Sony's Latest CarPlay Receiver Features a Large 8.9-Inch Touchscreen That Hovers Over the Dashboard

I don’t get the point of these CarPlay units. Literally just buy an iPad with Cellular capabilities and call it a day. There are plenty of iPad compatible mounts for cars.

That’s literally what Tesla cars have. No need to spend that much money for this.

1. The UI is built specifically for cars and it blocks apps like video. This is necessary in some states by law.
2. It automatically plays on your car speakers/microphone
3. It integrates to steering wheel controls and dashboard displays (on some models)
4. You don't have to manually synchronize state (i.e. what music you're listening to) between the two when getting in and out
5. The displays are much brighter for sunlight visibility instead of high resolution
6. The low end models cost less than an iPad mini ($220)
7. Some models integrate with backup cameras (Backup aids are required by law in new US cars)
8. You save $10-15 a month over a separate iPad cellular connection
9. You're less liable to get a built in unit stolen in a smash and grab theft.
10. You don't have to remember to unplug and switch it off when leaving for long periods.

I don’t get the point of these CarPlay units. Literally just buy an iPad with Cellular capabilities and call it a day. There are plenty of iPad compatible mounts for cars.

That’s literally what Tesla cars have. No need to spend that much money for this.

iPad’s UI isn’t designed to be used while driving. If there were a CarPlay mode for iPhones and iPads, that’d be great.

Also, would you leave an iPad in your car? Having to remove it every time you park and hide it or carry it around would be inconvenient.

I don’t get the point of these CarPlay units. Literally just buy an iPad with Cellular capabilities and call it a day. There are plenty of iPad compatible mounts for cars.

That’s literally what Tesla cars have. No need to spend that much money for this.

Does the iPad also control your car's climate and audio systems and show your rear camera as you back up? If not, your post makes NO sense.

I dont drive enough to own a car but these CarPlay units make me have tech lust for something I absolutely don’t need. This Sony unit is beautiful.

Again, Siri is always available for that.

Siri is purely voice. CarPlay gives a touch/switch/cursor interface. One critical part is foreign-derived people and place names that Siri never gets.

You also get information in a glance. You see how many minutes to destination, in a fraction of a second instead of repeatedly asking.

CarPlay works well. Go try one in a rental. Voice UIs consistently suck at providing long-form information. You tune out.

Want. Actually I'd prefer wireless CarPlay but not willing to pay the cost, $599 is do-able for this screen.

Go and look at the Kenwood and pioneer options that are actually available now! You can get them for that or less if you wait for sales.
I just got a double din Kenwood mechless 7 inch capacitive screen with wireless carplay, with free reverse camera for AUD$679 incl GST on eBay. That is currently USD$419 without tax.

Edit: I am installing it myself today. Pray for me.
[doublepost=1565475432][/doublepost]I have noticed on eBay you can buy special black box that sit behind the dash that can give even modern vehicles without a din or double din stereo wireless carplay. Not sure how dodgy they are.
Here is an example for lexus.
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Wireless-Carplay-Android-auto-GPS-NAVI-Cam-for-LEXUS-models-from-2014-2017/264424561473?hash=item3d90ee9b41:g:bJcAAOSwfmddTEjx