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JVC and Kenwood launch head units with wireless Android Auto

Own a Pixel or Nexus phone? You can now use Android Auto wirelessly

A wireless version of Android Auto has been teased for some time, going back to when Google first discussed the idea in 2016. But for some time, the platform didn’t take many strides to free itself from cords. Finally, after teasing “wireless connectivity for Android Auto” at the end of 2017, JVC unveiled multiple head units with the feature at CES 2018. And now, three months later, Google is helping out as well, by enabling wireless Android Auto for folks this week.

If you’re the owner of a Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL, Nexus 5X, or Nexus 6P running Android Oreo or higher, you’ll be able to automatically load Android Auto onto your car display as soon as you climb into your Android Auto-equipped car. No longer will you need to plug in your phone — it’ll connect automatically via Wi-Fi. More devices are expected to roll out throughout the year with this same capability.

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As it stands, this support only works for devices in North America, and the only head units that work are from JVC and Kenwood. Back in January, JVC unveiled two head units — the DVD-equipped KW-V940BW and disc-less KW-M845BW — under its main JVC brand, plus a trio of more expensive units under the Kenwood brand. The receivers also support AppleCarPlay, JVC’s WebLink (for apps like Waze, YouTube, and Yelp), and can interface directly with Spotify, iHeartRadio, and Pandora. They can also stream music from up to five phones.

Both JVC models have 6.8-inch resistive touchscreens, four 5o-watt outputs (or three 4-volt pre-amp outputs) and one backup camera input. The DVD-equipped KW-V940BW is priced at $700, roughly matching Alpine’s AppleCarPlay wireless receiver. Ditching the DVD player drops the price to $600 for the KW-M845BW model.

The three Kenwood models cost more, but also include more features. Each has an easier-to-use capacitive touchscreen, two camera inputs, and a proprietary dash-cam connection, among other features. The DMX905S, which features a 6.95-inch standard-definition screen, is the cheapest of the three at $805. The DDX9905 gets DVD playback and a 6.8-inch HD screen for $1,100. The top-of-the-line DNX995S adds Garmin navigation to the DDX9905’s features, and is priced at $1,500.

For many users, simply plugging in your Android phone will be a more cost-efficient option than going wireless (unless you own one of the aforementioned newly supported smartphones). For those with the money to spare, JVC’s wireless receiver could free them from the tyranny of cords and dongles — instantly making it one of the best car stereos around. Beyond that, there’s no reason to think that this technology will remain unaffordable for too long. As more companies enter the market, we’ll doubtless see prices drop as the tech becomes easier to produce.

Even with wires, Android Auto remains a great service for those cars that support it. Those driving an unsupported model aren’t left out in the cold either as some manufacturers are selling wired receivers for about $400.

These devices will allow users to make phone calls, compose text messages, find directions, and more, all without ever having to take their hands off the wheel. It’s not quite self-driving cars, but it is still a great way to use technology to make driving safer and easier for everyone.

And in case you were confused, JVC and Kenwood have been an item since 2007, when the Victor Company of Japan Kenwood agreed to put a ring on it. The two companies officially changed their name to JVCKenwood Corp. in 2011 — so much for maiden names.

Updated: Pixel and Nexus smartphones are now compatible with Android Auto wirelessly. 

Lulu Chang
Fascinated by the effects of technology on human interaction, Lulu believes that if her parents can use your new app…
The best Android Auto head units
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Maybe your vehicle’s stereo has gone kaput, or perhaps it’s time for an upgrade. Maybe you’re just tired of humming along to a washed-out, tinny sound. Whatever the reason, an aftermarket head unit is usually the solution. Many people have Android smartphones and would also like to take advantage of Android Auto, which allows popular phone features to be projected into the vehicle’s dash. No matter the need, there are several options available, but before you run out and buy a new stereo, consider these things first:

How much room do you have: Different vehicles have different dash configurations that make picking a head unit a bit more challenging. Some vehicles have what is known as a double-DIN stereo, which is essentially two “slots” stacked together. Others have a single-DIN stereo, which is a smaller space overall. You’ll need to know which units will fit before shopping.
Installation: Many car audio shops will install anything purchased in their store, but if you’re buying online, you’ll need to make sure your local shop will accept the job. Installing yourself is an option, but newer vehicles’ electronics are very complex and there may be additional parts (brackets, mounts, etc) that you didn’t know you needed.
Other vehicle systems: In some vehicles, removing the stereo will cause all sorts of problems with other systems, such as airbags, climate controls, and theft deterrent systems. It’s important to know how your vehicle will behave once the stock head unit is removed.
Appearance: If you have an older vehicle, you may want to preserve the stock look of the dash. In these cases, a custom install or running your smartphone separately might be a good idea, because Android Auto head units take up a lot of space. They also don’t look particularly period-correct. In other cases, make sure that the head unit’s color scheme and appearance fit with the rest of your vehicle’s interior aesthetic.

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Google developed Android Auto for motorists who are frustrated with their car's native infotainment system. Like rival software Apple CarPlay, Android Auto gives drivers the option of embedding a familiar, smartphone-like interface into their touchscreen.

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Android Auto puts commonly used smartphone apps and features right in your car's dashboard. It overrides the native infotainment system with a familiar, easy-to-use interface that many motorists prefer. It reduces dangerous distractions, at least according to Google (but not according to AAA), and it makes upgrading an older car with new features a breeze.

Like most things in our digital lives, Android Auto and smartphones in general have to be updated frequently with the latest software, but the update process here is a bit different than you may think. The important thing to remember when thinking about the best way to update Android Auto is that the images and functions you see on the screen in your dash are a direct projection from your smartphone. That means that the version of Android Auto you’re using is a reflection of the version of Android your phone is running. It may not be possible to run the latest version of the software on older phones, but newer versions of the phone software will allow you to see the latest version of Android Auto as well. Here's how to update Android Auto.

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