Kenwood Receivers With Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Support Now Shipping

Kenwood has announced that its new receivers with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support are now shipping. The KENWOOD Excelon DDX9902S and KENWOOD DDX9702S are shipping to retailers, with suggested MSRPs of $950.00 and $900.00, respectively.

The DDX9902S and DDX9702S are currently the only aftermarket receivers equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto that allow users to switch between connecting an iPhone or Android-based phone without having to manually change settings or reset the unit. This enables multiple drivers of the same vehicle to plug in the phone of their choice and enjoy their entertainment options and driver-centric apps.




Once a smartphone is plugged in, voice recognition and voice playback become the primary means of controlling audio and entertainment from the smartphone. With Apple CarPlay, Siri enables users to control, read and reply to messages and more by simply speaking, and provides access to music, podcasts, and Apple Maps for full-featured, voice-controlled navigation. With Android Auto, Google voice actions let drivers and passengers play music selections, get driving directions and hear turn-by-turn navigation, while informative Google Now cards highlight location- and preference-aware information at the right time.

The two double-DIN DDX units feature a large, 6.95-inch resistive touch display with navigation, back-up camera view (camera required, sold separately), and Bluetooth for handsfree phone conversations and playback of streaming media.

Both units also feature built-in HD Radio, an HDMI input with MHL support, and DVD playback. They are also SiriusXM-Ready, connecting to the latest SiriusXM SXV300 Connect Vehicle Tuner featuring enhanced functionality such as album art, TuneStart and TuneScan (sold separately, subscription required). In addition, native control of Pandora and iHeartRadio provide an integrated entertainment interface when using a connected smartphone.




“We are excited to have these units available to consumers in time for summer,” said Tony Mercado, marketing manager for KENWOOD’s car electronics division. “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. Combined with our years of automotive electronics know-how, we are delivering a premium, safe smartphone experience in the vehicle.”

Read More