Are you planning to update your car's interior to give it charm and newness? We have compiled a list of the eight best car stereos that you can install in your car.
Many of them are designed in such a way that their functionality is almost no different from a smartphone. Companies like Apple and Google offer special apps that can sync with these devices in your car.
JVC 6.8" Android Auto/Apple CarPlay
JVC's minimalist stereo system will enhance the sound of your speakers and connect to any Android or iOS device without any hassle. The colorful 6.8-inch touchscreen has a clear interface that lets you instantly switch from the navigation menu to the music player, phone sync window and more.
A 2-din car radio (180×100 mm) will allow you to connect a variety of acoustic devices, including a subwoofer. Capable of working with audio quality up to 192 kHz for 24-bit music files, thus outperforming tracks on CD media by 6 times in sound quality. It also boasts K2 Enhanced Digital Sound Quality technology and a tri-band Bass Boost crossover filter, which together provide high-frequency music reproduction. In addition, there is support for a wide variety of formats, including MPEG-1, MPEG-2, BMP, JPEG, WAV, WMA, AAC and others.
Save up to 20 of your favorite radio stations or stream your favorite music with dual USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. There is full integration with smartphones, so you can visit your favorite sites at any time without turning to your phone.
Kenwood DDX774BH
This model has a 6.95-inch LCD touch screen and bright LED backlight. There is also a USB port with which you can connect or charge any Android and iOS smartphone. Oh yes, up to 5 devices can be connected to the audio system via Bluetooth technology, so all your friends can choose their favorite songs to listen to.
In addition, the Kenwood DDX774BH has many different connectors that make this model more versatile. For example, it has a rear USB port, rear A/V output, front and rear camera jacks, and a six-channel preamp output.
Pioneer AVH-4200NEX
Let's say you are a real fan of good music. Are you one of those people who doesn't go to live performances because of the poor acoustics of concert halls, or who won't listen to any album unless it's in high-quality FLAC format? Then you will need a car radio that can handle even the most demanding audio files. This is exactly what the Pioneer AVH-4200NEX was created for.
The model is equipped with a 7-inch display and an amazing level of compatibility with music files. It can play music in FLAC, MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV, and video in MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, AVI, DivX and WMV. As for smartphones, it supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Speaking of music services, the AVH-4200NEX is compatible with Spottify, Pandora and SiriusXM. You can use Bluetooth connection to control your player or calls.
Pioneer AVIC-8200NEX
Most of the newer radios have resistive touch screens. These screens are pretty good, but they don't compare to the capacitive touchscreens found on the best smartphones these days. If you're looking for a stereo system with smartphone-level screen responsiveness, then you should definitely check out the Pioneer AVIC-8200NEX.
This is a real beast with an excellent level of smartphone compatibility. It supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This means that you can control various smartphone applications directly on the radio screen.
What's especially nice is that the touchscreen supports multi-touch, so you can zoom freely when using the Google Maps app. This doesn't sound very cool at first glance, but try for a second to imagine a phone without the ability to zoom and you'll understand why this feature is so great.
Sony XAV-AX100
Sony has a strong reputation in the consumer goods market and is now making a name for itself in the automotive market. Its 6.4-inch radio with a built-in Bluetooth module is designed to make using an Android smartphone as easy as possible on the road.
The in-dash receiver has a large, high-quality touch screen. It responds to voice commands and boasts a set of side buttons that control volume levels.
Music sounds exceptionally good thanks to audio controls that can be customized using the Dynamic Stage Organizer in the control panel. The built-in 4x55 W amplifier provides very clear and loud sound, and also supports EXTRA BASS technology. And compatibility with a rear view camera makes this radio an ideal option for purchase.
Pioneer AVH4200NEX
Pioneer AVH4200NEX is an excellent option for those who want to own a radio with a huge 7-inch display and rich functionality. The built-in Bluetooth module supports up to two devices and allows you to control calls using your voice. Pioneer expands its integration with Apple with support for the company's Siri assistant, as well as built-in control of iPod, iPhone and iPad using an optional adapter.
