Already it has some years that Google and Apple gambled by putting their operating systems in cars, this through solutions such as Android Auto and carplay, systems that have been incorporated into systems Infotainment from different manufacturers worldwide. The interesting thing came when receivers manufacturers ‘aftermarket’, i.e. those that are sold separately to be installed in the car, also incorporated these systems to their devices.
The first recipients could get with Android Auto or carplay, but it was Parrot who in 2015 launched the first receiver with both systems, which made manufacturers like Alpine, Kenwood, JVC, JBL and Pioneer will follow the steps. Today is the turn of Sony, who has certainly been slow to enter this market and now does with the multimedia receiver XAV-AX100 aftermarket.
Sony XAV-AX100, car audio system for next generation
For years Sony has been recognized as an excellent manufacturer of audio devices, their presence in the car also featured with a wide range of options, so it’s funny how the Japanese have not entered before in the market for multimedia receivers.
The XAV-AX100 is the first bet of Sony in this area, which comes to compete on a market where Pioneer has been dominated since the end of 2014, so it is interesting to see what has Sony to provide that input offers the option of having Android Auto and carplay on the same device.
You may also like to read another article on ShopoMania: What car to buy if you want Android or Apple Auto carplay?
Sony receiver has a touch screen of 6.4 inches with a resolution of 800 x 480 pixels; we can connect our smartphone either via the front USB port or via Bluetooth, allowing us to manage our content directly into the receiver, yes, we can only connect a smartphone either iOS or Android at once, and changing system will need to make a new connection.
It has microphone to activate functions via voice through Google Now or Siri also compatible for mirror cameras installed in the car connection, allowing us to access the camera view either on the receiver or on our smartphone.
This receiver offers not only technology to use our smartphone because being an integrated audio system for the car features proprietary Sony technology as EXTRA BASS and DSO (Dynamic Stage Organizer), that will offer improved audio quality.
The Sony XAV-AX100 is the first device of this type created by the Japanese and initially come to North America during the month of November; with him looking to have a good reception in the world why they are betting on a price of $499, which puts it below the most economical options with these features within the market, which may lead to further interest within the recipient after market which they have seen their sales since car manufacturers have begun to incorporate very complete systems in their vehicles.