avic-f500bt
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Is your Pioneer AVIC-F Series navigator acting up?
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.
Video: Pioneer's AVIC-F Series of in-car navigators to take on Sync
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.
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]
Pioneer's AVIC-F500BT GPS nagivator offers voice control of iPods and Bluetooth cellphones
If you were with us during the Pioneer press conference, then their new AVIC LINC system is old news to you tough guy. However, the details are new. Designed to integrate with any factory car audio installation, Pioneer's new AVIC-F500BT system offers the ability to add in-car navigation and extended entertainment without modifying your existing car stereo. The primary feature is the VoiceBox Conversational Voice Search Platform -- an advanced voice technology for control over Apple's ubiquitous iPod and Bluetooth enabled devices. It's sophisticated enough to analyze and then execute on commands as varied as "I want to hear the artist U2" or "play U2" or even a Foghorned, "Why I say, why I say boy, um, play U2." It also features a 5.8-inch, WVGA touch screen, text to speech, and the ability to accept media via a USB bunged device or SD cards for MP3 or WMA playback. New POI's can be added via SD cards and a rechargeable battery lets you take it on the go. Look for it this Spring for an undisclosed price.
Live coverage from Pioneer's press conference
Yup, we're here too. Pioneer's CES 2008 press conference is just about to kick off. Hold tight, we expect to hear more about their high-end Blu-ray players, SyncTV, and more in just a few.8:47am (PST): New age Theremin music playing in a dimly lit room. Will Frankenstein rise!?8:55am: Zzzzz, brains... brains! 9:02am: Larry Rougas on stage, VP marketing and product planning. Taking about in-car products, "the coolest ever brought to market" launching today. Discussing history of innovation: first in car CD player, first navigation system for consumer use. "But it's about the ride, we're car people. Let's face it, the bottom line is pulse rates, not bit rates." Go Larry, go, read those cue cards!
