Sony Debuts Smartphone Cradle Receiver And CD Receivers With Bluetooth And NFC

Sony Electronics introduced the first ever Smartphone Cradle Receiver allowing multiple brands of smartphones to serve as in-dash touchscreens. Sony also introduced seven new in-car entertainment systems, including six of the industry’s first Bluetooth with Near Field Communications (NFC) models, featuring enhanced connectivity, control, and music playback from smartphones.

The new models include Sony-exclusive App Remote technology, which turns Bluetooth-connected Android phones and USB-connected iPhone devices into supplemental music displays and head-unit controllers, making it easier and more convenient to experience music, navigation, and smartphone applications while in the car.

Sony XSP-N1BT

Sony also launched its first in-dash entertainment unit with an HDMI and an MHL (Mobile High-Definition Link) port to mirror the display of the iPhone 5, 5s, 5c with the Lightning Digital A/V Adaptor, and the iPhone 4 and 4s with the 30-pin Digital A/V Adaptor and other equipped smartphones.

Sony holds the distinction of being among the first to market with MirrorLink and has introduced a new MirrorLink-equipped multimedia head unit.

In addition, Sony has expanded its premium GS series lineup exclusively for specialty channels, including three speakers and two subwoofers.

“Consumers are now using their smartphones as a primary music source in the car, in addition to accessing key apps,” said Andrew Sivori, vice president of the Sound Division at Sony Electronics. “Our new head units are designed to maximize smartphone capabilities while making control and operation more convenient on the road.”

Smartphone-Cradle/Receiver

Sony’s new XSP-N1BT, the industry’s first double-DIN Smartphone Cradle Receiver, features a clamping system that holds a wide range of smartphones securely in the dash. With its second generation AppRemote interface, the smartphone’s touchscreen controls head-unit functions via Bluetooth (Android devices) or via USB (iPhone). AppRemote also facilitates voice operation of both the head unit and the smartphone. And thanks to its IR remote, the XSP-N1BT offers CD, USB and tuner source functionality even without a smartphone. The IR remote can also be utilized to select apps and head unit sources displayed on the App Remote menu screen.

* The smartphone cradle receiver provides a charging capability via a compact USB cable. Sony’s new Xperia smartphones charge without a cable via a magnetic connector.

Integrated Bluetooth Technology For CD Receivers

Sony is the first car audio manufacturer to offer Bluetooth with NFC one-touch connection, as well as convenient hands-free calling and music streaming, in the new MEX-N4000BT, MEX-N5000BT and MEX-N6000BH CD receivers, as well as in the expanded GS series lineup including the MEX-GS610BT and MEX-GS810BH CD receivers. With NFC, users simply touch their phone against the head unit to activate and connect to Bluetooth.

The units are also App Remote 2 enabled, offering voice control to make calls, select and play music, hear and compose text messages and emails, obtain mapping information, and listen to notifications.

To simplify the Bluetooth pairing process for iPhone devices, compatible models are enabled for Auto Pairing via a USB connection. By simply connecting an iPhone to the Sony receiver using a USB cable, the receiver will automatically prompt the user to confirm pairing, eliminating the need to go through the wireless “searching for devices” process.

The head units support a complete music streaming experience, allowing wireless playback, track control, and display of song information from smartphones and Bluetooth enabled MP3 players. The MEX-N5000BT model features an external microphone, and the MEX-N6000BH adds built-in HD Radio. The MEX-GS610BT offers dual USB ports and 5V preamp-outputs, while the MEX-GS810BH adds HD Radio as well.

The new CD receivers also incorporate the Advanced Sound Engine DSP processor for great sound quality, driven by 55Wx4 output power. Together with ClearAudio+, a unique technology that leverages Sony’s expertise in digital signal processing developed over generations of perfecting sound, it delivers a rich, high-quality listening experience.

A/V Receivers

Sony’s A/V lineup runs the gamut from the opening price point XAV-65 receiver to the ultra-premium XAV-712HD receiver. The XAV-712HD includes MirrorLink, Bluetooth, HD Radio, HDMI and MHL ports, and App Remote version 2. It also includes a Micro USB to MHL cable as well as an HDMI cable.

Speakers and Subwoofers

Sony’s new GS series XS-GS1621, XS-GS1621C, and XS-GS6921 speakers, developed exclusively for the specialty channel, deliver rich, powerful sound. The new XS-GSW121 and XS-GSW121D subwoofers offer high power handling and superior sound quality. Featuring MRC Honeycomb diaphragms, they maintain high rigidity for powerful bass with low distortion. The entire GS series lineup includes a 3-year warranty.

Standard Features

In addition to integrated Bluetooth and USB connectivity, Sony continues to integrate control of Pandora internet radio into its new receivers. These Pandora-ready models 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 receivers also offer access to SiriusXM using the SXV200 SiriusXM Connect Vehicle Tuner Kit (sold separately, SiriusXM subscription required). The SXV200 is the first SiriusXM Vehicle Tuner that receives SiriusXM’s expanded channel lineup, providing more commercial-free music, plus more sports talk, more comedy, and more exclusive programming including SiriusXM Latino, the most comprehensive Latin programming lineup, featuring exclusive commercial-free music channels covering a wide variety of genres.

Pricing And Availability

The new XSP-N1BT will be available in May for $250. The MEX-N4000BT will be available in May for $119, the MEX-N5000BT will be available in March for about $129, and the MEX-N6000BH will be available this summer for about $189, online at www.sony.com/car and throughout the Sony Authorized Dealer Network nationwide.

The MEX-GS610BT (April) and MEX-GS810BH (Summer) will be available for about $179 and $239, respectively.

The XAV-65 receiver and the XAV-712HD receiver will be available in January for about $249.99 and $749.99, respectively.

The XS-GS1621, XS-GS1621C, and XS-GS6921 speakers will be available in May for about $149.99, $179.99, $199.99, respectively, while the new XS-GSW121 and XS-GSW121D subwoofers will be available in May for $129.99 and $149.99, respectively.