Kenwood has started shipping out its multimedia units, the DDX9902S and DDX9702S dash receivers with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
On Wednesday, June 24, Kenwood began shipment of the two dash receivers, joining the likes of Pioneer and Alpine, which also offer CarPlay software.
"Smartphone users have heard about Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in the media, and how as many as 40 models of 2016 and 2017 vehicles will come equipped with one or the other. "Today we are delivering both in a single chassis, well before most automakers," said Kenwood's marketing manager, Tony Mercado.
Kenwood's two dash receivers were unveiled at the International CES 2015 and stand apart from those from Alpine and Pioneer as its units will pack in the ability to enable users to swap from CarPlay and Android Auto without the user changing the settings of the unit or resetting it.
This feature will be welcomed by multi-platform users in a family that will be able to deploy both iOS and Android devices with ease, making Kenwood's offering the best option.
Both the DDX9902S and DDX9702S boast a 6.95-inch resistive touch display, HD Radio, DVD playback, Bluetooth, SiriusXM compatibility and HDMI inputs. Moreover, users will be able to control the iHeartRadio and Pandora apps remotely when the dash receiver is connected to their smartphone. Users will also have the option of attaching a rear-view camera.
Pricing-wise, there is not much separating the two dash receivers from Kenwood. While the DDX9702S is priced at $900, at $950, the DDX9902S is $50 more expensive. In terms of functionality, the DDX9902S is superior to the DDX9702S when it comes to upgraded audio features. The pre-out voltage on the DDX9902S is 5 when compared with its sibling's 4, and the graphic equalizer boasts seven bands compared with the DDX9702S' five.
For the extra $50, you also get support for aptX Bluetooth codec (which enables wireless audio that is CD quality) in the DDX9902S.
