Does iLX-W650 have Android Auto?

Introducing the Alpine iLX-W650

The Alpine iLX-W650 is an in-dash digital media receiver that packs a range of features into a compact design. Some key highlights of the iLX-W650 include:

7-inch capacitive touchscreen display
Built-in Bluetooth for hands-free calling and audio streaming

HD Radio tuner
Alpine TuneIt App for customizing settings
Voice control integration

Dedicated Pandora control
SiriusXM-Ready

The iLX-W650 features an ultra-shallow chassis that is only 2-13/16 inches deep, making it an ideal replacement head unit solution for many vehicles. It packs a built-in 4-channel 16 watt RMS amplifier to provide sufficient power to drive most aftermarket speaker setups without the need for additional amplifiers.

Overall, the Alpine iLX-W650 provides a feature-packed in-dash receiver with a high resolution touchscreen in a compact chassis, catering to the needs of most drivers looking for a modern infotainment upgrade.

What is Android Auto?

Android Auto is a software platform developed by Google to allow Android smartphones to interface with select in-car infotainment systems. It enables drivers to access key functions and apps on their phones in a safer, more user-friendly manner while driving.

By connecting an Android phone to a compatible car’s infotainment display, Android Auto brings apps and services to the vehicle’s central screen. This allows drivers to navigate, communicate, listen to music or podcasts, and more while keeping their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel. Voice controls further enhance the hands-free experience.

Some of the key functions and apps that can be accessed through Android Auto include navigation and maps, music streaming, audiobooks, phone calls, text dictation and messaging, news and weather updates, and Google Assistant voice controls. It aims to minimize distractions and simplify common tasks while driving.

Overall, Android Auto facilitates safer and more seamless access to smartphones while behind the wheel. It brings a familiar Android interface into the car’s infotainment system to provide quick access to key apps and services.

Android Auto Compatibility

Android Auto is Google’s infotainment system that projects a simplified version of an Android smartphone onto a vehicle’s infotainment display. To use Android Auto, a compatible vehicle head unit or aftermarket car stereo is required. The head unit runs the Android Auto software interface and connects to a compatible Android smartphone via USB cable.

Many major car stereo manufacturers now support Android Auto integration, including Pioneer, Kenwood, Alpine, Sony, JVC, and Clarion. These manufacturers offer aftermarket stereos that are designed for specific vehicle makes and models and allow drivers to integrate Android Auto into older vehicles.

Many new vehicles also come equipped with Android Auto compatibility from the factory across brands like Volvo, Ford, Honda, and Hyundai. Overall, Android Auto is supported on hundreds of vehicle models when paired with a compatible head unit.

Android Auto on the iLX-W650

The Alpine iLX-W650 does support Android Auto, allowing you to access key features and apps from your compatible Android phone on the receiver’s touchscreen display. To use Android Auto, you will need:

An iLX-W650 receiver installed in your vehicle
A compatible Android smartphone running Android 5.0 or higher
The Android Auto app installed on your phone

A USB cable to connect your phone to the iLX-W650

Once you have all of the above, you can enable Android Auto by connecting your phone to the iLX-W650 via USB. This will launch the Android Auto interface on the receiver’s touchscreen. The interface provides convenient access to apps like Google Maps, Spotify, messaging, and phone calls. You can control apps through the touchscreen or with voice commands. Android Auto is designed to minimize distraction so you can focus on the road.

The setup process for Android Auto is quick and straightforward. Refer to Alpine’s iLX-W650 product page or manual for detailed instructions on enabling and using Android Auto.

Tips for Using Android Auto

Here are some helpful tips for setting up and using Android Auto with the Alpine iLX-W650 receiver:

Make sure to have the latest firmware installed on the iLX-W650. Firmware updates often include improvements and bug fixes for Android Auto connectivity. You can check for updates through the receiver’s settings menu. See the iLX-W650 owner’s manual for firmware update instructions: https://support.alpine-usa.com/products/documents/OM_iLX-W650_EN.pdf

Use a high quality USB cable designed for Android Auto, preferably the cable that came with your phone. A poor quality cable can cause connection issues.

Go through the Android Auto setup process on your phone to pair it with the iLX-W650. The receiver’s touchscreen will guide you through the initial setup.

Make sure you have adequate cell service or WiFi to connect your phone to Android Auto. Android Auto requires an internet connection to stream data.

If you run into connection issues, try rebooting both the iLX-W650 and your phone. Also try unpairing and forgetting the receiver in your phone’s Bluetooth settings, then repairing.

Adjust Android Auto settings on your phone like launching mode and Google Assistant voice detection to suit your preferences.

Familiarize yourself with Android Auto’s interface and available features like Google Maps, music apps, calling, and voice commands.

Be patient as Android Auto synchronizes and launches. Give it time to connect properly at vehicle startup.

Consider using a phone mount near the receiver to keep your phone stable, charged, and in optimal range while using Android Auto.

Key Android Auto Features

The Alpine iLX-W650 offers seamless integration with Android Auto to bring many of your phone’s features right onto the car’s display. Here are some of the key Android Auto capabilities available on the iLX-W650:

Google Maps for navigation – Get turn-by-turn directions, live traffic information, and more through the intuitive Google Maps app.

