‘I attempted a ‘good’ pace digicam detector that followers say stops factors and fines’
The Ooono Co-Driver warns about speed cameras and hazards with just beeps and flashes. Motoring Editor and Senior Consumer Tech Review Writer Gareth Butterfield put it to the test
Users say the Ooono 2024 gadget ‘works well and is a ‘great idea’
When there’s a hazard on the road, such as a pothole, a broken-down vehicle, or perhaps an accident up ahead, we frequently want to alert other motorists. We might flash our headlights as they drive past to warn them, hoping they’ll reduce their speed.
This straightforward act of consideration has now been transformed into a device that provides simple audio warnings when another driver has identified something concerning. It’s called a Co-Driver, and it’s the brainchild of a firm called Ooono (apologies spell-checker).
It’s amongst the most straightforward gadgets I’ve ever reviewed, yet it could prove to be one of the most valuable pieces of automotive technology available. From a physical standpoint, it’s essentially a small button that attaches to your dashboard, complete with lights and a buzzer.
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Allow me to clarify how it operates. Drivers are cruising along when the dashboard-mounted Co-Driver sounds an alert, reports the Mirror. This serves as a warning that something lies ahead.
Motorists can determine precisely what it’s cautioning them about by setting up the notifications in the app, but this indicates a Co-Driver user has identified a speed camera or hazard and pressed the device. So imagine this scenario: a driver is travelling down the motorway and carelessly allows their vehicle to drift above the speed limit.
A camera is approaching in a few hundred yards but, fortunately, the Co-Driver is aware, alerts them, and they have sufficient time to decelerate before reaching the camera. When they approach the hazard they’ve been alerted to, they simply confirm its presence by pressing the device.
There’s no need to glance at it or read anything; it communicates entirely through beeps and flashes. It’s rather ingenious.
For instance, if a motorist is exiting the motorway and spots someone changing a tyre on a dangerous bend, they can quickly tap the Ooono device a couple of times. This will alert the next user to exercise caution when approaching that area.
Whilst this concept is undoubtedly clever, it’s not exactly groundbreaking. Similar systems are integrated into navigation apps like Waze. Motorists can also consider the Tom by TomTom which retails for £69.99 and gives speed camera and obstacle warnings in Europe.
However, what sets Ooono’s device apart is its lack of a screen, eliminating potential distractions, and the absence of a touch-screen requiring precise interaction.
Instead, it features a discreet, physical button. So, does it deliver?
I’ve taken the Co-Driver on several lengthy trips, including motorway drives and a tour around Snowdonia. My assessment thus far is that it’s quite impressive.
In areas with heavy traffic, it’s highly reliable, only missing a handful of speed cameras and hazards. In more remote, less populated areas, it hasn’t performed as well. And that’s the catch with a community-based system: the larger the community, the better it functions.
Ooono claims to have five million users across 50 countries, but that averages out to roughly 100,000 drivers per country. At times, it feels like there just aren’t enough users in the UK yet.
However, shoppers can purchase a Co-Driver for under £50, so with any luck it’ll become widely adopted quite quickly and then has the potential to become something extraordinarily valuable. There are additional aspects I appreciate about it as well.
The companion app, which users will require for setup, allows drivers to personalise alerts and how it operates, and it will also offer another layer of information for each alert, should they wish to have something to peruse.
Once the app is linked up, and provided users have powered up their Co-Driver (the battery endures for ages and charges via USB-C) it will activate automatically the moment they begin driving. It’s entirely GPS-dependent.
Two versions are available. I initially tested the original Co-Driver, which performs adequately, but lacks a rechargeable battery and omits several newer features.
Ooono provided me with their Co-Driver No2 which not only appears somewhat more stylish, and boasts an improved LED lighting ring, it also connects to a navigation system within the app. This is the model to choose for those who desire a rechargeable battery.
This device includes other ingenious enhancements, such as a vastly superior magnetic mounting system and the ability to dismiss an alert if something’s incorrect, or the warning has lapsed. This model carries a higher price tag at £67.01 (was £69) compared to £22.99, but it seems Ooono has genuinely listened to user feedback for enhancements, resulting in a much more polished piece of technology.
Absolutely worth the additional cost. But is it worthwhile having one at all?
The Ooono Co-Driver 2 2024 model has been reviewed over 38,000 times on Amazon, and most shoppers seem to rate it. One said: “Brilliant. Easily set up first time then you can just leave it.
“No buttons to press or connecting to your phone. Only needs a quick charge once a month.
“You can even hear the ooono’s warning bleeps over loud music due to the bleeps frequency. This device will really stop you getting points and fines.”
It is worth noting another mentioned a slight pitfall with the design, commenting: “Great idea and works well. Only negative is the double sticky on the magnets dose not last and the Ooono falls off.
“Lights could be brighter. Otherwise good bit of kit.” So, what do I think?
We could adopt a straightforward view of that question and simply highlight how much it might save drivers if it prevents a speeding ticket. Alternatively, we could consider that it might save a life by alerting you to an approaching danger.
Whilst it could be argued quite convincingly that nothing should ever substitute for cautious driving and staying within your capabilities at all times, we’re all only human. We all slip up occasionally, and having an alert system like this provides an excellent backup. And I suppose you really can’t put a value on safety.