When you connect a smartphone to the stereo system, it becomes possible to control it with access to contacts, calendar, maps and much more. In addition, while listening to the radio, the latest news will appear on the screen.
Pioneer DEH-X6900BT
The Pioneer DEH-X6900BT is a good choice for people on a budget who aren't interested in fancy bells and whistles. It has an LCD display with powerful LED backlighting and dual-zone color settings, with which you can change the color of the entire interface, including the background of the dialog box buttons. Both day and night you will perfectly see everything that happens on the screen thanks to the 10-step brightness setting.
Whether your car has Bluetooth connectivity or not, your Pioneer stereo system will add this functionality either way. You can listen to music from your phone without any wires and accept/cancel calls using voice commands. Also on the front panel are USB/AUX inputs for connecting various gadgets, such as a smartphone or music player. But that's not all, because you can customize the sound of songs to suit yourself thanks to the presence of a five-band equalizer.
Alpine Single-Din Bluetooth Car Stereo
Fans of radio stations with good and clear reception can stop their search. Alpine Single-Din Bluetooth Car Stereo will allow you to listen to your favorite stations in HD quality. To do this, you only need a good signal.
It has dimensions of 23x10x26 cm and weighs almost 2 kg. This is a 1-din speaker system with a front protective panel. The maximum receiver power is 50W for four channels, and the RMS (root mean square) power reaches 18W. RCA preamp jacks are provided for the front and rear subwoofers.
There is a built-in nine-band equalizer with a text LCD display and four interface colors. There is also a built-in 105 dB AM/FM tuner. Of course, it is fully compatible with Android and iOS smartphones.
The schedule for new cars is planned for years to come.
An official list of cars that support the system has appeared on the Apple website. The list contains more than 100 new cars from 21 manufacturers and is scheduled until 2017. You can fully appreciate the benefits of the Apple system in Audi, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Citroën, DS Automobiles, Ferrari, Ford, GMC, Honda, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Opel, Porsche, Peugeot, Seat, Škoda, Suzuki, Volkswagen and Volvo.
The presence of CarPlay allows you to use the main features of the iPhone without having to pick up the device. Using Siri and buttons on the steering wheel and inside the car, drivers have access to the Maps, Phone, Messages, Music, Podcasts and other programs, including those from third-party manufacturers. To activate CarPlay you must have iPhone 5 and newer with installed iOS 8 or version higher.
Audi
2017 Q7
2017 A4
Buick
2016 LaCrosse
2016 Regal
Cadillac
2016 ATS
2016 ATS Coupe
2016 ATS-V
2016 ELR
2016 CTS
2016 CTS-V
2016 XTS
2016 Escalade
2016 Escalade ESV
2016 CT6
Chevrolet
2016 Spark
2016 Cruze
2016 Malibu
2016 Camaro
2016 Camaro Convertible
2016 Silverado
2016 Silverado HD
2016 Impala
2016 Volt
2016 Corvette
2016 Corvette Convertible
2016 Colorado
2016 Tahoe
2016 Suburban
Citroën
2016 C3
2016 C4
2016 C5
2016 Berlingo Multispace
DS Automobiles
2016 DS3
2016 DS 3 Cabrio
2016 DS4
2016 DS5
Ferrari
2016 California T
2016 488 Spider
2016 488 GTB
2016 F12 Berlinetta
2016 F12 tdf
2016 FF
Ford
2017 Ford Escape
GMC
2016 Canyon
2016 Yukon
2016 Yukon XL
2016 Sierra
Honda
2016 Accord
2016 Civic
2017 NSX
Hyundai
2016 Sonata
2017 Elantra
Mercedes
2016 A-Class
2016 B-Class
2016 GLE-Class
2016 CLA-Class
2016 CLS-Class
2016 E-Class Coupe
2016 E-Class Cabriolet
2016 GLA-Class
Mitsubishi
2016 Pajero
2017 Mirage
Opel
2016 Adam
2016 KARL
2016 Corsa
2016 Astra
2016 Insignia
Porsche
2016 911
2017 Macan
Peugeot
2016 208
2016 Partner Teepee
Seat
2016 Ibiza
2016 Leon
2016 Toledo
2016 Alhambra
Suzuki
2016 Baleno
2016 Vitara
2016 SX4 S-CROSS
2016 Ciaz
Volkswagen
2016 Jetta
2016 Passat
2016 CC
2016 Beetle
2016 Beetle Cabrio
2016 Golf
2016 GTI
