One of the cooler things that went a bit unnoticed at this years CES was, without a doubt, Sony's all-new XSP-N1BT automotive stereo head unit. No, it's not exactly the most exciting name in the world, but Android enthusiasts may be snatching up this double DIN unit with great enthusiasm when it arrives in May for $250 for one reason: in consort with Sony's control app, it turns your Android smartphone into a touchscreen control unit for your car stereo.

The XPS-N1BT, as you may have guessed, does this via a Bluetooth connection, though initial pairing is accomplished quickly and easily via NFC. All commands and audio from your smartphone are sent over Bluetooth, though your smartphone is able to control the stereo's local playback functionality, as well, through the Sony app that will be available on the Play Store. Of course, you're not limited to Sony's app for simple audio playback - any app that streams audio over Bluetooth (eg, Google Play Music, Spotify) will work, just like any other Bluetooth-enabled car stereo.

The head unit will be compatible with most Android phones via the app (which will be on the Play Store), though if your device is substantially larger than the Xperia Z1 it may not physically fit in the clamp mechanism, so Note 3 and Z Ultra owners probably shouldn't be preordering just yet. That said, the docking action isn't required to control the stereo, it simply makes using the Sony control app's interface easier (and less dangerous on the road).

The Xperia Z, Z1, and Z Compact (Z1F) will all be able to dock directly into a charging port on the stereo as well, using the side-mounted magnetic charging port those devices are all equipped with. Non-Xperia devices can charge via the external USB port on the head unit, which delivers up to 1.5 amps of charging power.


wondering how much is the price when reach msia? USD 250... probably around 600 - 700 ?

This post has been edited by ZeneticX: Jan 10 2014, 01:00 AM

Darn. Ultra not supported.

250usd x5 will be the price here....import tax

import tax for HU so high ka

Is EA gonna bring this in Howie?

wait for sony to bring in

Z2 supported? Saw UK Sony website available to purchased d ...

anyone owning this in malaysia d?

Sony Malaysia ... please act fast to bring this in ... and of course ... with the right price ....

sony with the right price? you can continue dream lol

I'm interested in this as well!

definitely ovet Rm1k. Looking at existing Sony's Hu..the top model currently cost rm1.5k I think at Sony's website. So this model wilk go at the top range definitely.

just ordered a set from amazon us. contacted Sony Malaysia and they are not looking to bring it in currently.

will update you guys after I get it installed.

Bro...how izzit?
And how much you bought it? Include shipment.

long story short, going to install it only around mid August lol.

All in costed around rm1000 landed.

I try go to amazon to purchase but cannot proceed due to shipment address not accepted.

If u sactisfied after installed it..... Will u plan to buy in bulk and sell here?

Thanks for ur reply.

you have to use a shipping forwarder. i used www.shipito.com.

i'm just a user not a trader, so no plans in buying in bulk to re-sell.

How's the user experiance?

This model is now available in malaysia. Rm699 oni. Going to install it soon.

I'm guessing thats just the docking HU only?..exclude phone..that one you buy separately...all in all exceed 1k?

Where did you get it from? Any workshop to recommend?

got it installed at EA on Saturday, didnt have much time to muck around with the settings yet, but pretty good so far.

downsides imo:
- the phone registers the HU as a physical keyboard, you'll need to disable the physical keyboard if you wanted to type in the phone.
- i still havnt manage to get it read-out messages
- protrudes out quite abit on the dash and look crappy without a phone in place
- magnetic charging mechanism a little fiddly, not as easy/smooth as magnetic dock
- voice recognition doesnt detect correctly, maybe due to our accent?
- dont think it'll fit a Z Ultra

awesomes areas:
- full fledge android os as HU
- charges very fast
- clarity is good (i'm no audiophile, coming from a jdm HU + booster lol)
- Sony App Remote integrates with other Apps quite nicely, i tried Waze and Spotify
- holds phone in quite firmly, doesnt wobble around
- phone display doesnt turn off once its docked, so dont have to keep waking it up to change app or songs

This post has been edited by williamwong: Dec 18 2014, 02:59 PM