Just over a month after the internet got all fired up about the problematic AVIC F-Series navigators, Pioneer has come to the rescue (we hope, anyway) with a free firmware update. Aimed specifically at the US-based AVIC-F90BT, AVIC-F900BT and AVIC-F700BT, the update will reportedly "improve overall system performance and resolve certain software issues." The outfit also notes that the AVIC-F500BT doesn't need the upgrade, and even if your unit has been a-okay thus far, it still recommends applying the software. Take ten minutes or so and see what the latest firmware has to offer, and be sure to let us know if all (or some) of the kinks have indeed been ironed out.

[Thanks, Steven]

We aren't suggesting that these problems are widespread or anything, but a fair number of users over at AVIC411 seem to be having all sorts of issues with their (admittedly pricey) F-Series navigators. According to owners, the issues range from complete lock-ups to distorted voice commands to quirky iPod interactions -- and that's just the tip of the iceberg. Have any of you taken the plunge only to find a litany of problems after installation? Or is your unit humming along just fine? Chime in below and let us know what's up.

Look out Microsoft, Pioneer's Linc series of in-dash and "on-dash" systems have their sights set on your voice controlled Sync. The first thing you'll notice is Pioneer's pixy-dusted UI which easily trumps the Sync's rather staid presentation. The videos show off Pioneer's real-time data feeds and natural speech recognition with the help of some smarmy actor-slash-models who'll probably be serving you lunch today if you live in LA. But we digress. Videos after the break... which, let's be honest, is the best we can do until the DivX-happy, SD-friendly AVIC-F900BT, F700BT, and F500BT (pictured) are released in June.

Update: Just heard from Microsoft. Turns out that the AVIC-F series runs on the Microsoft Windows Automotive OS -- the same core as Sync.

It's times like these when holding our fingers back from buying that one-way ticket to Tokyo is so incredibly difficult. Just today, Pioneer has introduced the Air Navi AVIC-T10, a portable car navigation system that "supports communications modules and provides drivers with new communications services for the Japanese market." According to the release, this bad boy is "clearly distinguished from conventional PNDs," provides oodles of information about traffic, weather, local events, gas station prices, etc. and packs a pretty impressive list of specs. We're talking a 5.8-inch WVGA display, 1-seg TV tuner, 4GB of flash memory, integrated gyro sensor and built-in Bluetooth to boot. Those lucky enough to be in the right nation can snatch this gem next month for a currently undisclosed price.

[Via AkihabaraNews]

Pioneer's been known to unveil new navigators fairly frequently, but the firm is starting October off right by introducing no fewer than nine new units for you to choose from. Starting at the top, the AVIC-HRZ009G / AVIC-HRV002G both sport seven-inch displays, DVD playback, support for MP3 / AAC / DivX formats, a terrestrial digital TV tuner, built-in hard drive and a wireless remote, with the only real difference being the in-dash design of the former and the on-dash (mountable) design of the latter. As your budget tightens, Pioneer ratchets the specs down on seven other similar siblings, giving users a ¥126,000 ($1,094) to ¥262,500 ($2,278) window of alternatives. Hit the read link for all the juicy details on each.

[Via AkihabaraNews]

Less than a month after Pioneer loosed details on its AVIC-X3, along comes word that we can also expect an AVIC-N4 in the not-too-distant future. This single-DIN unit boasts a motorized, flip-out seven-inch touchscreen, optional iPod / Bluetooth compatibility, CD or DVD playback, XM / XM NavTraffic-readiness, and a Tele Atlas database for routing you around. Regrettably, the lack of an internal HDD means that you'll be forced to insert the map DVDs in order to access guidance, but users can feel free to toss in discs with MP3, WMA, AAC, or DivX files when the drive is clear. Furthermore, the unit can even accept tunes streamed in wirelessly from a mobile handset when utilizing the CD-BTB200 adapter, as it understands both A2DP and AVRCP protocols. So, now that you've found a satisfactory replacement for that aging factory head-unit, you've only got to scrounge up $1,600 to make the swap.

[Via NaviGadget]

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.