CES 2016: Kenwood and JVC Introduce New CarPlay and Apple Music Systems

Friday January 8, 2016 7:24 am PST by Mitchel Broussard

In addition to Pioneer and JBL, Kenwood and JVC have announced new aftermarket CarPlay systems at CES 2016. Kenwood's new CarPlay receivers build upon its existing eXcelon lineup, while JVC's flagship KW-V820BT model is the brand's first CarPlay-enabled multimedia unit.

Kenwood's lineup of 15 new multimedia receivers feature upgraded processors for improved stability and faster startup, a new graphic user interface, and customizable aspects like shortcuts and background wallpapers. Regarding CarPlay, Kenwood mentioned the total number of models that support Apple's system has been boosted from four to eight, "encompassing the four new topline models across KENWOOD and KENWOOD eXcelon."

JVC CarPlay

JVC's new CarPlay-supported KW-V820BT model

For the JVC model, the company noted that its KW-V820BT system has been upgraded with high-resolution audio playback, three sets of 4-volt RCA outputs, and a built-in, 50-watt x 4 MOSFET amplifier, which JVC said makes the new experience "an ideal factory radio replacement." All of this is in addition to CarPlay, which will grant users the usual array of access to Apple's ecosystem of navigation, phone calls, and music, all with a connected iPhone.

“Apple CarPlay is just now beginning to gain momentum in the marketplace,” said JVC Mobile Marketing Manager Hazim Jainoor. “We feel we are entering the market at the ideal time with the KW-V820BT, and with a feature set that really presents drivers with a premium choice for that coveted space in the dash.”

In addition to CarPlay support, JVC also announced integrated service with both Spotify and Apple Music during CES this week. After communicating with a connected iPhone, Apple Music subscribers will be able to access all of their saved playlists, radio stations, and songs on the new JVC system. Although Spotify will be made available on all of the company's systems, Apple Music will see one exclusion on the KW-V620BT model.

Related Roundup: CarPlay

Tags: Apple Music Guide, CES 2016, JVC, Kenwood

Top Rated Comments

squirrrl

142 months ago

Why is everyone so hot and bothered for wireless?

First, having to plug in a single wire and putting the phone away is not a big deal. The car is probably the only place where a short wire would not bother at all.

Second, you shouldn't be playing with your phone in a car anyway, focus on driving! What exactly are people doing that a single wire is getting in the way so much with CarPlay?

Third, don't you want to charge your phone while in the car?

1) I'm guessing you don't have kids. My morning, I make a stop to get coffee (4 minutes in the car), I make a stop to drop my kid off at daycare (10 minutes in the car), then drive to work (15 more minutes). I COULD leave my phone plugged in the car while i'm out getting coffee, dropping off my kid, etc.., but I use my phone to buy my coffee and i might want it when i'm dropping off my kid in case I have to add something to my schedule, etc... I also don't want to leave my phone in the car in view in case I tempt someone to break in my car and take it. I end up listening to the radio because plugging and unplugging my iPhone becomes tedious.

2) This is the point, right. If you could leave your phone in your pocket, and not have to fiddle with taking the lightning cable out, connecting, etc... and it just connected automatically (like the bluetooth phone answering thing does in my car), then that's a MORE hands-free experience, not less!

3) I don't drive long distances and my commute usually doesn't involve traffic (luckily enough) so I don't need to have my phone plugged in.

Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)

oneMadRssn

142 months ago

Why is everyone so hot and bothered for wireless?

First, having to plug in a single wire and putting the phone away is not a big deal. The car is probably the only place where a short wire would not bother at all.

Second, you shouldn't be playing with your phone in a car anyway, focus on driving! What exactly are people doing that a single wire is getting in the way so much with CarPlay?

Third, don't you want to charge your phone while in the car?

Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)

oneofakind

142 months ago

I still see nothing in regards to Wireless CarPlay! So disappointed since Apple announced it like a year ago

Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)

cuhulin

142 months ago

I still see nothing in regards to Wireless CarPlay! So disappointed since Apple announced it like a year ago

[doublepost=1452410953][/doublepost]Volkswagon reportedly was stopped from introducing wireless carplay at this year's CES. My guess is that most of the third party companies have wireless but weren't allowed to discuss it until Apple introduces it.

It will be nice to know, though.

Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Menel

142 months ago

Why is everyone so hot and bothered for wireless?

First, having to plug in a single wire and putting the phone away is not a big deal. The car is probably the only place where a short wire would not bother at all.

Second, you shouldn't be playing with your phone in a car anyway, focus on driving! What exactly are people doing that a single wire is getting in the way so much with CarPlay?

Third, don't you want to charge your phone while in the car?

20min commute doesn't need a charge. Phone shouldn't even need to leave pocket! The idea is NOT playing with the phone while driving.

But still having traffic conditions on screen.

Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)

d21mike

142 months ago

I still see nothing in regards to Wireless CarPlay! So disappointed since Apple announced it like a year ago

I came here to ask the very same question. So there are NO Wireless Models from anyone. How about all the 2016 New Cars with Car Play. Are any of them Wireless? If not, anybody know what it normal these days regarding "mounts". Do you have to manually plug in your iPhone and just lay it somewhere? Just interested in how nice the connections are.

Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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CES 2016: Kenwood and JVC Introduce New CarPlay and Apple Music Systems

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