Alpine has announced the first aftermarket receiver that enables iPhone owners to use the in-car infotainment system, CarPlay, without connecting via a Lightning cable.
The Alpine iLX-107, announced at CES 2017 way back in January, is now shipping for the considerable cost of $900.
Connecting via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, it will enable users to use Siri and a dedicated 7-inch touchscreen to get directions, make hands-free calls, read messages and control music.
While the iLX-107 is an expensive piece of kit, it sure beats splashing out for a new car.
Especially when one considers the only vehicle currently offering wireless CarPlay is the 2017 BMW 5 Series Sedan.
Related: Apple CarPlay vs Android Auto
While more and more auto makers are shipping their vehicles with support for CarPlay, Android Auto, or both, the adoption is still pretty low.
While there are a decent range of aftermarket CarPlay receivers available, all until now have required the physical connection to the iPhone.
Google, at least, offers Android Auto in the form of a smartphone app that enable you to make quick choices when driving without fiddling with the touchscreen.
Does CarPlay or Android Auto integration enter your thoughts when considering a new vehicle? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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Editorial independence
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.
