Dallas La Porta and Dino Mariutti, co-founders of DD Technologies, were busy walking the floor and making key industry contacts at January’s International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.
The company, based in West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, and Italy, is aiming for a spring roll out of its Iris aftermarket add-on heads-up display unit. Retailing for $499, the HUD mounts inside the car near the sun visor, using laser-scanning technology to present a sharp, clear display.
Although DD did not have a booth while at CES “we did some ‘guerilla marketing’” in search of aftermarket distribution deals, La Porta reports.
“We talked to some big distributors and they were impressed. We couldn’t have asked for a better reception,” he notes, answering some additional questions about the details:
Q: Where is this manufactured?
A: Iris has components manufactured in Asia and the United States. Final assembly and packaging will likely take place in the United States or Canada.
Q: What smartphone applications work with Iris?
A: Iris is open source, so expect a wide variety of apps to be compatible. We have developed some essential and exciting apps for the first release. The list of features will grow and grow. Iris will also work well with many of your phones features and apps seamlessly.
Q: Is Iris legal?
A: Iris is an improved version of the OEM display screens pre-installed on luxury vehicles. In most regions this is legal, but check your local laws regarding hands-free devices, etc.
Q: Will Iris work in all cars?
A: If the car has a dashboard onto which Iris can sit and a windshield onto which it can project – and the user has a smartphone with the Iris app – the heads-up display will function properly.
Q: Will this product result in more distracted drivers?
A: No. Iris keeps the drivers eyes focused on the road ahead while still being able to acknowledge incoming communication. Iris will actually make for more focused drivers.
Q: What is your refund or cancellation policy?
A: We feel that Iris will hit the spot, but we offer 60 days to cancel an order and receive a full refund. No questions asked. Also, take 30 days to try out the device once it arrives. Should you decide to return it a full refund will be issued. This does not include shipping fees.
Q: How long is the warranty?
A: One year from date shipped. This warranty does not include normal wear and tear. Under this warranty, DD Technologies will provide the opportunity to have one of its technicians assess any possible defect. If defective or device failure is determined to be under normal use, DD Technologies will, at no cost to the owner, repair or replace the defective Iris.
Q: What other technologies have you created?
A: We built the Bolt charging station and other mobile device peripherals and mobile device apps.
Subscribe to Aftermarket Business World and receive articles like this every month….absolutely free. Click here.
