Update on Alexa Decks (Updated)

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Alexa Gets Deeper Integration in Cars

JVC Mobile Entertainment late last month became the second aftermarket supplier to ship car radios equipped with the Alexa voice agent.

The radio maker joined sister company Kenwood in offering new single DIN receivers that allow users to press a button to activate Alexa voice control.

Several other suppliers including Pioneer, BOSS, Soundstream and Jensen (Dual) are still awaiting approval on radios. Some suppliers have been waiting a year or longer for approval.

Alexa is approving single DIN audio receivers first to be followed by the more complex double DIN AV radios in the future, said two industry sources.  We were also told that there is lack of manpower assigned to the Alexa Auto approval process. We asked Amazon for an explanation for the delays, but did not receive an immediate reply.

Update: Alexa replied with the following statement:

“We want customers to have a great experience when interacting with Alexa in the car, regardless of the device type or manufacturer. Testing and certification is an important part of that effort, and we’re excited to see more products launch in the coming months once they’ve completed that process.”

Meanwhile, Amazon’s own Alexa car-add on device, appears to have been was elevated from “invitation only” status to general availability on Amazon as of last week. Called the Echo Auto at $49, it communicates via Bluetooth with your phone to offer Alexa control of music and more.  The device uses 8 built-in microphones to “hear” voice commands over road noise.

JVC’s new single DIN line includes nine radios, eight with “Alexa Built-In.” Users can ask Alexa to play music, hear the news, check the weather and control smart home devices.  Users must first download a smartphone app to set up Alexa on their JVC receiver. When they press an Alexa button, the screen displays “Listening” and the user may issue Alexa requests.

JVC Alexa radio for any car
JVC KD-T915BTS with Alexa

 

The new audio receivers are:

Single Din Audio Receivers:

KD-X270BT Digital Media Receiver- Bluetooth, USB, AUX, Red Key Illumination, 1Pre-out @ 2.5V, 1.5A USB Charging, 96kHz/24Bit FLAC Support, 13 Band EQ w/Digital Time Alignment, Multi-Language, & K2 Technology.  SRP $89.95

 

KD-X370BTS Digital Media Receiver- Alexa Built-In, Bluetooth, USB (w/iPod Support), AUX, SiriusXM Radio, 2-Zone Variable Color Illumination, 3Pre-outs @ 4.0V, 1.5A USB Charging, 96kHz/24Bit FLAC Support, 13 Band EQ w/Digital Time Alignment, Multi-Language, & K2 Technology.  SRP $109.95

 

KD-T710BT (Channel Managed) CD Receiver- Alexa Built-In, Bluetooth, USB (w/iPod Support), AUX, Blue Key Illumination, 1Pre-out @ 2.5V, 1.5A USB Charging, 96kHz/24Bit FLAC Support, 13 Band EQ w/Digital Time Alignment, Multi-Language, & K2 Technology.  SRP $109.95

 

KD-TD71BT CD Receiver- Alexa Built-In, Bluetooth, USB (w/iPod Support), AUX, Blue Key Illumination, 1Pre-out @ 2.5V, 1.5A USB Charging, 96kHz/24Bit FLAC Support, 13 Band EQ w/Digital Time Alignment, Multi-Language, & K2 Technology.  SRP  $109.95

 

KD-T910BTS (Channel Managed) CD Receiver- Alexa Built-In, Bluetooth, USB (w/iPod Support), AUX, SiriusXM Radio, 2-Zone Variable Color Illumination, 2 Pre-outs @ 2.5V, 1.5A USB Charging, 96kHz/24Bit FLAC Support, 13 Band EQ w/Digital Time Alignment, Multi-Language, & K2 Technology.  SRP $119.95

 

KD-TD91BTS CD Receiver- Alexa Built-In, Bluetooth, USB (w/iPod Support), AUX, SiriusXM Radio, 2-Zone Variable Color Illumination, 2 Pre-outs @ 2.5V, 1.5A USB Charging, 96kHz/24Bit FLAC Support, 13 Band EQ w/Digital Time Alignment, Multi-Language, & K2 Technology.  SRP  $119.95

 

KD-T915BTS (Channel Managed) CD Receiver- Alexa Built-In, Bluetooth, Front & Rear USB (w/iPod Support), AUX, SiriusXM Radio, 2-Zone Variable Color Illumination, 3 Pre-outs @ 5V, 1.5A USB Charging, 96kHz/24Bit FLAC Support, 13 Band EQ w/Digital Time Alignment, Multi-Language, & K2 Technology.  SRP $149.95

 

Single Din Marine/MotorSports Audio Receivers:

KD-X37BTS  (Channel Managed) Marine/MotorSports Digital Media Receiver- Alexa Built-In, Conformal Coated Circuit Board, Bluetooth, USB (w/iPod Support), AUX, SiriusXM Radio, 2-Zone Variable Color Illumination, 3Pre-outs @ 4.0V, 1.5A USB Charging, 96kHz/24Bit FLAC Support, 13 Band EQ w/Digital Time Alignment, Multi-Language, Marine Remote RM-RK62M Optional Marine Remote Ready, & K2 Technology.  SRP $129.95

 

KD-T91MBS (Channel Managed) Marine/MotorSports CD Receiver- Alexa Built-In, Conformal Coated Circuit Board, Bluetooth, USB (w/iPod Support), AUX, SiriusXM Radio, 2-Zone Variable Color Illumination, 3Pre-outs @ 4.0V, 1.5A USB Charging, 96kHz/24Bit FLAC Support, 13 Band EQ w/Digital Time Alignment, Multi-Language, Marine Remote RM-RK62M Optional Marine Remote Ready, & K2 Technology.  SRP $149.95

 

 

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