March 18, 2019 -- Alpine Electronics of America, Inc. is now shipping the iLX-F259, an audio/video (AV) system with the innovative “hovering” 9-inch screen platform. The iLX-F259 is the second model from the Alpine Halo9 lineup which Alpine initially established in 2018 with the category-defining iLX-F309 model.

The iLX-F259 is an AM/FM/Digital Media Receiver with a 9-inch WVGA touch screen and mech-less design (no CD/DVD slot). It uses a 1-DIN chassis for installation and its screen hovers over the vehicle’s dashboard, allowing the large screen to be added to a variety of vehicles without the need for custom installation.

Users can enjoy a range of infotainment features thanks to smartphone compatibility through Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, and Bluetooth® wireless technology with audio streaming. The iLX-F259 is SiriusXM-Ready (requires a SiriusXM® tuner and subscription, sold separately), and other external sources can be connected via the USB port or AUX input. The iLX-F259 has one universal rear camera input and extra cameras can be added with the KCX-C2600B Multi-Camera Selector (cameras and selector sold separately).

The iLX-F259 introduces a new, customizable user interface based on swipe and drag-and-drop motions. Up to three customized home screens can be created by choosing from 22 widgets. Widgets provide short-cut access to various sources such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Clocks, Bluetooth functions, USB images, and Camera. The widgets can be easily dragged-and-dropped onto the home screens and changed on a whim to meet the user’s needs. Customizable wallpaper can also be made from the user’s own photos or by choosing from several pre-loaded patterns.

The iLX-F259 is available now for $800 SRI at authorized Alpine retailers.

CarPlay® is a registered trademark of Apple, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Android™ Auto is a trademark of Google LLC. Sirius, XM, SiriusXM and all related marks and logos are trademarks of Sirius XM Radio Inc. The Bluetooth word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Alpine Electronics, Inc. is under license. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners.