DMX1057XR

What happens when you combine superior audiophile sound capabilities with big screen usability? Enter the Kenwood Excelon Reference DMX1057XR digital multimedia receiver. "Floating" receivers appear in many modern factory audio systems, but Kenwood has upped the ante with its massive 10.1" touchscreen display. You'll easily see all the info and get the latest smartphone interfaces such as Bluetooth®, Apple CarPlay®, and Android Auto®. You can also customize the display to show travel aids you need most, such as the weather, navigation, tone controls, a compass, camera displays, and of course, a clock. It even has a multi-function volume knob for quick adjustments. Kenwood also backs up this Excelon Reference receiver with a 2-year warranty.

This receiver's chassis fits in most double-DIN dash openings, and since there's no disc player, the mounting depth shouldn't be a major issue for most vehicles. Once you've mounted the chassis in your dash opening, you can adjust its vertical mounting height, as well as choose from two depth positions, to free up other vehicle controls and vents in your ride. Once the screen is fixed into the chassis, you can also manually tilt the display forward and back to compensate for angled dashes and glare.

This receiver's big screen shows off crisp, detailed video from both your digital video media and up to four cameras you can connect. You can also adjust its layout so it looks (and works) the way you like. Movable widgets let you bring the important stuff to the forefront, such as music sources, navigation, and weather. You can even tweak your music quickly within a widget. Kenwood's free Portal app lets you transfer photos from your smartphone for slide shows and personal backgrounds for your in-dash media hub.

Using this Kenwood's wireless connection, your smartphone links right up and you're ready to roll with all the voice-control wonderfulness that Android Auto and Apple CarPlay bring to driving. (Find out more at www.android.com/auto and www.apple.com/ios/carplay.) In addition, the DMX1057XR offers wireless or wired screen mirroring for select Android phones, which lets you select apps directly from the Kenwood touchscreen.

And when your phone needs some juice, plug it in, and you'll still get access to all your navigation, phone calls, weather, text messages, and music through simple controls and voice commands you're familiar with — while your battery charges. If you prefer to stay wireless and you have a compatible phone, you can also charge up with a wireless Qi charger.