Sony has announced a new in-dash car stereo unit that offers built-in support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
The XAV-AX100 will arrive in November at a cost of $500USD and might well be the best option for those looking to smarten up their motoring experience without having to buy a new car.
The unit boasts a 4.8-inch touchscreen with an 800 x 480 resolution and will connect to the smartphone via NFC or Bluetooth.
There are also hardware buttons that’ll enable users to skip tracks, increase volume, cycle through options, enable voice transmission and return to the home screen.
The XAV-AX-100 is Sony’s first after-market receiver that supports both competing in-car systems for Apple and Google.
Sony appears to be positioned to do well in this area, given its competitors, like Pioneer’s AppRadio 4, cost $100USD more.
CarPlay and Android Auto are designed to make it easier to leverage their smartphones while on the move.
The touchscreen receiver offers convenience when making calls, accessing media apps and using the phone’s built-in mapping systems for navigation.
While there are a few after-market receivers available, many auto manufacturers are now building the functionality directly into their cars.
There’s no news yet on whether Sony’s receiver will be available in the UK, but we’ll bring you any announcements as soon as they happen.
Where to buy Sony: http://abtec.co.nz/product-search.php?keyword=XAV-AX100&category=&brand=&search=