A new car stereo from Kenwood features Apple’s CarPlay alongside DAB/DAB+ reception.
The front of the Kenwood DNX5160DABS features a 6.2” WVGA touch screen with a CD/DVD slot, tactile buttons for power/home, navigation, voice and menu with a rotary knob for volume control.
Music and podcasts can be played over Bluetooth or with the USB and SD slots. As well as MP3 and AAC files, lossless FLAC and WAV formats are also catered for. Satellite navigation is powered by Garmin with three years of map updates included. Real-time traffic updates are also shown with the Inrix service, for which a two year trial is included.
Maximum audio output of 4 x 50W is provided with pre-amplifier outputs also included. The tuner also supports FM, MW and LW listening.
When an Apple iPhone is connected to the car the built-in display is used by CarPlay for listening to music, getting directions, making phone calls and other smartphone functions. Audio from music and phone calls is routed through the car speakers. Apple CarPlay is available on many new cars, from the Vauxhall Viva to the Porsche 911.
Many cars also support Android Auto for owners of Android smartphones.
Most cars are sold with radios which use a standard single or double-DIN slot, making it possible to replace the factory fit radio with an aftermarket unit. This is one of the neatest ways to add DAB/DAB+ as well as Bluetooth, USB and other features to a car.
Earlier this week Sony announced its new XAV-AX100 in-car receiver in the United States. The unit will be priced at $500, making it one of the most affordable units to support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Sony hasn’t announced whether the model will be available in the UK.