Phiar Technologies, which specialises in AI-powered Augmented Reality (AR) navigation for driving, has launched the private beta for its consumer-facing app. Powered by AI, the app aims to enhance driving safety, facilitate more intuitive wayfinding and connect drivers with their surrounding environments through intuitive visuals and an easy-to-follow AR path. The private beta is currently available for iPhone 7 or later and will be available for Android later in the year.

During the private beta, Phiar app users will have access to turn-by-turn AR navigation for driving, which is enabled by the AI components of Phiars system for Lane Segmentation, Semantic Segmentation and 3D localization. The company said that these three technology pillars enable an accurate and intuitive 3D experience that frees users from reading 2D maps while driving.

The app will also bring safety warnings and other advanced features in subsequent releases. Additional features in the private beta include search, by address, and place name; view swapping, between the AR view and a traditional map view; and maps with live traffic overlays.

“Our AI-powered AR navigation app will provide drivers with a highly intuitive navigation experience,” said Phiar Technologies founder and CEO, Chen-Ping Yu. “Phiar app users will no longer have to read and understand a 2D map, they can just quickly glance and know where to go due to visual direction information displayed. The app does this by efficiently analyzing the surroundings and determining the best AR overlays, taking into account road, light, weather, objects present, and more.”

Drivers can apply for access to the private beta program, which officially starts the first week of February, here.