Kenwood is shipping its first CarPlay/Android Auto ready car radios at suggested retail prices of $900-$950.
With the launch of the new radios, Kenwood becomes the second aftermarket supplier to offer both CarPlay and Android Auto and the third supplier to offer CarPlay.
Kenwood claims the new Excelon DDX9902S and Kenwood DDX9702S are the only models available that let drivers switch between an iPhone or Android phone without requiring they manually change the settings in the radio, or reset the radio.
Once a smartphone is plugged in, voice recognition—either Siri or Google voice—become the main way to control music, maps, navigation and more.
Both the new radios are double DIN models with a near 7-inch resistive touch display with backup camera capability (camera sold separately). Each also includes an HDMI port, Bluetooth, HD Radio, MHL support and DVD playback. They are also SiriusXM ready and have native control of Pandora and iHeartRadio.
Kenwood Marketing Manager Tony Mercado said, “Today we are delivering both [CarPlay and Android Auto] in a single chassis, well before most automakers. Combined with our years of automotive electronics know-how, we are delivering a premium, safe smartphone experience in the vehicle.”
Source: Kenwood
