Showcasing the Best in the Mobile Enhancement Industry
The focus of this Test Drive Review is the amazing Sony XAV-AX7000 6.95-inch multimedia receiver. Equipped with Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming, Android Auto and CarPlay smartphone integration and dual USB ports that support popular digital media formats, this is an impressive upgrade option with those features alone. When you take into account Read more
In the ’70s, owning a van was cool. In the ’80s, Chrysler moved those buyers into its new car-based platform, the minivan, with the Caravan. This compact cargo- and people-friendly vehicle kicked off a trend that’s only recently lost momentum. When it’s time to move a large group of people, or you need the most cargo room possible, companies like Mercedes-Benz, Ford, GMC and Read more
Around the world, the Corolla has been one of Toyota’s best-selling vehicles, with nearly 50 million sold since its inception. Although sales in the United States remain strong, they have been slowly declining because of Americans’ insatiable appetite for vehicles that look like SUVs.The Toyota C-HR, which stands is for Coupe High Riding, is only front-wheel drive, so it’s Read more
Just as we’ve looked at the Mustang in the past, it’s now time to check out the car audio and convenience upgrades available for the Chevy Camaro. As one of the veteran pony cars, the Camaro went on sale in September 1966 as a 1967 model. These midsize coupes have been synonymous with performance with models like the Z/28 and IROC-Z models offering impressive levels of power Read more
When it comes to ways to control the volume and tracking or seeking on a car radio, the three most popular options are rotary volume controls, pushbuttons and touchscreen interfaces. While many buyers focus on features like Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and backup cameras when shopping, there’s more to consider. A key and often overlooked part of the process of Read more
The original Buick Encore, Buick’s entry-level CUV that shares its underpinnings with the Chevy Trax, has proven very successful. They are two popular CUV choices, but Buick wanted something a little bigger to compete with lower-priced CUV imports such as the Mazda CX-5. So they invented the Encore GX, which is a totally different vehicle than the original Encore. It rides on Read more
As vehicle manufacturers work to reduce the number of wires that need to be run in a vehicle, more and more have switched to using the vehicle data bus to control amplifiers. Using data commands in concert with digital or fixed-level audio signals also helps to ensure that these audio systems deliver noise-free performance. Finally, with the volume control and signal processing Read more
Sony’s new XAV-AX5500 media receiver not only covers all the ground, but it also raises the bar in terms of smartphone connectivity. Equipped with WebLink 2.0, you can see and control your compatible smartphone right from the 6.95-inch touchscreen on the radio. Of course, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, high-quality Bluetooth audio streaming and all the digital media support you’d Read more
In June 2020, Apple announced that iOS 14 would bring a welcome update to the communication and personalization features of its iPhone and iPad devices. Aside from a redesigned home screen that includes support for widgets, users will have access to true picture-in-picture functionality so they can FaceTime while browsing the Internet. Users will also be able to pin important Read more
