Sony said it will ship its first CarPlay and Android Auto-ready radio, the XAV-AX100 to distributors and authorized retailers starting late next week.
The radio is unique in that it offers a lower price for CarPlay, at a suggested $499.99. It is a mechless (CDless) model with a 6.4-inch screen, slightly smaller than some of the CarPlay radios offered to date.
The AV deck comes with Bluetooth and a rear USB jack, The touchscreen has 800 x 480 touch resolution with “improved visibility” including better night visibility and less sun glare.
With the XAV-AX100 Sony joins Pioneer, Kenwood, Alpine and JVC in shipping CarPlay (or CarPlay/Android Auto) units. Others, such as JBL and Jensen (Dual) have announced CarPlay radios that are due to ship early next year.
The new XAV-AX100 also uses Sony Dynamic Stage Organizer (DSO) technology, which helps overcome the acoustic problems caused by full range speakers mounted in the door that can “sound muddy or unclear.” Sony said, “the DSO adjusts the signal creating the illusion of dash-mounted virtual speakers to provide an ideal, high quality sound experience…”
It has 3 preouts, a rear out and a subwoofer output and rear view camera input. It also offers Sony’s “extra bass” feature, built in 55 watt x 4 amplifier and 10-band graphic equalizer.
So more accurately the title should say Sony to ship…
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