Sony Fulfills Demand For Advanced Smartphone Connectivity In The Car With New Entertainment Systems; Celebrates First MirrorLink™ Rollout In The US

SAN DIEGO, Aug. 15, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony today introduced new in-dash CD receivers featuring Sony-exclusive App Remote technology, combining consumers' car audio music assets and smartphone apps into a single source list that can be controlled from the car audio system or smartphone. With App Remote, it is no longer necessary to go back-and-forth between the car audio system and smartphone to access a favorite tune. Music information such as album artwork is displayed on the smartphone screen, while incoming text messages can be read aloud through the car's speakers for superior driving convenience.

In addition, today the Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC), an organization driving global innovation for phone-centric car connectivity solutions, congratulated Sony on the first successful launch of MirrorLink™ certified products announced earlier this year at CES (https://news.sel.sony.com/en/press_room/consumer/mobile_entertainment/head_units/release/61399.html?CSRT=9698634404871615125). Available now, the XAV-601HD and XAV-701HD car stereos are the first to feature compatibility with MirrorLink, an emerging technology standard for controlling a nearby smartphone from the steering wheel or via dashboard buttons and screens.

"Sony continues to lead the connected car era with state-of-the-art mobile audio technologies," said Andrew Sivori, Vice President of the Personal Audio Group at Sony Electronics Inc. "Earlier this year, we were pleased to be first in bringing MirrorLink-enabled products to market. Now with the introduction of App Remote on some of our newest CD receivers, we're paving the way for improved smartphone access and control, delivering a seamless driving entertainment experience."

Integrated Bluetooth® Technology

Bluetooth® is built-in to the new MEX-GS600BT, MEX-BT4100P and MEX-BT3100P CD receivers, and each model features Sony's App Remote technology. Bluetooth head units from Sony support a complete music streaming experience, allowing wireless playback, track control, and display of song information from Bluetooth enabled MP3 players or smartphones. The receivers also offer USB connectivity for Walkman^®, iPod^®, iPhone^®, Android™, Blackberry^®, and other compatible USB devices, with dual ports available on the MEX-GS600BT model.

Sony continues to integrate control of Pandora® internet radio into new receivers. The Pandora-ready units let consumers listen to and control Pandora streaming content through connected iPhone®, Android®, and Blackberry® phones. Drivers will experience richer sound and customizable audio settings with Sony's Advanced Sound Engine.

The systems are also SiriusXM™ Ready, using the new SXV200V1 SiriusXM Connect Vehicle Tuner Kit (sold separately, SiriusXM subscription required). The new SXV200V1 is the first SiriusXM Vehicle Tuner that receives an expanded channel lineup from SiriusXM with exclusive programming, providing more commercial-free music, plus sports and comedy, including SiriusXM Latino, 20 channels of the most comprehensive Latin programming lineup available to radio listeners, featuring 10 exclusive commercial-free music channels.

The MEX-GS600BT, MEX-BT4100P and MEX-BT3100P receivers will be available in November for about $249, $189, and $159, respectively, at Sony Stores, online at www.sony.com/car, and throughout the Sony Authorized Dealer Network nationwide. The MEX-GS600BT model, which features five-volt front/rear/sub RCA preamp outputs and a three-year warranty, will be available exclusively at specialty dealers.

CD Receivers

The new CDX-GS500R CD receiver features Sony's new App Remote technology for iPhone, while the new CDX-GT710HD model includes HD radio technology and a dynamic color illuminator for different light effects. Both systems are SiriusXM™ Ready and work with Pandora® on the iPhone®. The new models include USB connectivity (with dual ports on the CDX-GS500R model) for Walkman^®, iPod^®, iPhone^®, Android™, Blackberry^®, and other compatible USB devices.

Featuring five-volt front/rear/sub RCA preamp outputs and a three-year warranty, the CDX-GS500R receiver will be available in October for about $199 at specialty dealers. The CDX-GT710HD model will be available in November for about $149 at Sony Stores, online at www.sony.com/car, and throughout the Sony Authorized Dealer Network nationwide.

Sony and the Sony logo are trademarks of Sony Corporation.

All other trademarks are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sony Corporation or the respective companies.

"Made for iPod" and "Made for iPhone" mean that an electronic accessory has been designed to connect specifically to iPod or iPhone, respectively, and has been certified by the developer to meet Apple performance standards. Apple is not responsible for the operation of this device or its compliance with safety and regulatory standards. Please note that the use of this accessory with iPod or iPhone may affect wireless performance.

Sirius, XM, SiriusXM and all related marks and logos are trademarks of Sirius XM Radio Inc. and its subsidiaries.

MirrorLinkTM and the MirrorLink logo are certification marks of the Car Connectivity Consortium LLC. Unauthorized use is strictly prohibited.

SOURCE Sony Electronics