Kenwood introduced 43 new car audio products at CES 2015, including a new AV radio that supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The new model DDX9902S with a 7-inch screen, shows the simple opening screens offered by Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for navigation, music and phone/messaging. Android Auto is also integrated with Google Now and voice recognition.
The radio has Bluetooth and HDMI for viewing and controlling audio and video from a phone. It includes HD Radio and is SiriusXM ready. Shipping and pricing will be announced.
Kenwood is also showing a new multimedia radio that is one of the few single DIN radios (found in older cars) to include an HDMI/MHL connection.
The new KVT-7012BT has a 7-inch flip down screen and it displays and plays audio and video from a smartphone via HDMI. It also controls apps and functions over Bluetooth. So it can control the WAZE navigation app, for example. Suggested retail price is approximately $750.
“We were focused more on double DIN radios but the dealers saw a need for a single DIN for older vehicles. It’s one of the few single DIN receivers with HDMI,” said Kenwood’s Scott Caswell.
Also new is a DNN992 receiver with WiFi capability (when used with a personal hotspot) that can work with an optional Verizon 4G dongle. It is similar to last year’s DNN991 but with improved mapping and new user interfaces for music and video.
In the 2015 lineup, 9 models offer HDMI/MHL connections for linking to a smartphone’s audio and video. All of the HDMI radios support FLAC hi-res audio files and all have WAZE compatibility and a new user interface.
There are 11 new CD receivers and one new CD-less digital media receiver, 6 in-dash and 9 multimedia receivers.
This year, the 8 iDatalink compatible models work with more car models than last year, said Kenwood
Three marine/power sports receivers and speakers are also new for 2015 including a new Bluetooth amplifier KMR-D562BT .
Source: Kenwood USA
Photo: Kenwood single DIN KVT-7012BT with HDMI/MHL
