Pioneer's AVIC-F500BT GPS monstrosity slips through the FCC

So Pioneer's cramming a 5.8-inch 800 x 480 screen into this AVIC-F500BT "portable" navigation device, and just got themselves some FCC approval for shipping it over to the States. In addition to that gargantuan screen, the F500 really excels at connectivity, with Bluetooth for hands-free calling, an optional traffic antenna, and some ND-BC2 add-on to hook the unit up to a rear view camera. You can also use it to control your iPod, but there's an SD card slot if you want to handle those tunes with the F500. No word on price or availability, but this unit sells as the NavGate 500 over in Europe for a whopping 699 Euro -- about $1100 US. Ouch.

[Via NaviGadget]

[Wonderkid @ Apr 18th 2008 9:33AM]

Shexy. Pls bring to UK - now.

[Jack Blackwell @ Apr 18th 2008 9:43AM]

ARE YOU AVIN A LAUGH?

[Reader @ Apr 18th 2008 10:07AM]

He did it for the lulz.

[Doug @ Apr 18th 2008 9:45AM]

I invented the Rear View Digital Display RVDD... But I never got around to Patenting it.... GG being only 16 when I thought it up... I SUX.. I invented animal seat belts too... LOL

[Raheem @ Apr 18th 2008 9:52AM]

You also asked Patty Mayonaisse on a date once, if I recall correctly?

[Doug @ Apr 18th 2008 9:54AM]

Its true.. I also asked a girl once If I could kiss her... GG OWNED.. NEVER AGAIN. Girl -----------> (=) Doug: AK-47 HEADSHOT

[Doug @ Apr 18th 2008 9:56AM]

Actually this is more accurate.

Girl --------> (=) Doug; Headshot Glock (across map) or Flashbang 1HP DEATH.

[John Johnson @ Apr 18th 2008 9:56AM]

The Pioneer AVIC D3 retails for $1000, packs a 6.5" screen and similar features. I'd like to see what the advantage of this unit is, aside from a higher-resolution screen and SD slot.

[Phil Perman @ Apr 18th 2008 10:13AM]

I think you answered your own question there

[skraddah @ Apr 18th 2008 10:22AM]

Actually, the big deal with this unit is the voice recognition. Apparently, people who tried it at CES said it was amazing...we'll see. You can speak to it in normal speech patters.

It also has built in blutooth (an option on the Avic-d3).

[STNC @ Apr 21st 2008 9:34AM]

the z2 has voice recognition...

[Chris @ Apr 18th 2008 10:37AM]

What I don't understand is, why can't they make these flat-panel type deals for in-dash applications?

The problem with most double DIN units is that they are giant cubes that stretch all the way back. Some cars (BMWs and Mercedes) don't have the space depth wise to fit one of these (without doing vent modifications, which is a turn-off to most owners), but they do have the length and width to.

Maybe one day...

[Michael @ Apr 21st 2008 12:06PM]

Maybe because they have to be able to fit a CD in them horizontally? It's kind of obvious.

[Chris @ Apr 18th 2008 12:17PM]

I've done away with CDs for the longest time now. I have a vehicle hub pro with an Alpine touchscreen monitor. CDs are old tech, I have 30GBs of music on my iPod stashed away in the glove box out of sight.

[anonymouspimp @ Apr 18th 2008 12:32PM]

They should add like 2GB of internal memory, and make it mount IN the dashboard unit. Then have it kind of eject, or "pop off" like the removable face plates that were a big hit with the after market face plates a while back. (may deter theft too if they see its gone)

This way you get the feel of a decent sized in-dash GPS, radio, mp3 player... but also have the benefits of it being portable.

I wouldn't even try and break into the portable-only GPS market with the TomTom's and Garmin's ... and Pioneer already makes in-dash units successfully. Try and mix both markets. The market is there. I personally would use my GPS more if it didn't sit on my windshield. I get annoyed with my TomTom (which I like a lot) and take it down because I don't like the power cord stringing across my dash.

This would also make a higher price tag seem acceptable.

[Pu_DeKcUf @ Apr 18th 2008 1:51PM]

They have a double din mount for it already

[Brian @ Apr 18th 2008 4:41PM]

Comes with a free carrying(brief) case....

[vdo @ Apr 19th 2008 3:13PM]

In Europe they are also releasing in dash versions (F700BT with CD and F900BT with DVD)

I wonder if they will be introducing those here as well.

http://www.pioneer.eu/eur/flash/products/news_Avicf900.html

[vdo @ Apr 19th 2008 3:16PM]

Ah, yes, I called it! Just found this press release talking about the other models:

http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20080419005007/en

[sillyboy @ Apr 21st 2008 12:05PM]

What alot of you are missing here is that this unit is a hybrid, best of both worlds. pioneer makes killer in dash units but some people want the same features but may want to move it between cars. And the difference between the Avic D3 is its probably way cheaper.