Sony's Android Auto aftermarket head unit on sale now for $499

If you are looking to add full support for Android Auto inside your current vehicle, there’s a new option available. The Sony XAV-AX100 aftermarket car head unit, which supports both Android Auto as well as Apple’s CarPlay, is now available to purchase for $499 at Amazon.

The price tag for the Sony unit is definitely on the lower side of these aftermarket car entertainment solutions; usually they sell for between $800 to $1,500. One of the reasons why this Sony version may be so cheap is that it uses a less advanced resistive touch screen, rather than the capacitive supported displays that are more common in smartphones.  One thing it does have is a physical rotary dial on the left side to control volume and other features without having to use the touch screen.

Some of the other features included with the Sony XAV-AX100 are the ability to create virtual speakers on the dashboard with the Dynamic Stage Organizer, and the 4 x 55 W Dynamic Reality Amp, which the company says offers users clear sound, even at high volumes. Amazon’s listing states that shipments of the unit will begin sometime before Christmas, but a specific date was not posted.