Alpine is updating its popular Halo 9-inch “floating” radio with a lower cost iLX-F259 that adds a customizable user interface with swipe and drag-and-drop motions.
The new radio’s touchscreen interface is now similar to those of tablets and smartphones for easier use. Also users can customize up to three page menu screens with widgets for clocks, a personal photo, Bluetooth, audio source icons, and a variety of background patterns.
Like its predecessor, the iLX-F259 is an in-dash mechless (CD-less) AV receiver with a large, floating 9-inch WVGA capacitive touch screen. It brings a 9-inch screen into a wide variety of vehicles without the need for custom installation.
It includes an AM/FM receiver, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, a rear-view camera input and SiriusXM capability. It does not have a few of the features of the original Halo 9 including HDMI capability to hit a lower price point of a suggested $800.
The screen of the iLX-259 is attached to a sliding mount that connects to the single DIN chassis, allowing the large 9-inch screen to be mounted at the desired height, angle and depth, basically “floating” over the dashboard, where it can avoid protruding knobs and vents on the dash.
The iLX-F259 is expected to ship in March.
