Apple's CarPlay added to Pioneer car receivers, Spotify music app
Pioneer today announced the immediate availability of Apple's CarPlay technology for select existing aftermarket receivers. CarPlay was introduced in March 2014 and allows users to interact with their iPhone via a car's dashboard display. Users can access Apple Maps, make calls and control music playback using the CarPlay feature. CarPlay was expected to debut in 2014 model automobiles from Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz Volvo and more, but its rollout has been slow.
While other electronics manufacturers continue to work on the technology, Pioneer is first out of the gate with CarPlay support. The CarPlay update is free to Pioneer owners with instructions and firmware downloads available on Pioneer's website. Receivers eligible for the update include the AVIC--8000NEX ($1400 MSRP), the AVIC--7000NEX ($1200 MSRP), the AVIC--6000NEX ($900 MSRP), the AVIC--5000NEX ($750 MSRP) and the AVH--4000NEX ($700 MSRP).
In another CarPlay related announcement, Spotify today updated its music player app for iOS with support Apple's in-car technology. With the latest 1.8.0 update, users now can control Spotify in any CarPlay-equipped vehicle. Spotify is among the first of several apps that have pledged support for CarPlay technology. Other titles include Beats Music, Stitcher and MLB At Bat.
