Alpine is the only manufacturer offering an 8-inch AVN system for the aftermarket. The X008U is designed to work with Alpine’s Perfect F.I.T. dash kit solutions for a seamless fit and integration into the vehicle’s dash. Twelve dash kits are currently available and two new kits for truck and SUV models will arrive this year. Each kit cosmetically matches the shape, colour and texture of the vehicle’s interior and comes with all necessary accessories for the plug-and-play installation of the X008U.
“The X008U is Alpine’s second generation 8-inch AVN system, preceded by our groundbreaking debut model in 2012,” said Steve Crawford, Vice President and General Manager, aftermarket business unit, Alpine Electronics of America, Inc. “Besides the functionality and appeal of a large screen format, the X008U offers a premium AVN solution that fully matches the vehicle when used with a Perfect F.I.T. dash kit.”
iDatalink® Compatibility
The X008U and INE-W957HD retain many of the factory vehicle controls through the iDatalink® Maestro module (sold separately). Features that can be retained include OnStar™ from GM, SYNC from Ford, factory amplified system, rear seat entertainment system, rear view camera, SiriusXM, and steering wheel controls. Additional vehicle functions that are accessible through the Maestro module include HVAC controls, vehicle gauges, tire pressure, “check engine” warnings, and factory parking sensor integration (retained features and customized vehicle information vary by vehicle model).
TuneIt® 2.0 Sound Tuning and Sharing App
The X008U and INE-W957HD are compatible with TuneIt 2.0, Alpine’s exclusive smartphone app for in-vehicle sound tuning. TuneIt 2.0 also notifies the user of incoming activity on their Facebook wall through a pop-up message on the screen, showing the name and photo of the sender. If the user chooses to accept the notification, TuneIt® 2.0 will play the message back via text-to-speech and the user can “Like” the message through the press of a button. When the vehicle is parked, the user can view posted photos and messages on the screen.
Audio Features
The X008U and INE-W957HD are compatible with various audio sources. Both models have a built-in HD Radio receiver and offer Pandora control from iPhone® and Android™ smartphones. They are “Made for iPod and iPhone” compatible and have rear USB access. The X008U and INE-W957HD are compatible with SiriusXM when used with the SiriusXM Connect Vehicle Tuner Kit (sold separately, subscription required).
Video, Navigation and Phone Features
The X008U and INE-W957HD have full WVGA high-resolution screens for crisp, detailed picture quality. The Independent Dual Zone feature lets drivers use a source in the dash while the back seat passengers enjoy a separate video on the rear seat screen (optional screen sold separately). The models also have an HDMI input to allow video playback from smartphones or other HDMI-equipped devices.
Navigation features include pre-loaded maps of the United States and Canada; 3D depiction of major landmarks, buildings and terrain details; and free lifetime traffic service. Both AVN systems have built-in Bluetooth® wireless technology and offer secure simple pairing (SSP), call waiting, and icons for phone battery and cellular signal level.
Enhanced “My Favourites” Customizable Settings
Both AVN systems have the popular “My Favourites” feature, which lets users customize quick-access screens with up to eighty shortcuts to their most used features. Two separate users can each design as many as ten Favourites page profiles of eight shortcuts per page. Shortcuts can be created for audio sources, navigation commands and phone settings, and they are easily added through the touch of a button on the corresponding source page. If a front or rear view camera is installed in the vehicle, the camera images can also be manually selected on the My Favourites screen.