Sony's Latest CarPlay Receiver Features a Large 8.9-Inch Touchscreen That Hovers Over the Dashboard

[MacRumors]

Sony today unveiled its latest CarPlay and Android Auto receiver with a large 8.95-inch touchscreen that hovers over the dashboard, allowing it to fit into a smaller single-DIN space. Equipped with a three-way mount, the receiver's height, depth, and tilt can be adjusted during installation in most vehicles.

XAV-AX8000​

Sony says the XAV-AX8000 will be available in December 2019 for a suggested retail price of $599.99 in the United States.

Aftermarket receivers like this one allow for CarPlay and Android Auto to be installed in older vehicles. This particular Sony model is a wired CarPlay receiver, so an iPhone must be connected with a Lightning to USB cable. Wireless CarPlay receivers are available from brands like Alpine, Kenwood, and JVC.

CarPlay is Apple's in-car platform that enables iPhone users to access a range of apps from the dashboard, such as Messages, Apple Maps, Apple Music, Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify, SiriusXM Radio, Pandora, WhatsApp, Downcast, Slacker Radio, Stitcher, and as of iOS 12, third-party navigation apps like Google Maps and Waze.

Article Link: Sony's Latest CarPlay Receiver Features a Large 8.9-Inch Touchscreen That Hovers Over the Dashboard

 

[ipedro]

I dont drive enough to own a car but these CarPlay units make me have tech lust for something I absolutely don’t need. This Sony unit is beautiful.​

 

[Artric76]

I dont drive enough to own a car but this CarPlay u it is gorgeous.

When I read it, it specifically said that it wasn't. Not sure if they updated after you posted this or not...

EDIT: I guess you read it again and saw that it wasn't wireless CarPlay and decided to change your post instead of delete it before I could post my reply...

 

[GhostRaider]

I don’t get the point of these CarPlay units. Literally just buy an iPad with Cellular capabilities and call it a day. There are plenty of iPad compatible mounts for cars.

That’s literally what Tesla cars have. No need to spend that much money for this.

 

[ipedro]

I don’t get the point of these CarPlay units. Literally just buy an iPad with Cellular capabilities and call it a day. There are plenty of iPad compatible mounts for cars.

That’s literally what Tesla cars have. No need to spend that much money for this.

iPad’s UI isn’t designed to be used while driving. If there were a CarPlay mode for iPhones and iPads, that’d be great.

Also, would you leave an iPad in your car? Having to remove it every time you park and hide it or carry it around would be inconvenient.

 

[konqerror]

I don’t get the point of these CarPlay units. Literally just buy an iPad with Cellular capabilities and call it a day. There are plenty of iPad compatible mounts for cars.

That’s literally what Tesla cars have. No need to spend that much money for this.

1. The UI is built specifically for cars and it blocks apps like video. This is necessary in some states by law.
2. It automatically plays on your car speakers/microphone
3. It integrates to steering wheel controls and dashboard displays (on some models)
4. You don't have to manually synchronize state (i.e. what music you're listening to) between the two when getting in and out
5. The displays are much brighter for sunlight visibility instead of high resolution
6. The low end models cost less than an iPad mini ($220)
7. Some models integrate with backup cameras (Backup aids are required by law in new US cars)
8. You save $10-15 a month over a separate iPad cellular connection
9. You're less liable to get a built in unit stolen in a smash and grab theft.
10. You don't have to remember to unplug and switch it off when leaving for long periods.

 

[GhostRaider]

iPad’s UI isn’t designed to be used while driving. If there were a CarPlay mode for iPhones and iPads, that’d be great.

Also, would you leave an iPad in your car? Having to remove it every time you park and hide it or carry it around would be inconvenient.

Well that’s why Siri exists? To be honest the UI is fine. Everything is big and can easily be tapped in seconds while your waiting on a red light or something. From experience.

Sure hiding the iPad can be a downside but that doesn’t bother me.
[doublepost=1565369312][/doublepost]

1. The UI is built specifically for cars and it blocks apps like video. This is necessary in some states by law.
2. It automatically plays on your car speakers/microphone
3. It integrates to steering wheel controls and dashboard displays (on some models)
4. You don't have to manually synchronize state (i.e. what music you're listening to) between the two when getting in and out
5. The displays are much brighter for sunlight visibility instead of high resolution
6. The low end models cost less than an iPad mini ($220)
7. Some models integrate with backup cameras (Backup aids are required by law in new US cars)
8. You save $10-15 a month over a separate iPad cellular connection
9. You're less liable to get a built in unit stolen in a smash and grab theft.
10. You don't have to remember to unplug and switch it off when leaving for long periods.

