Pioneer Electronics is one of the first aftermarket manufacturers to support Apple CarPlay with the official release of a compatible firmware update for five 2014 NEX in-dash multimedia receivers, as well as the introduction of the CarPlay-compatible fourth generation AppRadio (SPH-DA120).
According to Apple, CarPlay is the “smarter, safer and more fun way” to use an iPhone in your car. It gives iPhone users a way to make calls, use Maps, listen to music and access messages with just a word or a touch. Users can control CarPlay from the car’s native interface or just push-and-hold the voice control button on the steering wheel to activate Siri without distraction, says Greg Joswiak, Apple’s vice president of iPhone and iOS Product Marketing.
Pioneer’s CarPlay-compatible in-dash receivers offer consumers the ability to upgrade the vehicles they already own to CarPlay. Consumers with the latest version of iOS on their iPhone 5 or later, including iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, can use Siri voice control to make and receive calls, compose and respond to text messages, access Apple Maps for navigation, and listen to their music libraries, podcasts and iTunes Radio.
The CarPlay firmware update is now available at no charge (www.pioneerelectronics.com/firmware). Current NEX owners can simply load the firmware on a USB memory device and connect it to the receiver’s USB cable input. Pioneer is also sending the CarPlay firmware to authorized retailers across the country for consumers who prefer to update their unit through a dealer. For more information regarding CarPlay-compatible products, visit www.pioneer-carglobal.com/CarPlay.
The AVIC-8000NEX (US$1,400), AVIC-7000NEX ($1,200), AVIC-6000NEX ($900), AVIC-5000NEX ($750), AVH-4000NEX ($700) are currently available. AppRadio 4 SPH-DA120 ($600 SRP) will begin shipping to authorized Pioneer Car Electronics dealers nationwide, including Best Buy, Crutchfield and Car Toys. To find the nearest Pioneer retailer, please visit the Dealer Locator (http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Where-To-Buy)
