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Sony Introduces New Aftermarket CarPlay and Siri Eyes Free Systems

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Apr 12, 2001
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Sony today introduced its new XAV-AX200 in-car audio receiver, which doubles as an aftermarket CarPlay system.

The double-DIN XAV-AX200 has a 6.4-inch touchscreen, but Sony didn't specify if its capacitive, or resistive like its XAV-AX100 predecessor.

sonyapplecarplay-800x533.jpg

Other key features include both CarPlay and Android Auto support, Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio compatibility, a built-in four-channel amplifier, three external camera inputs, and a built-in DVD player.

Sony also unveiled a MEX-GS820BT receiver that can pair with two smartphones at once via Bluetooth. It doesn't appear to support CarPlay, but it does feature Siri Eyes Free, and similar voice controls on Android smartphones. Sony said the unit has a high-contrast vertical-alignment LCD of an unspecified size.

Siri Eyes Free helps minimize driver distraction with Siri voice recognition, allowing drivers to interact with an iPhone 4s or later without needing to look at the in-dash screen. The feature can be used to make calls, play music, hear and compose text messages, read notifications, use Apple Maps, and more.

Sony said the XAV-AX200 and MEX-GS820BT will be available across North America by the end of the year. Pricing wasn't disclosed. The older XAV-AX100 generally retails for between $499 and $549 in the United States.

Other aftermarket CarPlay systems are available from Alpine, Clarion, Kenwood, JBL, JVC, Pioneer, Sony, and other manufacturers.

Article Link: Sony Introduces New Aftermarket CarPlay and Siri Eyes Free Systems
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2017/08/14/sony-carplay-siri-eyes-free-systems/
TreyCox said:
I just recently installed the XAV-AX100 in my '17 Camry, and I absolutely love it. It is far better than the Entune crape that Toyota installs from the factory.
Click to expand...
Yeah!

I was testing XAV-AX100 and just as you said, one of the most affordable and capable aftermarket CarPlay units.
 
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I might consider this if it's wireless CarPlay and around $499, but I can't seem to find many details online.
 
larrylaffer said:
The fact that Toyota steadfastly refuses to support CarPlay or Android Auto are a good start.

For one of the world's most innovative auto makers, they're being shockingly pigheaded about the future.
Click to expand...
Is CarPlay worth it? Thinking about switching my deck out for a CarPlay supported one.
 
I have had my eye on the previous generation for a while, the only thing holding me back was not having a resistive touch screen and not capacitive. I really hope this has a capacitive screen, I don't mind not having wireless car play because I like topping off my phone while driving.
 
UL2RA said:
Is CarPlay worth it? Thinking about switching my deck out for a CarPlay supported one.
Click to expand...
I put a double DIN Pioneer unit in my 2005 Mustang about a month ago. I did quite a bit of research and was very impressed by what Pioneer offered. It is not CarPlay, but it is CarPlay compatible. It does connect via Bluetooth to the iPhone, uses a wired microphone for talking and Siri use, which I wired to the upper section of the driver's side of the car. You can also connect via USB in order to use Pioneer's apps, though weak as they are. I would use it for the GPS functionality only. Bluetooth music plays very well from the phone. I am not sure that CarPlay does anything any differently than these other offerings.

My unit is the Pioneer AVH-X5800BHS DVD Receiver which is showing as no longer available at Crutchfield.
 
I wonder if there is a large market to keep this going. Nowadays, crappy or not almost all cars seem to have non user replaceable (or very difficult) systems.
When I got my driver's license one of the first things everybody did was purchasing a nice stereo for their car. Nowadays it is a non issue.
I do believe that in a few iterations most car companies will get it right (some already do) and a included system has great advantages. In the mean time Android and Apple will be stalled with half baked interfaces so that most common people don't become used to using it.
 
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Booch21 said:
I put a double DIN Pioneer unit in my 2005 Mustang about a month ago. I did quite a bit of research and was very impressed by what Pioneer offered. It is not CarPlay, but it is CarPlay compatible. It does connect via Bluetooth to the iPhone, uses a wired microphone for talking and Siri use, which I wired to the upper section of the driver's side of the car. You can also connect via USB in order to use Pioneer's apps, though weak as they are. I would use it for the GPS functionality only. Bluetooth music plays very well from the phone. I am not sure that CarPlay does anything any differently than these other offerings.

