Pioneer AVIC-Z2 adds "smart routing algorithm" and not much else
By Cyrus Farivar 
posted Jan 7th 2007 5:59PM
posted Jan 7th 2007 5:59PM
One year ago, the Pioneer AVIC-Z1 debuted at CES 2006, with its in-dash navigation setup. You know the one -- it's got a 7-inch touchscreen, a 10GB hard drive, voice recognition, CD/DVD player, FM, XM and an iPod interface. This year Pioneer's taken things to the next level, by raising the model number by a single digit. That's right, the AVIC-Z2 does everything its predecessor did, except that this time around it apparently can "learn" roads that the driver takes frequently and uses that data to influence suggested routes. Although, as we mentioned last time, we're not really sure that anyone who drives the same route on a regular basis needs a GPS device to tell him/her how to get there. The new "smart routing algorithm" also apparently takes into account things like speed limits, number of turns and even "lane information" for 50 different spots around the nation. In short, if you already have a Z1, it may not be worth spending the $2,200 you'll need by April to get this one for your car. But if you don't already have one, and you really, really need a piece of gadgetry to tell you how to get to work every day, by all means, put in an order.
iv had the z2 unit for about 8months now ilove it xcept for when i shut off my suv 4 awhile then re started it freezes the screen but im able to here my muzic but not able to change av or do anything untill i turn off vechile 4 while then restart please is there any fix for this
Actually the Z1 already has a "learning" feature the only thing they could have done is probably improve an existing feature (considering that it doesn't work very well). Also as a Z1 owner, you don't have to spend another 2000+ bucks...it's a software update.
Actually the Z1 already has a "learning" feature the only thing they could have done is probably improve an existing feature (considering that it doesn't work very well). Also as a Z1 owner, you don't have to spend another 2000+ bucks...it's a software update.
I think you guys are missing the whole point of the learning feature. I drive a certain way to get to the closest highway, and my Garmin GPS always tells me to go a different way. I ignore it and so I have to listen to it do several recomputing and telling me to turn, etc. Once I am on the highway I listen to the directions. I just wish it could learn the way I start my drive so it would shut up!
I've been waiting for the Z2 for a while... Extremely disappointing that it turns out to just be a "software update." Where is the DivX support? 30GB?
Jay, the Z1 already has a learning feature. As a matter of fact it is explicitly labeled as "learning mode" in my settings. It was advertised as a feature that automatically learned a route that you normally take so it doesn't have to do exactly what you mentioned. However this feature isn't that great on the Z1 and more than often fails. Hence the reason why it's nothing new but merely improved. What they needed to seriously fix with the Z2 was the ridiculously slow iPod interface. Considering that they are still claiming the CD-IB100II is suitable...I'm assuming they didn't bother addressing this issue (usually the main thing Z1 users complain about). I hope they prove me wrong.
Steve is right, i.e., about the "learning mode". Also, Z1 users can simply do the upgrade to Z2. There's a great website on this unit at: http://www.avic411.com
No it has DIVX playback. Google pioneer z2 and i found a CES 2007 video of the unit. On the screen at startup it flashes the divx logo. But guess what? The new pioneer d3 is a GPS unit that can FINALLY play VIDEO off the Ipod. So who needs a 30 gb hd with 80gb and soon to be 120 gb Ipods around?
I just bought my Z2, and having no luck downloading my Motorola E815 phone to download it's phone book. It see's the phone, shows the phone in the menu, but no phone book! Here in cal starting in 2008 you can not use cell phone by hand, that's one on the reasons I bought this thing. Phone works fine with our 2005 BMW. Anybody have an issue with their phone book loading?
Any other issues? Just finished installing it last night at 10PM. Going on a little trip to Mexicali MX this afternoon, my first navigation, so I hope all goes well.
Had Z2 installed about a month ago. Very dissapponting. WOULD NOT RECOMMEND IT. GPS senses movement and shuts off all video modes. Cannot watch video during movement. NO HACKS available yet. Not even in states where legal. Blue Tooth is buggy... Shuts off after 1st call. Phone interface is buggy..doesn't load phone book or anything else. Voice inputs buggy and cumbersome. Entire interface is cumbersome. Ipod connection is SUPER slow. Has nice screen, too bad it's wasted on error messages most of the time. GPS is ok but NUVIA is better and much cheaper. Sound quality is good, but given price of unit has very limited EQ functions. Overal junk and not consistent with Pioneer quality that I expected.
I have owned an AVIC-Z1 for more than a year.
The problems with it are seriously annoying, but it appears to remain the best out there (for what it is). Everything in the above posts seems to match my experiences *except*...
...there are indeed *two* methods to bypass the 'turn-off-most-functions-while-moving' "feature". 1) As the system is booting up, switch on and off the headlights (or the parking lights). This was shared with me as a backdoor used by the installers. 2) take the system to some other installer other than the rip-off at best buy. best buy said there was nothing they could do. Another installer just clipped a wire under the dash. I am good to go. happy w/it generally. The worst part? The ipod interface still sucks!!
I think that Pioneer avic-z2 is a great GPS system, however the screen shuts off when it gets too hot in your car. This system is not too practical for people who live in hot places such as California.
PLEASE HELP ! ANY SOFTWARE HACKS TO UNLOCK NAVI USEAGE ON THE Z2 ? THERE ARE SOME CRUDE HACKS ON EBAY BUT WORTHLESS.