2016 Golf R
2016 e-Golf
2016 Tiguan
2016 Golf SportWagen
2016 Fox
2016 Polo
2016 Scirocco
2016 Sharan
2016 Spacefox
2016 Touran
2016 Lamando
Volvo
2016 XC90
2017 S90
With the release of iOS 9.3, the list of CarPlay features will increase. Apple Music will feature “New” and “For You” sections, and “Maps” will suggest interesting restaurants, cafes and other noteworthy places nearby. Yesterday was the first beta of iOS 9.3, so there are only a few weeks left before the release of the final version. [macrumors]
- News
Moscow, January 20, 2017– A number of models of the Russian KIA line from the 2017 model year will receive a new generation multimedia navigation system. Thanks to new functionality, including compatibility with the Android Auto and Apple CarPlay platforms, the new product will expand navigation capabilities and allow you to access the main functions of the smartphone through the large touch display of the multimedia system, without being distracted from driving the car.
Some trim levels will be equipped with a new multimedia navigation system for the 2017 model year. The cars will go on sale in February 2017. The new system will be installed on the updated urban crossover from the moment sales of this model begin in Russia in February.
The fundamental technical differences of the new multimedia navigation system are the use of a more powerful dual-core processor with a clock frequency of 1 GHz, an increase in RAM to 1 GB, and a new capacitive touch screen. Additional opportunities are provided by the transition to the more modern Android 4.2 Jelly Bean operating system, as well as support for the Android Auto and Apple CarPlay platforms for full integration of smartphones with the car’s multimedia system. Accurate and fast navigation is achieved thanks to even more detailed maps and the use of new positioning and acceleration sensors.
KIA cars with the new multimedia navigation system will be equipped with a high-quality touch display with a diagonal of 7 or 8 inches. Thanks to the use of modern technology, the display has high color contrast and provides a wider viewing angle of the screen. The capacitive touchscreen has a thin layer of glass instead of plastic, so images look brighter and clearer. The display also features better sensitivity, faster response times, and a smartphone-like page turning and scrolling experience.
The compatibility of the new generation KIA multimedia navigation system with the Android Auto and Apple CarPlay platforms allows you to display the main functionality of your smartphone on the head unit display. Now you can make calls, send SMS messages, use Apple maps or Google Maps, as well as your smartphone’s media library with music and audiobooks using the large touch screen of the car’s multimedia system. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay also allow voice commands.
Additional free services of the navigation system allow you to receive information about traffic jams and weather forecasts in real time, and search for objects (gas stations, restaurants, attractions, etc.) using an up-to-date database via the Internet. Current traffic data is downloaded using WiFi via a mobile phone connected to the car's multimedia navigation system.
As before, the new KIA multimedia system provides the ability to connect mobile devices via Bluetooth to use the standard audio system for hands-free phone calls and listening to music. Also, external devices can be connected via a USB connector.
Detailed information about the Russian model line and KIA technologies is available on the official website and from authorized dealers of the brand in the Russian Federation.
How to properly use an iPhone in a car or everything you need to know about CarPlay. A smartphone is one of the most popular modern devices. It is designed not only for conversations, but also for listening to music or using GPS navigation. This matter has not escaped the attention of car manufacturers, who are increasingly providing the opportunity to integrate a telephone with a radio in a car.
