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Glympse for Auto shares your car's location without distractions
You no longer have to fiddle with your smartphone (or an in-car interface) to share your location while on the road. Glympse has trotted out Glympse for Auto, an Android app that lets you send your position with a minimum of distractions. You only have to tell it who can see your whereabouts and for how long using a big, car-friendly interface -- after that, you're free to focus on driving. It'll even show up on your infotainment display if you're using either Pioneer's AppRadio 3 or MirrorLink-equipped cars from Volkswagen and Peugeot (more in-car systems will work soon, Glympse says). While this hands-off approach won't get you home any faster, it should spare you from taking risks just to prove that you're still stuck in traffic.
Pioneer unveils NEX, its Networked Entertainment eXperience with five new in-car receivers
Pioneer's new Networked Entertainment eXperience (NEX) line of products fill the gap between its connected AppRadio set and more traditional in-car products. Pioneer's five new NEX headunits will take advantage of your smartphone's (iPhone 4 up and compatible Android set) apps through AppRadio mode and grab your phone's data connection to improve its built in services and apps. For example, AVICSYNC Networked Navigation (only on AVIC models) will be able to reach out and get local traffic, weather, gas prices and overlay that data right on your maps. Apple's Siri Eyes Free is also on hand on all NEX receivers by simply poking the icon on the stereo's display, once activated Siri responds to your every command using the provided mic and plays back through the speakers. Other notable features include Aha Radio across the board, Pandora Station Creation, HD Radio, Sirius-XM ready and support for FLAC lossless files. The The AVIC-8000NEX ($1400 SRP), AVIC-7000NEX ($1200 SRP), AVIC-6000NEX ($900 SRP), AVIC-5000NEX ($750 SRP) and AVH-4000NEX ($700 SRP) should ship by early February.
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%
Pioneer announces iPhone 5 connectivity kits for AppRadio 2 and friends
As part of its CES 2013 announcements, Pioneer will launch iPhone 5 connectivity kits for 13 of its in-dash products some time this spring. This is bound to be a bit of entertainment relief for the many of you who've upgraded to iPhone 5 and found your Pioneer set's AppMode was unable to follow your chosen path. There will be three different connectivity kits available for purchase: the CD-IH202 (HDMI), CD-IV202AV (VGA) and CD-IV202NAVI (VGA) for the various devices types -- coupled with mandatory firmware updates for any head unit using digital connectivity. The HDMI solution will set you back $50 at the register and includes a 2-meter HDMI cable, a 1.5-meter 17-pin to USB charging cable for the iPhone 5, and the unfortunate need to purchase both the $19 Lightning to USB and $49 Lightning digital AV adapters. Compatible VGA sets will require a $100 kit which includes a proprietary interface cable and control module for all your audio and video needs, a 1.5-meter USB charging cable and the same two Apple Lightning cables as above. No mention of pack-in cable options going forward, though we'd assume a transition to iPhone 5 connectivity is where we'll eventually end up. We dig that Pioneer was able to get this to market, though, we're starting to think that a used iPhone 4 might ultimately be cheaper than the kit and extra cables required.
Livio Internet-Radio App available for Pioneer's App Radio, woo
In "bolting the stable door two days after the CES horse has bolted news," in-car radio company Livio just officially announced that you'll be able to get the app on Pioneer's AppRadio 2 car stereo (announced Monday). Since one of our gripes with the initial AppRadio was its lack of additional apps, we'll happily take everything more we can get on the $500 in-car-entertainment system of choice. The shortest PR we've seen this week is available after the break, too.
Pioneer reveals AppRadio 2, loads of in-dash navigation systems
So long, AppRadio. Hello, AppRadio 2. Here at CES 2012, Pioneer was on-hand to showcase its newest smartphone powered in-vehicle audio system. The latest iteration touts the same functionality as the original, but adds compatibility for many of the latest Android smartphones equipped with either the Mobile High Definition Link (MHL) or a micro HDMI connection. It's boasting a 7-inch (800 x 480) capacitive touchscreen, built-in Bluetooth for hands-free calling, an input for an optional vehicle-mounted rear facing back-up camera, an input for interfacing with the vehicle's steering wheel controls and two sets of pre-amp outputs for connection to external amplifiers.The new guy will be shipping in April for $499, and if you're looking to keep steady with the original, that one will continue to be available for $399. In related news, Pioneer also revealed a boatload of new in-car head units, all of which are painstakingly detailed in the source links below.
