Alpine Electronics’ new X009 series audio/video/navigation system includes a 9-inch screen, which the company says is the largest size in the aftermarket. The X009-GM, designed for GM trucks and SUVs, is the first model in the series and is now shipping. The X009U for custom applications is also now available.
The oversized screen is especially meant for truck and SUV owners; they “lead active lives and depend on their vehicles for work and play,” said Steve Crawford, vice president and general manager, aftermarket business unit, Alpine Electronics of America, Inc.
The X009-GM and X009U can control various audio sources. Both models have a built-in HD Radio receiver and offer Pandora control from iPhone and Android smartphones. They are “Made for iPod and iPhone” and feature rear USB access. They are also compatible with SiriusXM satellite radio when used with a separate tuner.
The X009-GM and X009U can be used with TuneIt 2.0, Alpine’s smartphone app for in-vehicle sound tuning. TuneIt 2.0 notifies the user of incoming activity on his or her Facebook wall through a pop-up message on the screen, displaying the name and photo of the sender. If the user chooses to accept the notification, TuneIt 2.0 will play the message back via text-to-speech and the user can “Like” the message by pressing a button. When the vehicle is parked, the user can view posted photos and messages on the screen.
The AVN systems have the “My Favorites” feature, which lets users customize quick-access screens with up to 80 shortcuts to their most used features. Two separate users can each design up to 10 favorites page profiles of eight shortcuts per page. Shortcuts can be created for audio sources, navigation commands and phone settings, by touching a button on the corresponding source page. If a front or rearview camera is installed in the vehicle, the camera images can be also manually selected on the My Favorites screen.
The X009-GM lists for $3,000 and the X009U lists for $2,700. Both models are available now at Alpine retailers.
