Pioneer Europe announces the release of five in-car receivers, combining on-board features with connected services and controlled using a rich and powerful new user interface. The five new models, four navigation and one audio video receiver, are designed especially for today’s smartphone-driven lifestyle. Along with network connectivity and an enhanced UI, the new models also come equipped with large touchscreen displays with the flagship AVIC‑F60DAB featuring the industry’s first 7-inch capacitive screen on a navigation system. Benefits and features in the line-up include AppRadio Mode, AVICSYNC Networked Navigation, MirrorLink compatibility, Siri Eyes Free mode, expanded Bluetooth1 capabilities, Aha Radio support, FLAC file playback, dual camera input and more.
“We are proud to introduce our next generation of network connected in-dash receivers, bridging the gap between smartphone related products like our AppRadio and traditional multimedia products like navigation and DVD receivers,” said Philippe Weyers, Marketing Communications Manager CE at Pioneer Europe. “By leveraging the connectivity of the smartphone, we are able to augment and update many of the built-in features with dynamic cloud based content.”
The new range includes the AVIC‑F60DAB, the AVIC-F960BT, the AVIC-F960DAB and the AVIC-F860BT navigation receivers, and the AVH-X8600BT AV receiver.
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 AVIC‑F60DAB, the AVIC-F960BT, the AVIC-F960DAB and the AVH-X8600BT when connected to iPhone 4 or iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, or a compatible Android smartphone. Additional features for convenience and control incorporated in the new models include:
- 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 to further expand their capabilities. With the free AVICSYNC app installed on a connected smartphone, users can access connected services that include traffic, weather and more, with key information/icons overlaid on the existing map screen information (subscription(s) required). With AVICSYNC, users benefit from fresh map data and the most up-to-date and current information. The most important AVICSYNC networked function is “TomTom HD Traffic” which provides more detailed and fresher traffic information than RDS-TMC. Customers who subscribe to this service will always find the fastest route and will receive the most accurate ETA (Expected Time of Arrival).
- MirrorLink (all models) –MirrorLink technology enables consumers to connect compatible smartphones to Pioneer’s new receivers using the optional CD-MU200 USB cable. Users can access certain music and map applications for a more convenient and safer in-car experience. Similar to AppRadio Mode, 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 browsing capability of a user’s media library and HFP 1.6 with wideband audio for clearer overall sound quality. In addition, the integrated Bluetooth features “Sound Retriever AIR” which uses an advanced algorithm to extrapolate audio data left out during the compression or Bluetooth transmission process.
- Siri Eyes Free (all models) – Users of an iPhone 4S, and iPhone 5, iPhone 5C or iPhone 5S device can take advantage of Siri Eyes Free functionality with a touch of the receiver’s display. When activated, Siri voice prompts play through the vehicle’s speakers and the user’s questions and commands are received and transmitted using the external microphone provided with each Pioneer model. Siri Eyes Free provides access to many iPhone functions, such as music selection, listening to and composing text messages, Maps, calendar information, reminders, and more.
- HDMI connection – The integrated HDMI port built into the AVIC‑F60DAB, AVIC-F960BT, AVIC-F960DAB and AVH-X8600BT models can be used for smartphone connectivity utilising AppRadio mode or as a dedicated audio video source utilized for a Blu-ray drive or high definition gaming2.
- Aha Radio (all models) – As a dedicated source on AVIC models, Aha seamlessly organizes and integrates the user’s favorite content from the web like news, entertainment, weather, audiobooks, and even audio updates from Facebook and Twitter, between a compatible smartphone and the car, allowing easy access and audio playback.
Additional built-in features include:
- FLAC file support – first in the industry to support internal decoding and playback of FLAC “lossless” digital audio
- 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
- 13-Band Graphic Equaliser with touchscreen swipe setting 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 color themes, background images, clock display preferences, and source short cuts for quick access and convenience
- Larger icons and display for ease of use
- Dual USB Inputs
Availability The AVIC‑F60DAB, AVIC-F960BT, AVIC-F960DAB and AVIC-F860BT navigation receivers, and AVH-X8600BT AV receiver will be available from March 2014 at Pioneer car audio dealerships. For further information on pricing and availability, please contact your local Pioneer distributor.
