Alpine Unveils New 9-inch CarPlay Receiver That 'Hovers' In Front of the Dash

Alpine has unveiled a new 9-inch large screen aftermarket receiver system (iLX-F309) that doesn't require custom installation.

The iLX-F309 is an AM/FM/audio/video receiver with a 9-inch WVGA touch screen and mech-less design (no CD/DVD slot). It uses a 1-DIN chassis for installation but the screen "hovers" in front of the vehicle's dash, allowing the oversize screen to be added to a variety of vehicles without the need for custom installation. The iLX-F309's "HALO9" nickname is descriptive for the screen's unique hovering position and its 9-inch size.

"Alpine blazed the trail with the first vehicle-specific 9-inch systems back in 2014, targeted to trucks and SUVs, but consumers have continued to request a model that will fit into a variety of vehicles," said Mike Anderson, vice president and general manager, aftermarket business unit, Alpine Electronics of America, Inc. "The iLX-F309 represents a new step as it brings the 9-inch screen into a number of vehicles without the need for custom installation."


Installation Fitment
The 9-inch screen is attached to an adjustable mount connected to a 1-DIN chassis. Once installed, the screen and mount are fixed to the chassis for a sturdy installation. The screen hovers over or in front of the dash while its rear housing tapers off cleanly at the edges for a thin and modern silhouette. At its default position, the screen's sliding mount is pushed out, sitting at a 90 degree angle and the bottom of the screen is centered with the 1-DIN chassis. At this point, the screen can be angled at select positions to assist during installation, help with visibility, or move it away from other items on the dashboard. The screen can be positioned 20 millimeters (mm) back from its default position, to move it closer to the dashboard. It can be moved up or down 30mm from its default position and can be tilted up or down at a maximum of 45 degrees, depending on the position of the up/down location.

Entertainment Features
The iLX-F309 has a suite of entertainment features. Its mech-less design is suited for smartphone compatibility through Apple CarPlay or Android Auto with the Google Assistant. Maps, music, messages and phone calls from the iPhone or Android phone are controlled from and displayed on the iLX-F309's touch screen. The iLX-F309 also has Bluetooth wireless technology with audio streaming, a built-in HD Radio tuner, and is SiriusXM Ready (requires SiriusXM SXV300 Connect Vehicle Tuner Kit, sold separately, and SiriusXM subscription). There is a USB port for video or audio playback (FLAC [Free Lossless Audio Codec], MP3, WMA and AAC), an AUX input, and an HDMI input. A second HDMI input can be added via the KCX-630HD HDMI Selector (sold separately). A CD/DVD player can also be added via the DVE-5300 CD/DVD player (sold separately). Select factory features are retained and vehicle information is displayed when used with the iDatalink Maestro module (sold separately, retained features and vehicle information vary by vehicle).

System Expansion
The iLX-F309 has a rear camera input and overlays guidelines onto the camera image on the 9-inch screen to aid with distance judging (camera sold separately). Multiple cameras (for the rear and side) can be added when used through the KCX-C250MC Multi-Camera Switcher (sold separately). Electrical accessories like a light bar or motorized tonneau cover can be controlled by the iLX-F309's touch screen when connected to the KAC-001 External Accessory Controller (sold separately),

Availability
The iLX-F309 will be available at authorized Alpine retailers in February for $1,100 SRI.


Specifications:
● 9-inch WVGA capacitive touch screen
● Audio, video and Bluetooth feature set
● Works with Apple CarPlay
● Android Auto now with the Google Assistant
● HD Radio tuner built-in
● Made for iPod and iPhone
● SiriusXM-Ready (SXV300 Connect Vehicle Tuner Kit sold separately, SiriusXM subscription required)
● Pandora control from iPhone and Android smartphones
● FLAC/MP3/WMA/AAC/HE-AAC music playback via USB
● Alpine TuneIt App integration
● BT Plus Bluetooth wireless technology with audio streaming
● My Favorites feature provides custom shortcuts to favorite audio sources, places and phone numbers
● Touch screen control of electrical accessories via KAC-001 External Accessory Control Module (sold separately)
● 4-way swipe action graphical interface control
● Touch screen control of multiple camera systems via KCX-C250MC Multi-Camera Selector Interface (sold separately
● One HDMI input or expand via KCX-630HD HDMI Selector Interface (sold separately)
● Available February, SRI: $1,100