Hands-free calling & voice commands – Make calls safely using voice commands with the Google Assistant. The car’s microphones ensure clear call quality.
Google Play Music and other audio apps – Stream your favorite music, podcasts, audiobooks and more.
Customizable interface – Arrange Android Auto apps and widgets just the way you like on the iLX-W650’s 7-inch capacitive touchscreen.

Smart notifications – View incoming messages, calendar events, weather alerts and more without taking your eyes off the road.
Seamless experience – Android Auto connects to your phone via USB for a smooth, integrated experience.

With these and other great features, Android Auto on the Alpine iLX-W650 provides a safer, more enjoyable in-car experience. Drivers can access their phone’s functions in an optimized format designed specifically for the car environment.

Limitations of Android Auto on the iLX-W650

While the iLX-W650 is compatible with Android Auto, there are some limitations to be aware of when using Android Auto on this head unit:

One notable limitation is that Android Auto may disconnect frequently from the iLX-W650, especially with certain phone models like the Samsung Galaxy S8, as noted in this Google support thread. This can disrupt usage and require constant reconnecting.

Additionally, Android Auto on the iLX-W650 is limited to a small set of compatible apps like Google Maps, Spotify, and select messaging apps. It does not support the full range of Android apps. Functions like video streaming are also restricted while using Android Auto.

Lastly, some users have reported issues with Android Auto voice commands like “Hey Google” not working reliably or at all on the iLX-W650, as discussed in this Reddit thread. This can make hands-free usage frustrating.

In summary, potential connectivity issues, limited app support, and unreliable voice control can restrict the Android Auto experience on the Alpine iLX-W650 head unit compared to other systems.

Alternatives to Android Auto

If you find you don’t need Android Auto, the iLX-W650 has several built-in features that can serve as alternatives:

The iLX-W650 has native Bluetooth support for hands-free calling and audio streaming from your smartphone. You can easily pair your phone to the iLX-W650 to make and receive calls through the touchscreen interface, as well as stream playlists, podcasts, and other audio content (source).

For navigation, the iLX-W650 is compatible with Alpine’s TuneIt app, which allows you to use your smartphone’s data and GPS for turn-by-turn navigation displayed right on the iLX-W650’s touchscreen. The TuneIt app also provides access to local fuel prices, weather, movie times, sports scores, and more (source).

You can directly connect your iPhone to the iLX-W650 via the USB port to enable Apple CarPlay. This gives you familiar iPhone apps and Siri voice control right on the touchscreen, similar to Android Auto but for iPhone users (source).

For accessing music, the iLX-W650 has direct USB input and is also SiriusXM-Ready for satellite radio. There’s an integrated 18-watt RMS amplifier and the ability to add external amps and subs for upgrading the sound system (source).

With its capacitive touchscreen and customizable interface, the iLX-W650 provides a responsive, user-friendly experience even without Android Auto.

Final Verdict on Android Auto for the Alpine iLX-W650

In summary, the Alpine iLX-W650 does support Android Auto integration. Connecting an Android smartphone to the iLX-W650 via USB allows access to key Android Auto features like Google Maps navigation, voice commands, music streaming, and more.

The iLX-W650 provides a seamless Android Auto experience with its 7-inch touchscreen display and dedicated Android Auto interface. Once connected, the iLX-W650 essentially serves as an external display for the Android Auto environment.

Pros of using Android Auto on the iLX-W650 include:

Easy access to Google Assistant for voice commands

Safe navigation with Google Maps
Media playback from apps like Spotify
Hands-free calling and messaging

Customizable home screen shortcuts

Potential downsides include:

Limited to displaying approved Android Auto apps only

Some lag or disconnects possible with wireless Android Auto
Certain Android Auto features require wired connection
May need to disable iLX-W650 native apps to avoid conflicts

Overall, the iLX-W650 provides a great way to integrate key smartphone functions and access them safely through your car’s display. For most Android users, Android Auto support will be a major benefit of choosing the iLX-W650 receiver.

Conclusion

In summary, the Alpine iLX-W650 does support Android Auto functionality right out of the box. Android Auto enables you to access key apps and services from your Android smartphone in a safe, optimized interface designed specifically for the in-vehicle environment. With the iLX-W650, you can enjoy seamless integration, voice commands, turn-by-turn navigation, and audio streaming through Android Auto. While Android Auto does have some limitations in terms of app availability and touchscreen use while driving, overall it adds tremendous value to the iLX-W650 system. For Android users looking for an aftermarket car stereo with all the bells and whistles, the iLX-W650 integrated with Android Auto is an excellent choice.

If you’re looking for a high-end car stereo with an excellent user interface, abundant features, and tight integration with your smartphone, the Alpine iLX-W650 with Android Auto capabilities comes highly recommended. It provides a best-in-class audiovisual experience, customization options, and smart connectivity with Android devices. For Android users who frequently drive, upgrading to the iLX-W650 will make your journeys safer and more enjoyable.