Alpine Electronics of America has announced availability in North American markets of the iLX-007, an aftermarket in-dash receiver dedicated for optimum compatibility with Apple CarPlay.
 
The iLX-007 is a mech-less in-dash receiver with a 7-inch capacitive touch screen with a flat-face design. CarPlay gives iPhone users a way to make calls, use Maps, listen to music and access messages with just a word or a touch. When Apple CarPlay is used on the iLX-007, users can control Apple CarPlay from the 7-inch screen or activate Siri for minimized distraction, says Hirofumi Morioka, Alpine’s senior director and chief technical officer.

Corresponding audio, driving directions and phone calls are played through the vehicle’s speaker system. Apple CarPlay uses a Lightning connector and is compatible with iPhone 5 or later, including iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus and the latest version of iOS. Other features include three (2V) preouts, one aux input, Alpine’s MediaXpander technology for improved playback of compressed media and an input for a rear view camera system (camera system sold separately). It has a shallow, 3-inch chassis for greater installation flexibility into vehicles.
 
The iLX-007 is compatible with the Alpine TuneIt App, a free smartphone app that provides customized sound tuning for Alpine audio systems. The Alpine TuneIt App lets users adjust a range of sound settings including time correction, parametric EQ, crossover points, preset EQ modes and more. The settings are made through the app and uploaded to the iLX-007 for precise sound customization and immediate results.
 
The iLX-007 is available for US$800 SRI and now shipping to select authorized Alpine retailers. Visit the Store Locator on alpine-usa.com to contact a local Alpine retailer for availability information.