Alpine Beat Pioneer At MirrorLink Integration With The ICS-X7HD [Video]

Alpine Electronics of America, Inc. already has a head unit out since April of this year with MirrorLink connectivity. The ICS-X7HD is a 7-inch double-DIN receiver with a flurry of new features that most devices in the category don't have. I'm talking Siri Eyes Free, 3 RCA Pre-Outs and built-in HD radio apart from MirrorLink compatibility.

Now, granted the ICS-X7HD comes at a relatively high price ($800), but Alpine has beat Pioneer at integrating MirrorLink technology in its head units. AppRadio 3 which will be available in two models and is due in a few weeks will be priced between $400 and $500. In addition to Siri Eyes Free and MirrorLink the higher end AppRadio 3 will include a DVD/CD player. So in terms of value the AppRadio 3 is a better deal.

Here are some details about ICS-X7HD from Alpine's website…

Overview

• - 7-inch WVGA High Resolution Touch Control Display
• - 50W x 4 High Power Amp
• - 3 PreOuts (2V)
• - Siri Eyes Free Mode for iPhone®
• - Aha infotainment for iPhone
• - MirrorLink connectivity for Android™
• - BT Plus; Advanced Bluetooth wireless technology with Audio Streaming
• - App Direct Mode
• - Pandora® internet radio control from iPhone and Android smartphones
• - Built-in HD Radio™ w/iTunes Tagging
• - SiriusXM SXV200 Tuner Ready

Full details can be found here. Check out this video from "AlpineEurope" below.

For those of you who aren't familiar with MirrorLink it is a relatively new standard in car entertainment which enables you to connect a smartphone to a compatible head unit, usually using a USB connection. The connection then mirrors whatever is on your smartphone's screen onto the larger car stereo screen. Common phone functions like navigation, music streaming and handsfree calling can be used directly from the head unit. Connectivity usually involves a compatible smartphone app.

Currently a few Samsung and Nokia phones have MirrorLink connectivity. Car head units with this technology have just started rolling out. With more car stereo makers adopting this technology it won't be long before we see the market flood with MirrorLink enabled devices. 

Picture Source: Alpine Electronics of America