Linkswell began shipping this month a new IQ Radio lineup of large screen Android tablet radios in 9-, 10- and 1o.1-inch sizes.
The new IQ Radio line joins Linkswell’s current T-Style radios of up to 12.1 inches.
Where T-Style radios are designed for specific car models, IQ Radios take a “modular” approach. They work with just about any car when used with a selection of 100 car-specific kits and harnesses. Dealers who stock the radios can order the kits on-demand and reduce the cost of carrying inventory, said Linkswell.
The IQ line includes 9-inch radios, 10-inch radios with flat screens or with knobs and then 10.1-inch with motorized screens that can switch from portrait to landscape modes, again with knobs or without.
Where the T-style radios include heating and cooling controls, the IQ radios do not.
As other Android tablets, the IQ Radios can connect to the Google Play Store to download apps such as Waze or Google Maps. Optional iGo NextGen navigation is also available.
All models are mechless (no CD or DVD player) but users can buy an optional $349.95 outboard DVD player.
All include WiFi capability (with a user’s hotspot), AM/FM Radio, two USB inputs, built-in Internet browser, 3 RCA preouts, and a built-in 31 band equalizer. They use Octa-core processors and run Android 8.1 (Oreo). Screen resolution is 1280 x 800.
Kits run from $50 to $115. Head unit prices range from $499-$599.
The concept behind the new line is to “give customers an OE look at an aftermarket price,” said National Sales Manager Walt Detlefsen.
