AutoAndroid Auto in your old car? Sony reveals two new Android Auto receiversThe not-so-snappily-named XAV-AX6000 and XAV-AX4000 both have 6.95-inch displays and support for rear-view parking camerasWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
AutoAndroid Auto in your old car? Sony reveals two new Android Auto receiversThe not-so-snappily-named XAV-AX6000 and XAV-AX4000 both have 6.95-inch displays and support for rear-view parking camerasWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
The not-so-snappily-named XAV-AX6000 and XAV-AX4000 both have 6.95-inch displays and support for rear-view parking cameras
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Sonyhas announced a pair of new car AV receivers, both with wirelessApple CarPlayandAndroid Auto.
We wouldn’t blame you for questioning whether aftermarket car stereos were still a thing. But given how many older vehicles still have stereos slotted into universal single-DIN mountings, it’s relatively easy (and cost-effective) to give your car a major tech upgrade with anew AV receiver.
Both head units each have a 6.95-inch touchscreen display, but there’s a slight difference in how these screens work. The XAV-AX6000 (pictured above) has a capacitive touchscreen, while the cheaper XAV-AX4000 (below) has a regular, resistive touchscreen. As well as the screens, both units also have a set of physical buttons for adjusting volume, skipping music tracks and returning to the home screen.
Via CarPlay andAndroid Auto, they both also support voice control, which works through theSiriandGoogle Assistantapps of your smartphone. Wireless connectivity means these systems fire up and connect when your car is on and your phone is within range. In our experience, this means your mapping and music apps will be ready to go before you’ve reached for the gear selector.
(Image credit: Sony)
(Image credit: Sony)
A wired connection is also possible, via a USB-C port, which is handy given how quickly wireless CarPlay and Android Auto can drain a smartphone battery.
If you would rather use your car’s own infotainment, then the Sony head units can cater for that too. Using a system called iDatalink Maestro, the AV receivers connect to your car’s computer and audio systems, then display its air conditioning, performance, safety and other data on their touchscreens.
An HDMI connection in both receivers means you can hook up a laptop, tablet or even a games console for use with the touchscreens while parked, and there’s Bluetooth with support for LDAC, so music can be streamed at up to 96 kHz/24-bit sampling. FLAC (free lossless audio codec) is also supported.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
As for audio output, the systems both offer five channels of sound for front and rear speakers, plus a subwoofer. Audio can be fine-tuned with a 14-band equaliser, and levels can be adjusted to match the front, rear and bass outputs to your taste.
Lastly, both Sony receivers can be connected to a rear-facing camera that switches on automatically when reverse gear is selected, complete with adjustable parking guidance lines overlaid on the display.
The XAV-AX6000 will be available from September and is priced at $699.99, while the XAV-AX4000 is $599.999 and will go on sale in August. UK prices have yet to be announced.
Samsung Galaxy S25: every leak, rumour and spec we’ve heard before the launch eventThis is everything we’ve heard about the new handsets
This is everything we’ve heard about the new handsets
This case turns your iPhone or Android phone into an e-reader, but there’s a catchActually, there are a couple…
Actually, there are a couple…