Pioneer AppRadio review
dockBoss+ adapter brings iOS speaker dock compatibility to Android, BlackBerry and WP7 handsets* Pioneer announces Aha Radio partnership, plans for app domination Hyundai announces Blue Link telematics system, makes texting your Sonata a sweet possibility If you drive, and if you read Engadget (which...you do), there's a good chance you've spent some time using an iOS device in the car. You've probably also spent some of that time wishing there were a better way to integrate your phone or pod with the car itself. There have been devices to help you bring Pod and vehicle together in an unholy union of distraction since that first physical scroll wheel hit the scene, from maddening tape adapters and FM tuners to more integral solutions like Ford's Sync system. The whole time, we were kind of just wishing they'd figure out a way to let us mount the thing directly in the dash, and have our way with it as we do in all other situations. Pioneer's AppRadio approaches that -- it looks unapologetically like a bigger iPod in landscape mode, complete with minimalistic physical controls and a laid-back, no-nonsense look about it. Does it, in fact, make the iPhone more useful while you're in the car? Turns out, it's a yes and no kind of thing. %Gallery-136181%
Pioneer's AppRadio delivers iPhone integration, automotive and audio bliss for $400
We knew Pioneer's AppRadio car stereo was coming to cozy up with our iPhones, but we didn't know how much its iOS integration capabilities would cost, until now. Turns out 400 bucks buys you one, and it's picked up some new capabilities since we got handsy with the device last month. In addition to letting you listen to tunes stored on your iPhone, access Google Maps, and make calls, the AppRadio now has access to your iPhone's contacts, calendar, videos, and photos as well. Unfortunately, there's still only four other apps (Rdio, Pandora, MotionX-GPS Drive, and INRIX) available, though Pioneer says more are coming. With a name like AppRadio they ought to get here soon, as in immediately. Peep the PR after the break for the full monty.
Pioneer AppRadio hands-on (updated with video!)
We got a chance to experience Pioneer's iOS-connected in-dash AppRadio in action this afternoon, and even got to see the thing running in a real-deal automobile. So did it meet our expectations? Well, to be perfectly honest, we didn't know what to expect, but for what it promises, which is bringing the convenience and connectivity of iOS apps to your car, we suppose it does a fine job -- even if it only supports a handful apps at the moment. More after the break. %Gallery-124475%
Pioneer announces iOS-integrated AppRadio receiver
Last month we told you about a Pioneer filing with the FCC that revealed something called the AppRadio. Today, Pioneer has officially showed off just what the AppRadio is -- an iOS-integrated car receiver that hooks up to your iPhone or iPod touch. AppRadio features a 800 x 400 6.1-inch multitouch capacitive display that allows the user to easily navigate and interact with not only the media on your iOS device, but your apps as well. The receiver features built-in Bluetooth and GPS, an AM/FM radio, and a video input that can be used with an optional rear view camera. The receiver can also take advantage of iOS's Google Maps app. Pioneer is opening its AppRadio to developers, allowing them to design their apps to work in conjunction with the receiver. No apps will be stored on the receiver -- everything is done through apps on your iPhone or iPod touch -- but developers will be able to build in AppRadio support directly to their apps. Right now four app developers have partnered with Pioneer including Motion-X GPS Drive, Pandora Internet Radio, Rdio streaming music, and Inrix Traffic and, as CNET points out, those apps sport AppRadio features in addition to iOS features, allowing for sending information to and from the car's touchscreen and speakers. Some features aren't available through the touchscreen, however, because Pioneer is trying to keep interactions as safe as possible. No word yet on the pricing, although Pioneer is saying AppRadio should sell for "below $500" when it goes on sale June 22.
Pioneer unveils its AppRadio, integrates iOS into your automobile
Rumors regarding Pioneer's AppRadio hit the web last month, promising unparalleled iDevice integration for our automobiles. Pioneer has finally unleashed the double-DIN device, and it's everything we thought it would be -- namely a big car stereo that plays nice with iOS. There's an 800 x 400 6.1-inch multitouch capacitive display, Bluetooth connectivity, and it teams up with your iPhone or iPod touch (running iOS 4.2) via a 30-pin connector and Pioneer's AppRadio app. There's also an external mic and GPS antenna, full iPod music control and Google Maps integration, and specially formatted apps from Rdio and Pandora. Pioneer suggests a price "below $500" when it goes on sale June 22nd. We're going hands-on with the new stereo as we speak, so peruse the PR after the break and stay tuned for pics and impressions.
Pioneer AppRadio brings apps, iPhone connectivity to your dash
If Pioneer's AppRadio (SPH-DA01) ever sees the light of day, it'll join a long list of integrated and aftermarket products trying to play off of the iPhone's success. According to CrunchGear (and its anonymous tipster), the FCC-leaked device boasts a 6.1-inch touchscreen and built-in apps, along with a USB port for accessing content (and presumably, the data connection) on your iOS 4.1 devices. We imagine the hardware to be similar to the 6.1-inch AVIC-X930BT that Pioneer announced at CES, including Bluetooth connectivity, a microSD card slot, and GPS functionality, in addition to an AM/FM radio and single-disc CD player. iPhone connectivity really sets this receiver apart, along with the inclusion of additional apps, such as Pandora and iHeartRadio, with the possibility of adding more apps in the future as well. We're incredibly skeptical about the device's GUI having any basis on the mockup image above, but if graphics are anything like those on the models we saw at CES, we don't expect to be disappointed either.
Pioneer registers with the FCC for AppRadio
It seems like just the other day we were chatting with Pioneer about its interfaces for iPhones in the car, and sure enough, it seems the company has plans for even more integration between its in-car units and Apple's smartphone. A filing with the FCC has revealed something Pioneer is calling the AppRadio, which appears to be an in-dash unit that will hook up with apps on the iPhone, essentially turning your smartphone into the backend of your car's radio system. Details on what the device does are slim, but presumably, this will do what Pioneer's other devices have done and hook into iPhone apps, like Pandora and Aha Radio, for content while allowing you to control that content more safely than bumbling around your car with the iPhone while driving. We'll keep an eye out for this one -- once it wins approval, we'll probably see a formal announcement from Pioneer with lots more details.
