Sony has announced a new in-dash car stereo unit that offers built-in support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
The XAV-AX100 will arrive in November at a cost of $500 and might well be the best option for those looking to smarten up their motoring experience without having to buy a new car.
The unit boasts a 4.8-inch touchscreen with an 800 x 480 resolution and will connect to the smartphone via NFC or Bluetooth.
Related: Android Auto vs Apple CarPlay: What’s the difference?
There are also hardware buttons that’ll enable users to skip tracks, increase volume, cycle through options, enable voice transmission and return to the home screen.
The XAV-AX-100 is Sony’s first after-market receiver that supports both competing in-car systems for Apple and Google.
CarPlay and Android Auto are designed to make it easier to leverage their smartphones while on the move.
The touchscreen receiver offers convenience when making calls, accessing media apps and using the phone’s built-in mapping systems for navigation.
While there are a few after-market receivers available, many auto manufacturers are now building the functionality directly into their cars.
There’s no news yet on whether Sony’s receiver will be available in the UK, but we’ll bring you any announcements as soon as they happen.
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.