Pioneer announced car entertainment head units with better Android integration
When it comes to car entertainment systems, Pioneer Electronics is one of the best and one of the widely used brand. Existing in-car entertainment systems come with proprietary interface(s) and some allow Android display mirroring which is not exactly optimized method. This week, at CES, Pioneer has announced three new in-dash multimedia receivers that come with Android pre-loaded. AVIC-8100NEX, AVIC-7100NEX and AVH-4100NEX from Pioneer will feature Android Auto integration and this gives users much better way of extending Android platform to the head unit and in a way that is optimized for car. The Pioneer AVIC-8100NEX ($1,400 SRP), AVIC-7100NEX ($1,200 SRP), and AVH-4100NEX ($700 SRP) will be available in March 2015.
The second generation Networked Entertainment eXperience (NEX) in-dash multimedia receivers will have simple user interface and users can utilize powerful voice actions. This coupled with a 7″ touchscreen display should definitely make the life of ICE lovers easier. While AVIC-8100NEX comes with a capactive touchscreen, AVIC-7100NEX and AVH-4100NEX come with resistive touch layer. These units also come with external microphone, wired remote input and optional integration with steering wheel mounted audio controls.
“Integrating Android Auto into our second generation NEX receivers provides compatible Android smartphone owners the ability to utilize the power and connectivity of their devices for navigation, communications, music and more,” said Ted Cardenas, vice president of marketing for the Car Electronics Division of Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. “Android Auto delivers a familiar and consistent user experience that is optimized specifically for the automotive environment with advanced speech technology for quick and easy voice control and a unique visual display of useful and relevant contextual information.”
Additional Built-in Features on Compatible NEX models:
- HDMI® Connectivity
- Wideband Speech & A2DP AAC Bluetooth® Connectivity
- Android Auto Compatibility
- Apple CarPlay™ Compatibility
- MirrorLink® Connectivity
- HD Radio™ Technology
- iDataLink® Maestro® Technology
- Dual Zone Audio/Video Playback