Integration means that when we connect the phone to the car, we will see on the screen the selected applications that we use every day. In addition to navigation, this can be news, movies, photos and programs. The type of application depends on what phone you are using. In addition, it is closely dependent on the connection standard: Android Auto, Bosch mySPIN, Ford AppLink, CarPlay, MirrorLink or MHL. We will review the most popular system - CarPlay.
The solution, developed by Apple and released on the market 5 years ago, only works with American branded phones. In most cars it works via a traditional USB connection. Starting with the new BMW 5 Series, CarPlay will also be available wirelessly. You don't need to use a USB cable to see your phone apps on the radio screen.
How to check if your phone is compatible with CarPlay?
CarPlay mode is only available on some iPhones. It is available in the following models: 5, 5C, 5S, 6, S Plus, 6S, 6S Plus, SE, 7 and 7 Plus. This feature is not available for iPad and iPod Touch. CarPlay comes installed by default on any compatible iPhone and requires no additional software.
How to check if your car radio is compatible with CarPlay?
The solution is only available on multimedia radios with a large color screen on which, for example, you can display a map of the navigation system. Compatible radio devices are usually not marked with the CarPlay logo symbol. So to make sure your car's head unit works with your iPhone, you can use the car manufacturer's website and look for the tab that covers factory-installed phone compatibility. Although on some cars (for example, Volvo XC90), CarPlay mode is available only after updating the radio firmware, which requires visiting the station.
How to set up a smartphone for CarPlay?
In your phone's general settings, select the CarPlay option. For proper operation, you must activate the Siri voice assistant function (also in the general settings of your smartphone). Please note that on some vehicles, CarPlay may not work properly if you set your phone to a language other than US English.
Applications that run in CarPlay mode can be downloaded from the AppStore and installed automatically. Unfortunately, program availability varies by country. Therefore, their use on the Russian market is less than in the USA or Germany.
How to connect your phone to the car radio?
Both devices are connected via USB cable. But on some cars equipped with several USB connectors (for example, BMW, Opel), only one of them is designed for connection in CarPlay mode. Unless specifically stated, you will need to check the manual for correctness. When connecting your phone, make sure the screen is unlocked. Otherwise, the CarPlay function will not turn on.
To use wireless CarPlay, you need to turn on the Bluetooth function on your phone and then activate voice control in the car.
How does CarPlay work?
The main CarPlay menu that appears on the screen at startup is the default programs selected by Apple. The icons are large and clearly labeled, making them much easier to use. The entire user interface is designed for voice control, which requires knowledge of the English language. This was especially true for Apple Maps, where manual address entry was hidden from the user. Unfortunately, the program does not recognize Russian names of streets and cities that are pronounced by voice. This leaves time to be spent manually entering the target. In this regard, Apple Maps is certainly an inconvenient navigation program. Plus, Apple Maps also doesn't have warnings about police cameras and other issues.
In terms of stability, CarPlay scores very highly. The program does not freeze or slow down. None of the vehicles we tested experienced the problems that often occur with Mirror Link or Android Auto. Phone mode also works well - no one complained about voice and sound quality.
Apple CarPlay also works for listening to music, podcasts or Internet radio. The sound quality is very good, and searching for recordings is intuitive (you can use recordings online and store them on your iPhone). Unfortunately, the choice of programs is very limited, in this regard Apple continues to give way to Google.
Pros and cons of the program
Disadvantages of Apple CarPlay
- Inconvenient manual entry of the navigation address
- Bad navigation program Apple Maps
- Limited number of applications
- High cost of buying new phones
Benefits of Apple CarPlay
- Stable operation in CarPlay mode
- Convenient menu with a list of applications
- Large selection of programs for listening to music
- Voice control with Siri function
Video instructions for CarPlay
Note that at the beginning of 2019, CarPlay still does not have official technical support from Apple in Russia.
With the constant updates of high-tech applications, there is no better time to learn them than today. The same applies to automotive equipment: software has long occupied an important place in the modern automotive industry. The latest updates in the arsenal of automotive software in 2014, and accordingly the topics of our review today, are Google Android Auto and Apple Car Play.
