Sony unveils in-car receivers with App Remote, taps into your smartphone music from October
Sony has been big on smartphone integration for car audio lately, having already launched its MirrorLink receivers earlier in the year for the more well-heeled drivers among us. The company is bringing that mobile tie-in down to Earth through a new quartet of in-car CD receivers. The MEX-GS600BT, MEX-BT4100P, MEX-BT3100P and CDX-GS500R all bring in App Remote, which lets the faceplate buttons steer local music or Pandora streaming radio coming from Android, BlackBerry, iOS and Walkman devices paired through a Bluetooth wireless link. The old-fashioned USB connection is still on offer for these and the HD Radio-toting CDX-GT710HD, while the whole collection can graft on the optional SXV200V1 tuner to carry the full Sirius XM satellite radio lineup. Differences across the line aren't completely clear from Sony's wording, although both the MEX-GS600BT and CDX-GS500R carry two USB ports as well as 5-volt RCA preamp outputs. You'll be waiting awhile to slip any of these receivers into a DIN slot, regardless of which one you pick: the GS500R ships in October for $199, and the rest hit the shops in November for between $149 to $249. %Gallery-162517%
Show full PR text
SONY FULFILLS DEMAND FOR ADVANCED SMARTPHONE CONNECTIVITY IN THE CAR WITH NEW ENTERTAINMNET SYSTEMS; CELEBRATES FIRST MIRRORLINK™ ROLLOUT IN THE US
New App Remote Unifies Music and Smartphone Apps
San Diego, CA – August 15, 2012 - Sony today introduced new in-dash CD receivers featuring Sony-exclusive App Remote technology, combining consumers' car audio music assets and smartphone apps into a single source list that can be controlled from the car audio system or smartphone. With App Remote, it is no longer necessary to go back-and-forth between the car audio system and smartphone to access a favorite tune. Music information such as album artwork is displayed on the smartphone screen, while incoming text messages can be read aloud through the car's speakers for superior driving convenience.
In addition, today the Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC), an organization driving global innovation for phone-centric car connectivity solutions, congratulated Sony on the first successful launch of MirrorLink™ certified products announced earlier this year at CES. Available now, the XAV-601HD and XAV-701HD car stereos are the first to feature compatibility with MirrorLink, an emerging technology standard for controlling a nearby smartphone from the steering wheel or via dashboard buttons and screens.
"Sony continues to lead the connected car era with state-of-the-art mobile audio technologies," said Andrew Sivori, Vice President of the Personal Audio Group at Sony Electronics Inc. "Earlier this year, we were pleased to be first in bringing MirrorLink-enabled products to market. Now with the introduction of App Remote on some of our newest CD receivers, we're paving the way for improved smartphone access and control, delivering a seamless driving entertainment experience."
Integrated Bluetooth® Technology
Bluetooth® is built-in to the new MEX-GS600BT, MEX-BT4100P and MEX-BT3100P CD receivers, and each model features Sony's App Remote technology. Bluetooth head units from Sony support a complete music streaming experience, allowing wireless playback, track control, and display of song information from Bluetooth enabled MP3 players or smartphones. The receivers also offer USB connectivity for Walkman®, iPod®, iPhone®, Android™, Blackberry®, and other compatible USB devices, with dual ports available on the MEX-GS600BT model.
Sony continues to integrate control of Pandora® internet radio into new receivers. The Pandora-ready units let consumers listen to and control Pandora streaming content through connected iPhone®, Android®, and Blackberry® phones. Drivers will experience richer sound and customizable audio settings with Sony's Advanced Sound Engine.
The systems are also SiriusXM™ Ready, using the new SXV200V1 SiriusXM Connect Vehicle Tuner Kit (sold separately, SiriusXM subscription required). The new SXV200V1 is the first SiriusXM Vehicle Tuner that receives an expanded channel lineup from SiriusXM with exclusive programming, providing more commercial-free music, sports, and comedy, including SiriusXM Latino, 20 channels of the most comprehensive Latin programming lineup available to radio listeners, featuring 10 exclusive commercial-free music channels.
The MEX-GS600BT, MEX-BT4100P and MEX-BT3100P receivers will be available in November for about $249, $189, and $159, respectively, at Sony Stores, online at www.sony.com/car, and throughout the Sony Authorized Dealer Network nationwide. The MEX-GS600BT model, which features five-volt front/rear/sub RCA preamp outputs and a three-year warranty, will be available exclusively at specialty dealers.
CD Receivers
The new CDX-GS500R CD receiver features Sony's new App Remote technology for iPhone, while the new CDX-GT710HD model includes HD radio technology and a dynamic color illuminator for different light effects. Both systems are SiriusXM™ Ready and work with Pandora® on the iPhone®. The new models include USB connectivity (with dual ports on the CDX-GS500R model) for Walkman®, iPod®, iPhone®, Android™, Blackberry®, and other compatible USB devices.
Featuring five-volt front/rear/sub RCA preamp outputs and a three-year warranty, the CDX-GS500R receiver will be available in October for about $199 at specialty dealers. The CDX-GT710HD model will be available in November for about $149 at Sony Stores, online at www.sony.com/car, and throughout the Sony Authorized Dealer Network nationwide.