Again, Siri is always available for that. Some phone plans include for tablet. Brightness is not an issue. The only thing I can agree is theft and to unplug it. Can Apple adapt CarPlay to the iPad? Sure, but it will cannabalize CarPlay units.

 

[vipergts2207]

I don’t get the point of these CarPlay units. Literally just buy an iPad with Cellular capabilities and call it a day. There are plenty of iPad compatible mounts for cars.

That’s literally what Tesla cars have. No need to spend that much money for this.

That's not a very well thought out suggestion. iPads are not setup for use in a car. Just opening an app would be potentially dangerous to you and others on the road, trying to tap on a miniscule icon on the dash. And good luck reading something that far away. The cost argument is silly as well, as you can get good CarPlay headunits for 350 or less, and they'll actually function far better in a car than an iPad will. There's a reason Apple introduced CarPlay, rather than telling everyone to just install an iPad in their car. The latter would've even made Apple money, but they chose not to because it's a bad solution. Someone can hack together an iPad-based setup if they want, but I'll take CarPlay over that any day.

 

[bigcstyle4]

These are great and all but most new cars that have been manufactured in the past few years now have non-replaceable stereos or infotainment systems that would render a replacement unable to communicate with the other screens/functions of the car.

 

[konqerror]

Again, Siri is always available for that.

Siri is purely voice. CarPlay gives a touch/switch/cursor interface. One critical part is foreign-derived people and place names that Siri never gets.

You also get information in a glance. You see how many minutes to destination, in a fraction of a second instead of repeatedly asking.

CarPlay works well. Go try one in a rental. Voice UIs consistently suck at providing long-form information. You tune out.

 

[vipergts2207]

These are great and all but most new cars that have been manufactured in the past few years now have non-replaceable stereos or infotainment systems that would render a replacement unable to communicate with the other screens/functions of the car.

I think these are largely aimed at consumers in cars without infotainment systems. You can also get iData Maestro compatible head units and maintain some degree of integration. Exactly how much I'm not sure though.

 

[GhostRaider]

That's not a very well thought out suggestion. iPads are not setup for use in a car. Just opening an app would be potentially dangerous to you and others on the road, trying to tap on a miniscule icon on the dash. And good luck reading something that far away. The cost argument is silly as well, as you can get good CarPlay headunits for 350 or less, and they'll actually function far better in a car than an iPad will. There's a reason Apple introduced CarPlay, rather than telling everyone to just install an iPad in their car. Someone can hack together an iPad-based setup if they want, but I'll take CarPlay over that any day.

Can’t you adjust text size in Accessibility settings? Regardless of decision you still have to look at the screen. And directions are always announced via voice. Maybe because I’m soo used to it that I just don’t see a need for CarPlay. Everything that i need plus the benefit of using any app makes it better for me.

 

[timber]

These are great and all but most new cars that have been manufactured in the past few years now have non-replaceable stereos or infotainment systems that would render a replacement unable to communicate with the other screens/functions of the car.

Between the car models that don't even allow to swap the infotainment unit and the lack of very savvy and dedicate drivers to pursue those cases where there are DIN slots to use I do wonder how this stuff still gets designed and shipped.

 

[vipergts2207]

Can’t you adjust text size in Accessibility settings? Regardless of decision you still have to look at the screen. And directions are always announced via voice. Maybe because I’m soo used to it that I just don’t see a need for CarPlay. Everything that i need plus the benefit of using any app makes it better for me.

The point isn't that you don't have to look with CarPlay, but you don't have to look as long and it's easier to hit your target when touching the screen. And if it's not available in CarPlay, there's a good chance you shouldn't be using it while driving in the first place.

 

[cerote]

I dont drive enough to own a car but these CarPlay units make me have tech lust for something I absolutely don’t need. This Sony unit is beautiful.​

Same. Actually my radio was broken for nearly a year before I got it replaced before my extended warranty runs out. I maybe put 2,000 miles on my car a year.

