Alpine delivers first in-dash wireless CarPlay receiver you can install yourself
Drivers can now ditch their Lightning cable and use Apple's CarPlay with the new Alpine iLX-107 in-car infotainment system, which is now shipping for aftermarket vehicle installs.
The $900 Alpine iLX-107 is unique because it offers AirPlay over Wi-Fi, a feature that first debuted in iOS 8 back in 2015. Alpine's solution is the first wireless CarPlay product that can be bought separately and installed in a vehicle.
The 2017 BMW 5 Series Sedan was the first car to support CarPlay without a Lightning cable, but that required the purchase of a new car and the cost of upgrading to a CarPlay infotainment system. Alpine's newly shipping product means it will be the first opportunity for most CarPlay users to gain wireless support.
The iLX-107 features a 7-inch WVGA capacitive touch screen with LED backlighting. CarPlay can be used to receive calls, access text messages, play music, and get optimized traffic directions.
CarPlay is accessed on the unit through the touch screen or Siri voice controls. It requires an iPhone 5 or later.
AppleInsider first went hands-on with the iLX-107 at the Consumer Electronics Show in January. At the time, representatives from Alpine said there is no discernible drain on battery when using CarPlay wirelessly over Wi-Fi.
The Alpine iLX-107 receiver uses Bluetooth as a trigger to change over to 5GHz Wi-Fi direct for CarPlay. Call audio is routed over Wi-Fi as well.
Alpine has also updated its menus and system displays to match Apple's interface. For example, the onscreen volume display mimics Apple's own volume controls shown on screen in iOS.
The iLX-107 also controls add-on car accessories such as lights, cameras, truck bed covers, and more.
"Apple fans have been eagerly anticipating a wireless Apple CarPlay solution, so we are excited to deliver the iLX-107 as the first aftermarket system with this technology," said Steve Crawford, vice president and general manager, Alpine Electronics of America, Inc.
The $900 Alpine iLX-107 is unique because it offers AirPlay over Wi-Fi, a feature that first debuted in iOS 8 back in 2015. Alpine's solution is the first wireless CarPlay product that can be bought separately and installed in a vehicle.
The 2017 BMW 5 Series Sedan was the first car to support CarPlay without a Lightning cable, but that required the purchase of a new car and the cost of upgrading to a CarPlay infotainment system. Alpine's newly shipping product means it will be the first opportunity for most CarPlay users to gain wireless support.
The iLX-107 features a 7-inch WVGA capacitive touch screen with LED backlighting. CarPlay can be used to receive calls, access text messages, play music, and get optimized traffic directions.
CarPlay is accessed on the unit through the touch screen or Siri voice controls. It requires an iPhone 5 or later.
AppleInsider first went hands-on with the iLX-107 at the Consumer Electronics Show in January. At the time, representatives from Alpine said there is no discernible drain on battery when using CarPlay wirelessly over Wi-Fi.
The Alpine iLX-107 receiver uses Bluetooth as a trigger to change over to 5GHz Wi-Fi direct for CarPlay. Call audio is routed over Wi-Fi as well.
Alpine has also updated its menus and system displays to match Apple's interface. For example, the onscreen volume display mimics Apple's own volume controls shown on screen in iOS.
The iLX-107 also controls add-on car accessories such as lights, cameras, truck bed covers, and more.
"Apple fans have been eagerly anticipating a wireless Apple CarPlay solution, so we are excited to deliver the iLX-107 as the first aftermarket system with this technology," said Steve Crawford, vice president and general manager, Alpine Electronics of America, Inc.
Comments
We're on the list to get a review, and will be able to photograph the volume control on a production unit.
Carplay is basically a variation on Airplay , so it might be AWDL.
Its conceptially similar to some aspects of Wi-fi Direct, but different in detail
But I don't think Car Play as yet, adds enough to command premium pricing. I wonder what it goes for in mid-range domestic vehicles.
CarPlay may not be worth $900, but Android Auto absolutely is. I have a 2006 Lexus GS300 that has a horrible head unit. It's just bad. The audio system is very good (Mark Levinson), but the head unit is a disaster. I have been suffering with this head unit ever since I bought the car (used) 8 years ago. I would love to get a great head unit for Android Auto (CarPlay) and keep the car for another 8 years. The car is great, but the lack of smartphone integration and the horrible head unit makes me want to get rid of it. If I could spend $1000 to have the infotainment modernized in this car, I would gladly pay it. Unfortunately, there is no way to do this because it's too deeply integrated with the car's climate controls.
For folks in my boat with older cars, these $1000 head units that support Android Auto and Car Play (especially wireless ones), are a steal. It's much much cheaper than trading this car for a new one.
This Sony radio was €80 many years ago, if any I can buy better for cheaper. Even if I purchased an used iPhone 6 Plus just for this task, I would still spend half as much. And I could tuck it in safe in the glove compartment or wherever out of sight.
Cos would I instal this only to see my car broken into?! I mean, I don't even leave the €80 unit faceplate on - because broken windows and such are much more expensive than that.
Seriously, Alpine & Co better reinvent themselves and fast! This is not the way neither it is to come up with overpriced gear upfront, that's not how you win market share. It's like these companies don't put their brains much into what they do. And that's the Apple difference, I must say... So no, Alpine, no!
I feel like it's currently quite underdeveloped, and hasn't had a great deal of functionality enhancement since its intro, nor much interest from developers (the apps currently available are few and mostly half-assed). It's almost like it's been orphaned since all the hoo-haa at its intro.
As an aside, 3D Maps just does not work (at least in the Audi implementation of it).
Furthermore, all of the flagship devices launched at the 900 or 1000 price range. Kenwood eXcelon DDX9902S launched at $950. The Pioneer 8100NEX was $1400. The 4100NEX was $700. Pioneer and Kenwood have removable screen faceplates. Alpine's 007 model from a few years ago did not. We'll know more when we have the new ilx-107 in for review. I do like CarPlay quite a lot, enough that I've got it in two cars.
There are plenty of models without CD transport. Look at SPH-DA120 from a few years ago. It's still supported, still sold, has no CD transport, and is very shallow.
If you want the volume knob, Kenwood Excelon DDX6902S is your model. It's $379, has DVD, and a volume knob. Sony XAV-AX100 would also get you the knob and is about $389.
Mostly, I'd just use the steering wheel controls.