iPod/iPhone Connectivity For In-Car AppRadio

• Designed specifically for iPhone and iPod
• Only three physical buttons
• Compatible with third-party apps

Pioneer Electronics Australia says its AppRadio is the first in-vehicle product designed to utilise the processing power, storage capacity, network connectivity and apps of the iPhone and iPod touch (4^th generation) as the primary source for its information and entertainment capabilities.

It also features the industry’s first capacitive touch-screen that enables control of most functions using similar touch and motion gestures as many of today’s smartphone’s, but in a larger 6.1-inch screen designed specifically for safer in-vehicle operation. For safety and convenience, AppRadio features built-in Bluetooth¹ for hands-free calling and an input for an optional vehicle mounted rear facing back-up camera.

The front of the unit features three physical buttons; a home button, a volume up button and a volume down button combined with a high-resolution WVGA (800 x 480) 6.1-inch capacitive touch-screen display.

This capacitive touch panel requires less pressure, responds faster and can recognise multiple touch points simultaneously, advantages when compared to traditional resistive touch-screen displays. Touch-screen control is used for all functions including the app interface, iPod control/playback, AM/FM radio, and Bluetooth hands-free calling features.

When connected to an iPhone and iPod touch (4^th generation) with the Pioneer AppRadio application and compatible third-party apps, the full potential of the AppRadio is unleashed, bringing an ever-expanding world of convenience and connectivity directly into the dash.

The Pioneer AppRadio application, available free in the App Store, enables access to the data and connectivity of the iPhone 4, providing users the ability to access Google Maps and stay current with recommended compatible third-party apps.

Google Maps appears on the AppRadio screen with the same mapping information and features that consumers are familiar with. The system enables users to search², route to locations, view route directions and create bookmarks with the ability to drop pins directly on the map.

Pioneer has initially partnered with several app providers to integrate AppRadio compatibility into a few of today’s most popular apps, formatted for safe use and access in the vehicle. Compatible AppRadio applications for the Australian market will be announced in the coming weeks.

With the vehicle parked and the parking brake fully engaged, additional apps featuring second screen video output can be viewed on the AppRadio screen.

As the library of AppRadio compatible applications grows, users will be automatically notified via Pioneer’s AppRadio iPhone application, with a link to the respective app(s) page within the App Store. Additionally, the AppRadio software itself is updatable offering the potential for future hardware, software and app compatibility changes.

Pioneer employs Apple’s iPod Out feature enabling the AppRadio system to display the familiar iPod navigation menu, displaying album art, song title and artist. This promotes a safer driving experience, as all of AppRadio’s controls have been designed specifically for in-vehicle operation. This newly developed interface technology supports iPhone 4 and iPod touch (4^th generation) running iOS 4.2 or later.

In addition, AppRadio enables direct access to the latest iPod functions, such as custom playlists and Genius Mixes, which let users automatically create playlists of music with similarities from their music library.

Safe, in-vehicle phone functionality is with built-in Bluetooth, enabling hands-free mobile phone operation using the car’s speakers and the included external microphone to turn the car into a rolling speakerphone. Access to the user’s phonebook is provided via Bluetooth phonebook transfer, with browsing and searching available by touch-screen controls.

The AppRadio includes a 30-pin connector, external GPS antenna, external microphone for hands-free calling and input/output connections to support the addition of an optional rear view camera, wired remote steering wheel control adapter and an external amplifier via one set of preamp outputs.

RRP
Under $900