Sony today introduced its new XAV-AX210 receiver, which doubles as an aftermarket CarPlay and Android Auto system.
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The XAV-AX210 is an update to Sony's year-old XAV-AX200 receiver, with the headline new feature being support for iDatalink Maestro, a car audio system that seamlessly interfaces with steering wheel controls, amplifier functions, on-screen vehicle settings, and more when used outside of CarPlay mode.
The receiver has a 6.4-inch touchscreen, but Sony hasn't specified if it's resistive or capacitive. Other key features include hands-free phone calls and music playback via Bluetooth, SiriusXM compatibility, rear view camera readiness, a built-in four-channel amplifier, and a built-in CD/DVD player.
This product is ideal for vehicles that don't come with factory installed CarPlay, mirroring several apps onto the dashboard, including Phone, Messages, Apple Maps, Apple Music, Spotify, and starting with iOS 12, Google Maps and Waze. As a wired system, an iPhone must be connected via Lightning cable.
Sony said XAV-AX210 pricing and availability in North America will be announced in the fall of 2018. It will likely have a similar price as the XAV-AX200, available on Amazon for between $399 and $499 depending on configuration.
Of note, the XAV-AX100 and XAV-AX200 have received favorable reviews from publications such as The Wirecutter.
Other brands with aftermarket CarPlay and Android Auto receivers include Alpine, Pioneer, JVC, Kenwood, and Clarion.
Top Rated Comments
* no optical drive
* thus not deeper than absolutely necessary, I got limited space on my lower slot
* some physical buttons for basic controls
* a very bright, high contrast screen, where black is actually black and not grey. We don't need to save energy here, just fire it up!
* capacitive touch
* wired+wireless carplay
* cinch outputs on the back for the sub
* SD-card on the front
* 1280x800 pixels please at least... because we are in 2018... 800x480 is a joke even for automotive use...
* built-in GPS quad receiver (NAVSTAR, GLONASS, GALILEO, BEIDOU), also because we are in 2018
* also, the ability to mix rather than switch inputs would be highly appreciated, but for some reason OEMs lack the innovation for that...
* Bluetooth 4.0 at very least
* good quality handsfree
* top audio quality for music
* firmware upgrade support & bug fixes for the next 2 years unless we are talking matured software...
* Proper cooling would be nice too... why the miniature fans in double DIN units?
* (!) Screen not polarized in a way that makes it unreadable with sunglasses...
...maybe some more items...
Anything less than that doesn't justify 800+... the Sonys are well priced, but Pioneers are way too expensive...