Pioneer Europe announces the release of five in-car receivers, providing drivers with intuitive, responsive operation and a wealth of infotainment and integration options, including CarPlay and Android Auto. The five new models, four navigation and one AV receiver, are designed for smartphone owners who want to use their devices in the car to enhance their driving experience.
Along with smartphone connectivity and a smooth user interface, the new models also come equipped with large touchscreen displays with the flagship AVIC F77DAB featuring a 7-inch capacitive screen. Benefits and features in addition to CarPlay and Android Auto include AppRadio Mode, AVICSYNC Networked Navigation, MirrorLink compatibility, expanded Bluetooth1capabilities, Aha Radio support, FLAC file playback, dual camera input, DAB, two USB inputs, HDMI port and more2.
“Our goal is to provide a smarter and safer way to use smartphones in the car and to create a truly connected car experience. In addition to CarPlay, our new units now also support Google’s Android Auto platform out of the box, making that goal a reality,” said Philippe Weyers, Marketing Communications Manager CE at Pioneer Europe.
The new range includes the AVIC-F77DAB, AVIC-F70DAB, AVIC-F970DAB and AVIC-F970BT navigation receivers, and the AVH-X8700BT AV receiver.
Key features for convenience and control incorporated in the new models include:
- CarPlay (all models) – With CarPlay, consumers with iPhone 5 or later, including iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, and the latest version of iOS can use Siri voice control to make and receive calls, compose and respond to text messages, use Apple Maps for navigation, listen to their music libraries and podcasts, as well as access compatible third-party apps like Spotify and Rdio. For more information on CarPlay compatible products, visit www.pioneer.eu/carplay .
- Android Auto – (AVIC-F77DAB, AVIC-F70DAB and AVH-X8700BT) – Android Auto integration allows consumers to quickly connect their compatible smartphones and extend the Android platform in a way that’s purpose-built for the car. Designed with safety in mind, Android Auto utilises a simple and intuitive interface as well as powerful new voice actions for minimised distraction so users can stay focused on the road. The feature offers drivers control over GPS mapping/navigation, music playback, SMS, phone calls, and web search. Android Auto will also offer third party audio apps including SoundCloud, What’s App, Spotify and Stitcher Radio for podcasts.
- AVICSYNC networked navigation (AVIC models) – Pioneer’s full featured navigation systems offer the latest mapping and turn-by-turn information and utilise the new AVICSYNC app to further expand their capabilities. With the free AVICSYNC app installed on a connected smartphone, users will benefit from fresh map data and will be able to use online location-based services (subscription based) from their smartphone such as TomTom Traffic updates, Parkopedia dynamic parking, CustomWeather and local search. AVICSYNC can be used anywhere, even outside the car, to plan a trip. When back in the car, data from a smartphone is automatically synchronised for totally seamless operation. Additionally, with the Naviextras service, users can update maps and add premium content from a PC onto an SD card.
- MirrorLink (all models) – MirrorLink technology enables consumers to connect compatible smartphones to Pioneer’s new receivers using the optional CD-MU200/CA-MU-50 USB cable. Users can access certain music and map applications for a more convenient and safer in-car experience. MirrorLink is now integrated into all five new receivers and offers a vehicle-specific interface and connectivity with MirrorLink certified devices from smartphone manufacturers such as Samsung, Nokia and others.
- Expanded Bluetooth capability (all models) – To maximise the connectivity options and call quality for hands-free communication and wireless audio streaming available in today’s most popular smartphones, each new receiver features Bluetooth AVRCP 1.4 to provide wireless browsing of a user’s media library and HFP 1.6 with wideband audio for clearer overall sound quality when in phone calls. In addition, “Sound Retriever AIR” technology improves Bluetooth transmitted sound by restoring parts of the digital music that were lost through compression.
- AppRadio Mode (AVIC F77DAB and AVH-X8700BT) – Pioneer’s AppRadio Mode provides both iPhone and Android users the ability to access and control dozens of apps directly from the large touchscreen display of the new units when connected to iPhone 4 or iPhone 4S, iPhone 5 and above, or a compatible Android smartphone.
Additional built-in features include:
- Gold-plated RCA and copper screws for higher audio quality (AVIC F77DAB only).
- HDMI connection (AVIC F77DAB only) – The integrated HDMI port built into the AVIC F77DAB, can be used for smartphone connectivity utilising AppRadio Mode or as a dedicated open audio video source.
- FLAC file support – support for internal decoding and playback of FLAC “lossless” digital audio.
- MIXTRAX – Pioneer’s revolutionary MIXTRAX virtual DJ technology is built into each model, transforming a music library into a non-stop playlist that delivers a unique DJ-infused listening experience
- Dual camera inputs (AVIC models) – enable users to add a reverse (rear facing) camera and additional front facing or other view applications camera
- Built-in Auto EQ and Time Alignment provides tailored audio adjustments specifically for the car and user preference using the optional microphone
- 13-Band Graphic Equaliser with touchscreen swipe settings and built-in high/low pass crossover with adjustable points and slopes
- 10 Million Points of Interest on AVIC models
- Customisable User Interface – for adjusting colour themes, background images, clock display preferences, and source short cuts for quick access and convenience
- Customisable User Interface – for audio video playback from USB as well as smartphone connectivity and charging.