Apple CarPlay
CarPlay is a young development of the world famous company Apple, the concept of which was first tested at the international WWDC presentation last summer. Only at that time the system was called differently - iOS In The Car. Later, at an open exhibition in 2014, it acquired its current name and was presented to a wide audience.
Like everything that comes out of the Apple assembly line, CarPlay is the most unobtrusive, simple and easy-to-use system. Using CarPlay is almost the same as using an iPhone. The only difference is that access to the tools and functions of your phone is not in your hands, but on the display of your car. Essentially, CarPlay turns your car into a giant iPhone. You can still make calls, take GPS routes, send text messages and listen to your favorite music, but now it's much easier to do it while driving.
When you make a phone call, the sound is played through the car's audio system. In the system, absolutely everything from writing SMS messages to selecting a song in iTunes can be controlled by the human voice. As for the GPS system (in CarPlay the application is simply called “Maps”), it also listens to voice commands, plotting and commenting on the shortest route to the desired location.
CarPlay uses Siri, Apple's ubiquitous digital assistant. It works from your car's controllers: buttons, knobs, dials and touch screens. All system applications have been formatted specifically for operating the system while driving, so that the driver can perform all operations without actually taking his eyes off the road.
If you're already familiar with iOS and Apple products, you'll quickly understand intuitively how CarPlay works. To activate Siri, you simply press a button on the steering wheel. If you have a touch screen, select the application you need. It's the same with cars, which are controlled using buttons: just press one of them to activate the system.
There is no doubt that the system will gain its fans when it is installed on a wider variety of car brands. First of all, drivers will love how easy it is to navigate Apple Maps on the dashboard display. The application provides both standard functions, such as turn warning, mileage calculation, and its own features. For example, the system alerts you to places you might want to visit by checking addresses in your contacts, text messages, and calendar.
Especially for music lovers who gravitate towards music applications, a number of programs such as iHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher and Beats Music have been adapted for CarPlay.
In 2014, CarPlay is already showing its capabilities on new cars from Ferrari, Volvo, Honda, Hyundai and Mercedes-Benz. Of course, the system will also be available on a dozen other brands in the near future. The first in line to adapt CarPlay to their models will be Toyota, Peugeot, Nissan, BMW, Ford, Opel, Land Rover, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Citroën, KIA, Subaru, Suzuki and Chevrolet.
In addition, technology giant Apple, in collaboration with Pioneer and Alpine Electronics, will soon make it possible to install CarPlay after production on any car.
Google Android Auto
At the end of June, Google announced the release of Android Auto, an analogue of the CarPlay system for Android OS. Google's new "technological attack" is exactly the same system, but designed specifically for the Android operating system versions L and later OS. After Google bought Android, new products from another giant of the information age are being looked at in the same way as Apple.
Designed for seamless operations, all drivers need to do to operate this system is to connect their Android phone to the car's dashboard. Voila! All your favorite apps, important contacts and messages are now right in front of you on the display, ready to go.
Unlike CarPlay, Google's Android Auto supports more apps. Starting the listing with the most important, it is worth mentioning Google Maps, which acts as a navigator with free voice control, current information about traffic jams, with selection of the best route and with voice warnings. Of course, Android Auto supports many applications for listening to music for every taste: its “native” Google Play Music, Pandora Internet Radio, Songza and other popular applications for music lovers.
As in CarPlay, the main idea in creating the Android Auto system is aimed at making the driver’s work easier while driving, at reducing the actions that limit the freedom of driving, and, accordingly, at safety on the road. Therefore, Android Auto has the most simple and intuitive interface, controllers integrated into the steering wheel and, of course, a dynamic voice recognition system.
Android Auto, unlike the already released CarPlay, is still awaiting its release in the near future. According to information from Google, 25 new models from different brands will be equipped with the system very soon. The first cars with an Android interface will be available for sale by the end of this year. According to the latest information, the first brands to use Android Auto in their new models will be Subaru, Volvo, Audi, Chrysler, Dodge and Chevrolet.