 

[apolloa]

These are great and all but most new cars that have been manufactured in the past few years now have non-replaceable stereos or infotainment systems that would render a replacement unable to communicate with the other screens/functions of the car.

You can make them work, cars use a lot of standards these days, but you have to wire it all up and get any adapters or control boxes required to interface. It is a lot of hassle. I would say that you may lose some functionality though.
I will say Some people that fit after market music systems now do keep the stock head units because of the functionality and integration with the car systems.

Some cars like BMW and the new Mercedes cars can’t even accept after market units unless you hack the dashboard up and build pods to hold them. But the again the newer ones offer car play and android auto anyway.

 

[Kaibelf]

I don’t get the point of these CarPlay units. Literally just buy an iPad with Cellular capabilities and call it a day. There are plenty of iPad compatible mounts for cars.

That’s literally what Tesla cars have. No need to spend that much money for this.

Does the iPad also control your car's climate and audio systems and show your rear camera as you back up? If not, your post makes NO sense.

 

[coolfactor]

I don’t get the point of these CarPlay units. Literally just buy an iPad with Cellular capabilities and call it a day. There are plenty of iPad compatible mounts for cars.

That’s literally what Tesla cars have. No need to spend that much money for this.

Are you also the type of person that doesn't see the need for Apple TV, HomePod and Apple Watch because there are cheaper alternatives that work "well enough"?

(legitimate question)

 

[afawcett]

After seeing the Model 3 screen, I was wondering when manufacturers were going to start floating displays. It gives them rooms to go much larger. Of course at some point you start blocking controls on your dashboard, but I'm sure someone is going to install a 22" panel haha.

 

[NachosTonight]

Sony today unveiled its latest CarPlay and Android Auto receiver with a large 8.95-inch touchscreen that hovers over the dashboard, allowing it to fit into a smaller single-DIN space. Equipped with a three-way mount, the receiver's height, depth, and tilt can be adjusted during installation in most vehicles.

XAV-AX8000​

Sony says the XAV-AX8000 will be available in December 2019 for a suggested retail price of $599.99 in the United States.

Aftermarket receivers like this one allow for CarPlay and Android Auto to be installed in older vehicles. This particular Sony model is a wired CarPlay receiver, so an iPhone must be connected with a Lightning to USB cable. Wireless CarPlay receivers are available from brands like Alpine, Kenwood, and JVC.

CarPlay is Apple's in-car platform that enables iPhone users to access a range of apps from the dashboard, such as Messages, Apple Maps, Apple Music, Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify, SiriusXM Radio, Pandora, WhatsApp, Downcast, Slacker Radio, Stitcher, and as of iOS 12, third-party navigation apps like Google Maps and Waze.

Article Link: Sony's Latest CarPlay Receiver Features a Large 8.9-Inch Touchscreen That Hovers Over the Dashboard

Who’s nastier Trina or this CarPlay unit?

 

[NachosTonight]

Who is nastier Trina or this CarPlay unit?

 

[danny842003]

These are great and all but most new cars that have been manufactured in the past few years now have non-replaceable stereos or infotainment systems that would render a replacement unable to communicate with the other screens/functions of the car.

You can replace almost any stereo it’s just requires a dashboard adaptor. I’m seriously considering doing mine, laziness and the refusal to pay someone else to do it is the only thing stopping me.

 

[vipergts2207]

You can replace almost any stereo it’s just requires a dashboard adaptor. I’m seriously considering doing mine, laziness and the refusal to pay someone else to do it is the only thing stopping me.

The issue they’re pointing out is that many vehicle controls are in the infortainment, and you may not necessarily get those controls back with an aftermarket unit. You may get some or all with idatalink Maestro, but it certainly shouldn’t be assumed that all will be well by simply buying a new head unit and an adapter.

 

[kanki1985]

I don’t get the point of these CarPlay units. Literally just buy an iPad with Cellular capabilities and call it a day. There are plenty of iPad compatible mounts for cars.

That’s literally what Tesla cars have. No need to spend that much money for this.

The heat my friend.. An iPad would get fried in a few days..

 

[gplusplus]

Cool I guess, but literally no cars from the last 10 years use a DIN slot anymore.