Alpine Debuts First Aftermarket Wireless CarPlay Receiver
Alpine today announced the launch of its latest CarPlay receiver, the iLX-107. While Alpine has released several CarPlay receivers in the past, and, the iLX-107 is unique because it is the first aftermarket CarPlay receiver that comes equipped with support for wireless connectivity.
The iLX-107 features a 7-inch VGA display with a capacitive touch screen, a shallow, mech-less body that allows it to fit into most vehicles, support for a range of accessories, and integration with steering wheel controls and a rear view camera.
According to Alpine, connecting an iPhone to the iLX-107 is simple, with just a few setup steps involved. The system uses 5GHz WiFi to connect to an iPhone when in the car.
The iLX-107 gives you the luxury of simply getting and going. It allows you to seamlessly access your iPhone on your vehicle's touchscreen without having to connect a cable every time you get in. Set up is as easy as pairing the wireless Apple CarPlay unit from your iPhone or simply connecting the lightning cable for the first time. Once you go through the extremely easy initial set up, the iLX-107 will automatically connect to the most frequently paired iPhone each time the vehicle is started. The connection "just works" and allows you to get in the car and go without having to stop to take your phone out of your purse or pocket.
Wireless CarPlay functionality was first introduced in 2015, but no wireless infotainment system was available until late 2016, when it was added to the 2017 BMW 5 Series Sedan. Most CarPlay systems, both native and aftermarket, require users to connect an iPhone to a vehicle using a Lightning cable that plugs into a standard USB port.
Alpine is pricing the iLX-107 at $900, making it one of the company's more expensive receivers. It is available starting today at dealers across the country, with Alpine offering a tool on its website to locate a dealer that can install the system.
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Top Rated Comments
While wireless CarPlay isn't a dealbreaker for me I can see how it would be nice. I wouldn't always want to plug my phone in every time I get into my car for a 5-15 minute drive. It isn't going to charge much in that time, and I'm sure even CarPlay is not going to drain the battery much in that short of time. But, it would be nice to still be able to continue listen to the playlist/podcast I was listening to etc.
For trips longer than 15-30 minutes then I would definitely be plugging my phone in if I was planning on using CarPlay, even if I had wireless available.
Mechless means it does not contain a mechanical disk drive, so no DVD or CD.
Overall, I'm pretty happy with it.
Pros:
1. Dedicated Siri button with a textured feel, so it's easy to feel for without having to look at the unit
2. Supports third-party backup cameras. Installation was actually really easy.
3. Setting up the date/time, etc settings on the device are pretty easy.
4. The screen is still visible in glare, as long as you keep it clean.
Cons:
1. The Alpine app that you use to tune the audio is a complete piece of crap, and it's the only way to fine-tune settings. If you have a nice sub and amp like I do, you *need* to use this to set everything up. Luckily, you really only have to do this once.
2. The volume and recue/ff buttons are build into a touch surface, and not real buttons. This kind of sucks because you can't feel for the control. You'll need to look at the unit to adjust volume.
3. No mute button. If you want to mute, you have to hold volume down (it automatically sets vol to 0 after about a second of holding). The downside to this is that you have to turn the volume back up to where you had it before.
Either way, I don't see much practical purpose in it. There isn't much reason for the phone not to be charging while in the car. I get in, plug it in, and put it on my magnetic vent mount. CarPlay takes over from there.
I suppose down the line if there is a Magnetic-Vent-Mount-With-Induction-Charging for iPhone X, that might make me wish there was indeed a wireless CarPlay option in my vehicle. Until then, no.