Pioneer AppRadio
Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc., the leader in aftermarket car electronics technology, today announced that the AppRadio is now available for immediate purchase at a retail price of $399. AppRadio is the first in-vehicle product designed to utilize the processing power, storage capacity, network connectivity and apps of the iPhone and iPod touch (4th generation) as the primary source for its information and entertainment capabilities. Pioneer’s AppRadio also features the industry’s first capacitive touchscreen that enables control of most functions using similar touch and motion gestures as many of today’s most popular smartphones, but in a larger 6.1-inch screen designed specifically for safer in-vehicle operation1. For safety and convenience, AppRadio features built-in Bluetooth for hands-free calling and an input for an optional vehicle mounted rear facing back-up camera.
“The smartphone continues to change the landscape of our industry and Pioneer’s AppRadio is the first aftermarket product to fully embrace the iPhone 4 for use in the automobile,” said Ted Cardenas, director of marketing for the car electronics division of Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. “With a familiar and intuitive interface and the ability to add features by simply updating or adding apps, the AppRadio is the ultimate car stereo for the iPhone 4 user.”
Feature and App Compatibility Expansion
Today’s announcement also highlights the flexibility of the AppRadio to seamlessly add features through AppRadio compatible iPhone apps.
Pioneer’s AppRadio app now adds access to the iPhone’s Contacts, Calendar and Photos apps. Contacts provides direct access to stored contact information for hands-free calling via Bluetooth, routing via Google Maps, and enables users to quickly send their current locations via e-mail. With the vehicle parked and the parking brake fully engaged, Calendar displays stored calendar and events information and Photos provides on-screen viewing of the user’s photos, slide shows, geotagged photos and videos taken with an iPhone 4.
This expansion adds to the list of AppRadio compatible apps that includes MotionX-GPS DRIVE, INRIX3, TRAFFIC, Rdio, PANDORA INTERNET RADIO plus the iPhone’s Google Maps and iPod music library.
As the library of AppRadio compatible applications continues to grow, users will be automatically notified via the Pioneer AppRadio iPhone application, with a link to the respective app(s) page within the Apple iTunes App Store. Additionally, the AppRadio software itself is updatable offering the potential for future hardware, software and as app compatibility changes.
Pioneer’s Car Electronics Division is known for offering the kind of in-car products that make driving more enjoyable by offering high quality audio and video, seamless connectivity and ease-of-use. Its focus is on the development of new digital technologies including audio video, navigation and emerging media, while maintaining its strong heritage in products for car audio enthusiasts and sound competitors.
