Pioneer's AppRadio 3 adds MirrorLink, Siri Eyes Free and more

While Pioneer did announce at CES 2013 that its AppRadio 2 smartphone-powered in-dash unit would support the iPhone 5, the company was hush on any additional updates. Now, however, it has finally unveiled AppRadio 3, which is set to arrive in two models oh-so-descriptively named SPH-DA110 and SPH-DA210. Both retain the same functionality as the AppRadio 2 but add compatibility with MirrorLink enabled devices, thus expanding AppRadio's repertoire of supported products. Other notable features include integration with Siri Eyes Free for iPhone 4S and iPhone 5 owners, Google Voice Search for those with compatible Android phones, Bluetooth audio streaming and an enhanced touchscreen interface that allows easier access to smartphone features like apps, music and making calls.

As with its predecessor, the AppRadio 3 has a 7-inch WVGA (800 x 480) capacitive display, a built-in AM/FM tuner and dual pre-amp outputs. The SPH-DA210 model also includes a CD/DVD mechanism if you still have those dinosaur age discs lying around. The SPH-DA110 and SPH-DA210 will be available in July for around $399 and $499 respectively, while smartphone connectivity cables range from $30 to $60. If you're thinking of making an upgrade to your current head unit, have a closer look at the gallery below or check the press release after the break.%Gallery-189192%

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PIONEER OFFERS THE MOST SMARTPHONE CONNECTIVITY OPTIONS - INCLUDES MIRRORLINK SUPPORT IN NEXT GENERATION APPRADIO

MirrorLink, iPhone and Android Connectivity Available in AppRadio 3 Models

LONG BEACH, Calif. (May 23, 2013) – Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. continues to offer consumers the most smartphone connectivity options for the car with two versions (SPH-DA210 and SPH-DA110) of its next generation AppRadio® 3 smartphone connected in-dash receiver. Expanding on Pioneer's philosophy to enable consumers stay connected , both AppRadio 3 models feature compatibility with MirrorLink™ enabled smartphones in addition to the current AppRadio compatibility with both iOS (iPhone® 4/4S/5) and select Android™ OS smartphones. Additional features are also integrated into each model for enhanced smartphone control and added convenience, including voice control for Siri Eyes Free and Google® Voice Recognition, a revised graphical user interface, Bluetooth® audio streaming, and a built-in DVD/CD mechanism (SPH-DA210 model only).

"As the popularity and use of smartphones and smartphone apps continues to grow, consumer demand for a safe and intuitive method to utilize the power of the smartphone in the vehicle continues to rise as well. Additionally, there is now a wider variety of smartphone manufacturers and smartphone OS options to choose from," said Ted Cardenas, vice president of marketing for the Car Electronics Division of Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. "Pioneer's AppRadio 3 embraces these trends by offering expanded compatibility with many of the top selling devices and providing in-dash playback, display and touchscreen control of select navigation, traffic, weather, music and other apps to enhance the driving experience and make practically any car into a connected car."

Through the use of Pioneer's free AppRadio application (available for both iOS and Android OS) and compatible third-party apps, both AppRadio 3 receivers offer control of supported app functions using similar touch and motion gestures of the connected smartphone devices on a high resolution 7-inch capacitive touchscreen. Additional convenience and control incorporated in the two new models includes:

MirrorLink – An in-vehicle connectivity standard created by the Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC), MirrorLink technology enables consumers to connect compatible smartphones to AppRadio 3 (or other compatible in-dash receiver) via a USB cable to access certain music and map applications for a more convenient and safer in-car experience. Similar to AppRadio Mode, MirrorLink is now integrated into AppRadio 3 receivers and offers a vehicle-specific interface and connectivity with MirrorLink certified devices from smartphone manufacturers such as Samsung, Nokia and others.

Siri Eyes Free – Users of an iPhone 4S and iPhone 5 device can take advantage of Siri Eyes Free functionality with a touch of the AppRadio 3 touchscreen. 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 both AppRadio 3 models. 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.

Voice Recognition for Android – Users of compatible voice enabled Android smartphones can utilize Google Voice for hands-free calling by simply touching the microphone icon in the Contacts section of the Pioneer's AppRadio App (version 2.0.0). Voice recognition can also be used to conveniently find and play stored music through Pioneer's free of charge CarMediaPlayer App (version 1.2.0).

Bluetooth – To maximize the connectivity options available in today's most popular smartphones, both AppRadio 3 models offer both Bluetooth hands-free calling1 and Bluetooth audio streaming and wireless control of compatible devices. Each model includes Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) for wireless audio streaming and Audio Video Remote Control Profile (AVRCP) version 1.3 for wireless control of devices and related metadata (if available) to be viewed directly on the Pioneer touchscreen display.

Enhanced Touchscreen User Interface – Designed with the smartphone user in mind, the AppRadio 3 touchscreen user interface (UI) provides easy access to the most commonly used features such as apps, music and calling.

The AppRadio 3 follows the same clean and simple hardware aesthetics of its predecessor, utilizing minimal physical buttons, with the majority of functionality and control accessible and operated through the high resolution 7-inch WVGA (800 x 480) capacitive touchscreen. The capacitive touch panel is used for all functions including the app interface, music control/playback, AM/FM radio, and Bluetooth functions. A total of four connectivity cable options2, sold separately, enable connections to more than 30 different smartphone devices available in the U.S.
Both AppRadio 3 models feature a built-in AM/FM tuner with RDS text information display (when available), MOSFET 50 Watts X 4 power, and dual preamp outputs. In addition, the SPH-DA210 model also includes a CD/DVD mechanism for playback of conventional media.

Pioneer's SPH-DA110 and SPH-DA210 AppRadio 3 models will be available in July with suggested prices of $399 and $499 respectively. The smartphone connectivity cables range in suggested prices from $30 to $60.