Modern car radios can do a lot: they communicate with your smartphone, show you the way and connect to the reversing camera, whose image they show on large displays.
Navigation is provided by car radios in double-DIN format via built-in GPS technology or alternatively via apps such as Google Maps. The maps are displayed on touchscreen monitors measuring up to ten inches diagonally. In addition to the device screen, navigation information is shown in the vehicle's cockpit display, and the navigation system's functions can be controlled via steering wheel buttons. In some cases, there are connection options for the reversing camera or pedestrian recognition. Seat heating or air conditioning can also be controlled.
To ensure that as many of these functions as possible are not only possible with the ex-works entertainment solutions, manufacturers of retrofit devices also equip their models with as many connections as possible. Cell phones can be accessed via Bluetooth, USB or Lightning. There are also numerous connections on the back of the car radios: for rear cameras that help when reversing, microphones for hands-free calling, GPS antennas, additional amplifiers and the steering wheel remote control.
Advantages and disadvantages of car radios
Wide range of functions requires twice the installation space
The full range of radio functions requires a certain size. The device slot in the dashboard must therefore be large enough. Whereas the single DIN slot (dimensions 180 millimetres x 50 millimetres) used to be sufficient, today the double DIN slot (dimensions 180 millimetres x 100 millimetres) is standard - especially for retrofit devices with large monitors.
Radios with navigation from the manufacturer in the store:
Sony
Pioneer
Kenwood
Blaupunkt
JVC
