We’re seeing a trend at CES 2015 with car infotainment systems, with car manufacturers and third-party digital car system makers opting to integrate both Android Auto and Apple’s CarPlay system to their devices, making it easier for car owners to connect their devices regardless of platforms.
First up, we have car audio specialists Kenwood, who say that their incoming dash system – the DDX9902S – will be a “premium” device, but isn’t willing to divulge pricing details at this point, or any other intimate detail about the new device, just that it will be compatible both with Android and iOS devices.
Pioneer has three new dash systems with the same basic argument – the AVIC-8100NEX, AVIC-7100NEX, and AVH-4100NEX. Of these, the 8100 is the top model and will have the capacitive touch screen. The kicker here is Pioneer’s pricing. The lowest model, the 4100 is steeply priced at USD$700. The 7100 will be at USD$1200, while the 8100 will set you back USD$1400. Ouch.
If Kenwood follows these arguments, we can say that there are a few models out there that will be cheaper but will provide the same basic features. What they won’t have is the brand names that these have.
VIA: SlashGear