Refresh losing its lustre two years ago, Sony refreshed its car multimedia lineup by launching the XAV series, featuring a double-DIN layout, a nice 6.1-inch touchscreen and integrated Bluetooth technology. The new XAV-64BT doesn’t deviate much from the original formula, which isn’t a bad thing except that Sony hasn’t innovated with the series. But, for the price, those looking to enter the double-DIN multimedia sphere may like what they see.
The XAV-64BT features Sony’s SensMe music application, which organizes tunes by song mood and tempo. And it has ZAPPIN search, which will play just six, 15 or 30 seconds from each track as it scans toward the song you wish to hear. Pandora compatibility is present, as is the case with nearly every car stereo released this year. What’s not present is the new MirrorLink capability that’s being introduced in the high-end soon-to-launch Sony stereos, which allow smartphone touchscreens to be manipulated via the stereo display. But this puppy does boast a new, faster interface response time, which is cool but not exactly a boast-worthy frontline new feature. $400; visit sony.com.
Kidz lets kids rock Children spend a lot of time in the back seat during long commutes, listening to music or watching DVDs with a pair of headphones on. But how attuned are parents to the volume on the headphones? are we oblivious as our sons and daughters blow out their eardrums? Kidz Gear is a manufacturer of high-performance headphones for children, with three different products that comprise a set of wired headphones, a set of wireless headphones and Apple-compatible headphones that have an in-line microphone.
All three products feature the company’s proprietary KidzControl Volume Limiting Technology, which provides a safe listening experience as the maximum volume levels are limited to between 80 and 90 decibels. The microphone that’s included with the Apple-compatible headphones is useful for recording audio, issuing voice commands to iOS devices and making phone calls on an iPhone. Of course, children who require a headphone that features parental volume control should probably not be entrusted to own an iPhone. But we shall cast no stones, lest we as parents wish to be judged. Prices vary; visit gearforkidz.com.