Android Auto has been a slow burn on release, and while you can buy a new car with Android Auto, the real interest for most people is in third-party units to add to your vehicle. Android Auto partner Kenwood, who previously announced units at CES has now released information on their launch of Android Auto in Australia.
Kenwood is a premium supplier of car entertainment equipment, they have a great name in the industry and provide some of the best sounding car audio equipment out there. Kenwood has three units slated for release in 2016 which will feature Android Auto as well as Apple Car Play. The units will range in price from $1099 up to $1899.
The three models will include a great selection of features including Miracast and Apple if you purchase the optional Wireless receiever (KCA-WL100). Unlike previous models we’ve seen, the Kenwood range includes a 7″ capacitive LED touch screen making for a responsive head unit while navigating the infotainment system.
Specs:
| DDX9016DABS | DDX916WS | DNX8160DABSN | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7″ Capacitive LED touch screen | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Bluetooth HFP1.6 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Dual Phone Hands Free | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Android Auto and Apple CarPlay | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Wifi “Air” Mirroring ready (Miracast and Apple Airplay) | Requires KCA-WL100 option (RRP $129) | ||
| DAB+ Digital Tuner includes Antenna | ✔ | ✔ | |
| 13 Band EQ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Digital Time Alignment | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| High Resolution Audio | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| AAC Music Streaming(iOS) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 5V,RCA Pre-out x 3 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Dual USB -Max 1.5A Charging | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| USB Video out to ext monitor | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Dual Camera Inputs | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Direct OEM Steering Wheel Remote | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Air Gesture Feature | ✔ | ||
| GARMIN Navigation System Built IN | ✔ | ||
| Price | $1,099 | $1,099 | $1,899 |
The DDX916WS and DNX8160DABSN models will have additional features with the DDX916WS being released as an OEM solution for specific Toyota,Subaru and Mitsubishi Vehicles only, it will also support Air Gestures.
The 2016 range of Kenwood stereos will begin arriving at Car Audio Specialists as well as JB Hifi and Autobarn in May. We’re lining up a hands-on look at these great new head units as soon as they’re available.
A bit in the pricy side. They need to hurry up and integrate car crash dvrs into these decks. They have the cameras and the constant power supply it’s a no brainer
I just got the Pioneer Android Auto head unit installed in my car. It’s great! Not cheap though
If you dont mind me asking how much did you pay and what vehicle did you install it in?
Got for $1,800 and put it in a Navara
And stupid choices, digital radio is a must but Garmin isn’t as the phone handles navigation. That’s a big NO from me.
hence why there is 2/3 units without Garmin.
Wow. That’s hideously expensive.
Compared to?
Compared to either
a) the actual hardware required, which is not substantially more than a 7″ Android tablet
b) the prices of these units in the US (about $400AUD)
Which model is aud$400 in the us?
Been looking a while for an android auto upgrade.Capacitive and dab is a must for me.Pioneer is $1200 but has a clunky resistive screen and no dab.Alpine has a capacitive at $1000 but is a POS.No Android Auto (just Carplay) ,no dab,no dvd and unbelievably,no bluetooth! The Kenwood at $1099 seems ok compared to everything else I have been looking at.The Kenwood also looks the best of all of them as well. I wont even lower myself to a cheap chinese import that will turn my beloved car into a fire hazard and if your silly enough thinking that an… Read more »
Looks so much better than the JBL one