Alpine, Clarion and JVC Announce New Aftermarket CarPlay Systems

Alpine, Clarion and JVC have announced their new aftermarket in-dash receivers with Apple CarPlay support at CES, with Alpine’s system being one of the first aftermarket units to support wireless CarPlay. 

Alpine

Alpine’s iLX-107 is a new 7-inch in-dash receiver with CarPlay support, featuring a WVGA capacitive touch screen and LED backlighting. With its wireless CarPlay capabilities, iPhone users can make and receive calls, access text messages, play music, and get directions optimized for traffic conditions in a way that allows them to stay focused on the road. 

“Apple CarPlay has been one of the most popular features with our customers and will gain even more fans with the wireless option,” said Steve Crawford, vice president and general manager, Alpine Electronics of America, Inc. “We are excited to deliver the iLX-107 to provide drivers with a seamless transition of their iPhone use in and out of the vehicle without having to connect a cable.” 

The iLX-107 wireless Apple CarPlay system will be available in February for US $900.

JVC

JVC’s new KW-M730BT double-DIN multimedia receiver sans CD with Apple CarPlay support features JVC’s new flat-face design which better integrates with newer dashboards. The 6.8-inch clear resistive touch panel makes app and source selection more responsive and less distracting. The unit also includes a virtual viewing adjustment feature that offsets angled installations by digitally changing the viewing angle so it appears straight to the driver. 

“For the driver, the KW-M730BT is compatible with most steering wheel audio controls. With the JVC Remote smartphone app available from the App Store or Google Play, passengers can also operate the receiver, view sources and make audio adjustments from a compatible smartphone connected via Bluetooth. A wirelessly connected iPhone enables Siri Eyes Free support to let users get information and perform functions using only voice commands.”

The KW-M730BT will ship in February with a suggested retail price of $500

Clarion

Serving as Clarion’s flagship audio source unit, the new NX807 with CarPlay support boasts an impressive array of premium features and capabilities, including a high-definition 7-inch touch display, embedded GPS navigation, support for Pandora and Bluetooth music streaming and smartphone screen mirroring through HDMI. It is also fully compatible with Clarion’s Full Digital Sound (FDS) components system, which allows the unit to pass a high-resolution digital audio signal to an installed FDS processor.

“When it comes to in-car infotainment systems, one of the most sought after features is the ability to connect and use a smartphone as easily as possible and Apple CarPlay delivers a completely streamlined experience for iPhone users in that regard,” said Allen H. Gharapetian, Vice President of Marketing and Product Planning at Clarion Corporation of America.

The NX807 will be available in early Q1, 2017 through Clarion online retailers including Amazon and Crutchfield.