Android Auto is going wireless for 2018 , II Wireless Android Auto Revolution Coming To CES 2018 Starting With JVC Kenwood , II JVC Kenwood will unveil their first-ever wireless Android Auto car units at CES 2018

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It looks like JVC Kenwood has plans to offer its advanced take on aftermarket car radio systems that will finally incorporate wireless Android Auto functionality. Up until now, most of the available offerings of such receivers required cables to be connected to an Android smartphone, which is not very convenient. According to a press release, the company might be planning to release two wireless Android Auto-capable multimedia receivers, one with the Kenwood logo and other with the JVC designation. Both of these receivers will be displayed at CES 2018 this month.

JVC Kenwood AV multimedia receivers: Features

Not a lot of details or specifications have been released regarding the receivers. What we know so far according to the information provided on the official JVC Kenwood website is that the two units will most definitely support wireless Android Auto. The unit with the Kenwood moniker is described as the higher-end AV multimedia receiver. It is said to have an LCD screen with a resolution of 1280×720 pixels and wide viewing angles. This variant will have support for both Android Auto as well as Apple CarPlay. The JVC labelled unit will also come with a 720p resolution, 6.8-inch LCD panel. However, this will only support Android Auto. With wireless functionality (mostly over Wi-Fi), both are expected to provide enhanced connectivity with smartphones.

JVC Kenwood AV multimedia receivers: Release date

Google had discussed Android Auto wireless systems back in 2016. On the other hand, we have already seen wireless Apple CarPlay reach dashboards via Alpine’s ILX-107 aftermarket receiver. It has taken a fair bit of time for OEMs to bring Android’s wireless solution out to the market, but we know that the two new devices from JVC Kenwood will be displayed at CES 2018. However, the actual release and price of the devices is yet to be known. It sometimes takes many months for products shown at CES to be available for consumers to purchase. Nevertheless, the announcement of this new offering could potentially open the door for more manufacturers to develop their own wireless Android Auto solutions.

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That is about to change with JVCKENWOOD announcing that it will be showing off a new line of products under the JVC band that will be Wi-Fi enabled and support wireless connectivity for Android Auto use. That means you can wirelessly connect with no need to futz with that USB cable. JVC, however, doesn't really get into the technical aspects of this wireless Android Auto feature.

JVC wrote, "Lineup of new receivers without disc-reading mechanism with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability and new AV receivers featuring enhanced connectivity with smartphones and equipped with a 6.8-inch LCD panel, such as Wi-Fi-enabled receivers with wireless connectivity for Android Auto."

Apple CarPlay also supports wireless connectivity, but few cars support it at this time (mainly certain BMW models at this point) along with some aftermarket head units.

The Kenwood brand will also have high-end AV multimedia receiver featuring an HD screen and wireless connectivity for Android Auto along with wired connectivity for CarPlay. Other than the new in-car audio gear, the company will also be showing off 4K video cameras ranging from pro models to consumer units. A full line of Bluetooth wireless headphones will also be on display.

New reference products to be shown include a vibrating audio generator (exciter) that will find use in vehicles and other uses. Ribbon speakers and an EXOFIELD out-of-head sound processing will also be shown. That latter feature is a new audio signal processing tech meant to customize sound to individual users.

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Ever since Android Auto first hit the market back in 2015, you've needed to plug your phone directly into a compatible head unit in order to get the apps and screens mirrored from mobile to car. In 2018, that setup will change, as Android Auto goes wireless.

JVC Kenwood is planning to introduce a couple of wireless Android Auto units at the big CES show next week, reports CNET. One will have JVC branding, one Kenwood, and they're both going to feature a 1,280 x 720 pixel HD display for seeing your sat nav apps at a nice, sharp resolution.

Like a lot of similar units, the devices will support Apple CarPlay as well as Android Auto, though right now it's not clear whether that functionality will also be wireless. A small number of wireless CarPlay units have already appeared.

Android Auto upgrades

Google teased the arrival of wireless Android Auto support back in May during Google I/O, so this isn't a complete surprise. Support for the "OK Google" voice command, and the ability to use Android Auto on your phone as well as a head unit, was announced at the same time.

That's all we know so far about the new devices – JVC Kenwood hasn't said anything official as yet – but all the blanks should be filled in when CES gets underway next Monday, January 8. Of course we'll be there to bring you all the news from Las Vegas.

There'll be a flood of new tech on show and car tech is likely to play a major role as our motors get smarter and smarter. Look out for a slew of new car stereos to be announced at the show, supporting the platforms developed by Google and Apple – and this time requiring no wiring.

Android Auto is going wireless for 2018 , II Wireless Android Auto Revolution Coming To CES 2018 Starting With JVC Kenwood , II  JVC Kenwood will unveil their first-ever wireless Android Auto car units at CES 2018

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