror, but don't look for too long while driving
Look into the mirror, but don't look for too long while driving


The SmartMirror

The future of GPS versatility may rest with Azentek’s clever use of interior cabin space. By integrating the car’s rear-view mirror with an a fully functioning GPS and camera mode, drivers will have everything they need in map data, Bluetooth and car cameras in one single easy-to-view area of the vehicle. The $1499 SmartMirror is the kind of futuristic accessory we all know George Jetson would of had in his hover air vehicle.

How it works

Based on what we saw during our road test demonstration, the driver is able to select between viewing between two different modes: GPS and camera view.

The camera view helps to illuminate a vehicle’s blind spots, by switching to a camera feed that routes footage from any number of pre-installed pinhole cameras mounted within the car. There is no limit to the number of cameras that can be installed in a car; the SmartMirror is able to switch between various camera views to assist the driver in areas that are often the most difficult angles to see on a car.

The GPS mode is probably going to be the mirrors talked about function. Gone are those annoying windscreen models that have the tendency to move around and fall off. By placing the GPS onto the factory installed bolted mirror, the leads (which have the tendency to get tangled on the windscreen models) are hardwired through the roof and across the dash into the battery.

The Smartmirror can only be factory installed by Azentek designated specialists to ensure DIY enthusiasts don’t install this high-tech gadget incorrectly. It’s also bolted onto the windscreen to deter thieves who love to make a meal ticket of stray windscreen mounted GPS units, of which remain easy targets in unoccupied vehicles.

Specs

The Smartmirror is powered by the standard GPS setup: 400Mhz ARM920T processor, 64MB of internal memory, Bluetooth and doubles as a Windows media player. However, don’t expect the SmartMirror to be able to play file sizes larger than 2GB (via an SD slot), in what may be very annoying to some drivers.

The SmartMirror features its own internal speaker, so it's not the type of unit that plays your MP3’s in stereo quality – it’s strictly meant for GPS voice guidance. There is also an added stylus for big fingered drivers who can’t quite reach the teeny weeny buttons.

The GPS works from a NAVTEQ map, contains over 1 million POIs in 26 different categories and as an added optional extra, 4WD enthusiasts will enjoy the use of ‘Aussie explorer maps’ for adventerous off-road action.

By our standards, the GPS appears typical – it’s nothing out of the ordinary and the menu looks friendly enough to operate. You also get the speed camera alerts and school zone warnings too.

(continued on next page - disadvantages and safety problems)
Problems

No Australian voice on the unit: As much as we find it amusing to hear an American pronounce street directions with all the obvious computerised cheesiness, it’s definitely no substitute for the real Aussie vernacular.

Small screen size: The screen appears a little too small for checking detailed map views. We get the feeling that it’s really going to be better suited to drivers who already prefer audio turn-by-turn instructions and don’t require the GPS screen as an extra aid. We imagine that tricky multi-lane areas (where visual directions are much preferred), may render the Smartmirror slightly un-smart as a result.

The Bluetooth and GPS controls are strictly touch-input operated. This means you’ll have to get used to making changes to your GPS maps or receiving phone calls while stopped at the lights or when parked. Of course, you can do it while driving, but we don’t recommend it as the buttons are very small to press and could cause a distraction while driving.

To be fair, we feel there are many saftety ramifications that come to mind when we think of drivers fiddling with their rear-view mirrors during everyday driving situations.

Safety questions

Placement worries - While we were watching our driver take his directions, we couldn’t help wonder that the rear mirror may not be the best place to implement a GPS unit. Sure, it’s a good spot for camera vision to help illuminate blind spots (as it would be natural to use the mirror to highlight blind spot areas), but because a GPS requires map attention and ease of adjustment, we feel the mirror is not a good placement for such a device.

Dare we say it, but the SmartMirror could be regarded as little dangerous. By taking our eyes momentarily off the road to check out mirror, Azentek are hoping that we don’t also spend too much time checking the GPS. The smartmirror's cumersome placement could provide an unnecessary distraction by positioning a data-rich device (GPS, POI, map detailing) in an area that is usually designated for driver critical moments (like checking mirrors to change lanes, etc). We simply don’t feel comfortable with a GPS bundled in this important area of a car.

Overall v
erdict

While the SmartMirror has passed road worthiness and certification measures in Australia, we still think the GPS should be a separate attachment at best and for that reason you might want to see one in operation before you take the plunge.

It's also not cheap at $1499; there are plenty of other windscreen and mobile phone enabled GPS models at much lower prices clambering for your hard earned dollars. Ultimately, some drivers may love this car gizmo; while others may not warm to at all.