Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution/Sony
Aftermarket media receivers are a great way to get Android Auto and CarPlay in a car where phone mirroring systems were not installed from the factory.
Sony has long been a key player in this sector, offering very compelling solutions that included not only Android Auto and CarPlay support but also extra functionality drivers didn't know they needed until they discovered them.
The XAV-AX8500 is one of the latest models, with an impressive feature lineup you won't find on every media receiver.
Announced in late 2023 and now hitting the shelves worldwide, the XAV-AX8500 uses a 10.1-inch anti-glare LCD capacitive touchscreen with a 1280x720 pixels resolution. The 10.1-inch screen is large enough for applications like Waze and Google Maps while allowing you to watch videos when connecting external video and audio sources via the integrated micro HDMI port.
The device has a three-camera input, allowing drivers to connect their parking cameras. It sports an integrated DSP for advanced sound settings, supports FLAC files, and offers USB-C ports up to 3.0A speeds.
The icing on the cake is the Android Auto and CarPlay support. The media receiver can run both systems without a cable, so you don't have to pull your phone from your pocket or backpack. Once you pair the smartphone with the XAV-AX8500, you can start the engine and wait for the receiver to connect to the device. Android Auto or CarPlay should start automatically in seconds.
The single-DIN chassis allows it to be installed in most vehicles on the road, and while the upgrade is a simple DIY project, you should contact a service center if you find it too difficult (especially if you don't know how to connect your parking cameras).
One of the best things about this media receiver is that it includes an adjusting system for the perfect viewing angle. The tilt and swivel mechanism allows the driver to adjust the screen and find the right angle to avoid sunlight reflection.
As I said, the XAV-AX8500 carries a premium price tag, so it's not an affordable upgrade. The receive is now hitting the shelves in the largest markets, and in Australia, it can be yours for AUD $1,499. It should cost $899 in the United States.
If your car already comes with wired Android Auto and CarPlay and you don't want to pay that much just for wireless support, you can always upgrade your connection with an Android Auto and CarPlay wireless adapter. Google users can purchase Motorola's MA1 adapter at a special price this week, allowing them to convert a wired connection into wireless with a plug-and-play experience.
However, if the car comes with an outdated infotainment system, Sony's new device is a great way to upgrade your experience in the cabin.
The XAV-AX8500 is one of the latest models, with an impressive feature lineup you won't find on every media receiver.
Announced in late 2023 and now hitting the shelves worldwide, the XAV-AX8500 uses a 10.1-inch anti-glare LCD capacitive touchscreen with a 1280x720 pixels resolution. The 10.1-inch screen is large enough for applications like Waze and Google Maps while allowing you to watch videos when connecting external video and audio sources via the integrated micro HDMI port.
The device has a three-camera input, allowing drivers to connect their parking cameras. It sports an integrated DSP for advanced sound settings, supports FLAC files, and offers USB-C ports up to 3.0A speeds.
The icing on the cake is the Android Auto and CarPlay support. The media receiver can run both systems without a cable, so you don't have to pull your phone from your pocket or backpack. Once you pair the smartphone with the XAV-AX8500, you can start the engine and wait for the receiver to connect to the device. Android Auto or CarPlay should start automatically in seconds.
The single-DIN chassis allows it to be installed in most vehicles on the road, and while the upgrade is a simple DIY project, you should contact a service center if you find it too difficult (especially if you don't know how to connect your parking cameras).
One of the best things about this media receiver is that it includes an adjusting system for the perfect viewing angle. The tilt and swivel mechanism allows the driver to adjust the screen and find the right angle to avoid sunlight reflection.
As I said, the XAV-AX8500 carries a premium price tag, so it's not an affordable upgrade. The receive is now hitting the shelves in the largest markets, and in Australia, it can be yours for AUD $1,499. It should cost $899 in the United States.
If your car already comes with wired Android Auto and CarPlay and you don't want to pay that much just for wireless support, you can always upgrade your connection with an Android Auto and CarPlay wireless adapter. Google users can purchase Motorola's MA1 adapter at a special price this week, allowing them to convert a wired connection into wireless with a plug-and-play experience.
However, if the car comes with an outdated infotainment system, Sony's new device is a great way to upgrade your experience in the cabin.
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