My unit is the Pioneer AVH-X5800BHS DVD Receiver which is showing as no longer available at Crutchfield.
Click to expand...
I've seen CarPlay compatible hybrids like you're talking about. I might pick one of those up instead. They seemed to have better compatibility with apps that don't support CarPlay yet.
 
jacjustjac said:
Would kill for a single-DIN unit...
Click to expand...

Given the average price point for CarPlay decks is around $500+ im reminded of one of the reasons why I opted for a 7+.

My phone is literally mounted next to my car deck and user experience wise there is a very small list of what CarPlay is able to do over a stand alone iPhone.

Get a quality single din deck with Bluetooth or a USB input, direct audio connection + charging, turn on "hey Siri", obviously a non obtrusive car phone mount system and you arguably have a more functional and affordable set up.

Of course I'm coming from the perspective of having a car that doesn't have CarPlay already factory installed .
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Booch21 said:
I put a double DIN Pioneer unit in my 2005 Mustang about a month ago. I did quite a bit of research and was very impressed by what Pioneer offered. It is not CarPlay, but it is CarPlay compatible. It does connect via Bluetooth to the iPhone, uses a wired microphone for talking and Siri use, which I wired to the upper section of the driver's side of the car. You can also connect via USB in order to use Pioneer's apps, though weak as they are. I would use it for the GPS functionality only. Bluetooth music plays very well from the phone. I am not sure that CarPlay does anything any differently than these other offerings.

My unit is the Pioneer AVH-X5800BHS DVD Receiver which is showing as no longer available at Crutchfield.
Click to expand...

I have a very similar set up.

I agree the pioneer apps are mostly crap and it could just be the Pioneer OS(app play?) but apps are slow to launch.

My set up is basically:

  • Phone mount next to car deck screen
  • Connected through usb(hard connection for Audio, Bluetooth also connected for phone calls)
  • Navigation is usually running on my 7 plus
  • Whatever audio I have playing is displayed on my deck

Cons(compared):
  • 2 interfaces instead of 1
  • General user interface over all isn't as sleek as CarPlay
Pros:
  • Can run apps not supported by CarPlay
  • Always viewable media controls and phone/app controls
  • A few hundred dollars less than CarPlay
  • Almost all of the features of CarPlay without installing a CarPlay deck
 
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TreyCox said:
I just recently installed the XAV-AX100 in my '17 Camry, and I absolutely love it. It is far better than the Entune crape that Toyota installs from the factory.
Click to expand...

Did you install it yourself or paid someone to do so? the cost would be doubled if you ask, say, Bestbuys to install it for you.
 
larrylaffer said:
The fact that Toyota steadfastly refuses to support CarPlay or Android Auto are a good start.

For one of the world's most innovative auto makers, they're being shockingly pigheaded about the future.
Click to expand...
Pisses me off. Especially when they had the gall to say "We think our customers prefer the options we already provide."
B.S.
 
I had one of this (XAV-AX100) on my old car, it's the only 1DIN CarPlay on the market with affordable price. Had some issues, but for 285€ (Amazon deals) it's a good choice. If the new one (Amazon.de link) images are real Sony add the CD player, screen or wi-fi CarPlay not confirmed.
 
Once your car drives itself, who cares? Bring whatever device you want and just use that.

Expecting my Model 3 sometime between January and March. Not sure how long after that to wait for Full Self Driving... :-/
 
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UL2RA said:
Is CarPlay worth it? Thinking about switching my deck out for a CarPlay supported one.
Click to expand...
The answer is simple. Only if your native language is English (or your communication is mainly in English).
 
ArtOfWarfare said:
Once your car drives itself, who cares? Bring whatever device you want and just use that.

Expecting my Model 3 sometime between January and March. Not sure how long after that to wait for Full Self Driving... :-/
Click to expand...
I still want to effortless have my music, podcasts and calls work through the car infotainment system. Who wants to listen to music from their iPhone, even if the car is driving itself?

I also have a Model 3 reservation. How's the experience with iPhone in a Tesla right now? I know they don't offer CarPlay or Android Auto.
 
I use it in Italian, not so bad. Integration in EU are not the same of US, but still worth it, 'cause driving laws became more restrictive for everyone use a cellphone while driving.
 
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