Pioneer introduces new car AV receivers that take smartphone connectiviy to the next level

Pioneer Europe launches the first four models of its 2013 in-dash AV receiver line-up. Enabling consumers to stay connected while on the road, all new models feature compatibility with MirrorLink1 enabled smartphones in addition to their compatibility with both iOS mobile digital devices and select Android smartphones. Additional new features in the range include media playback and browsing on USB-connected Android phones with the aid of the media transfer protocol (MTP), voice control for Siri Eyes Free and AppRadio Mode to view and control compatible third-party apps on the dash. The new line-up consists of the AVH-X1600DVD, the AVH X3600DAB with built-in DAB tuner and Bluetooth plus the AVH X5600BT and AVH X2600BT, both featuring Bluetooth2 connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming.

“Besides large, double DIN WVGA touchscreen displays and a set of features developed to match today’s music-listening trends, including iPod Direct and Android media connectivity, and MIXTRAX EZ, our new car AV receivers offer extended smartphone integration options while increasing convenience and control,” says Tom Van Biervliet, Manager Product Planning Car Audio, Pioneer Europe. “Thanks to their compatibility with MirrorLink, these four new models now connect to an even wider variety of smartphone manufacturers and smartphone operation systems.”

The new convenience and control features incorporated in the four new models include:

• MirrorLink ready with optional CD-ML100 interface – An in-vehicle connectivity standard created by the Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC), MirrorLink technology enables consumers to connect compatible smartphones to the new AV receivers via a USB cable to access certain music and map applications for a more convenient and safer in-car experience. Similar to AppRadio Mode, MirrorLink offers a vehicle-specific interface and connectivity with MirrorLink certified devices from smartphone manufacturers such as Samsung, Nokia and others. MirrorLink requires the optional MirrorLink box CD-ML100.
• Android music browsing and playback - All four models in the new AV receiver line-up are able to browse music stored on a USB-connected Android phone with the aid of the media transfer protocol (MTP), which has been adopted by the Android operating system as of version 4.0 to handle all file transfers. Once connected, the receivers will be able to browse and play back digital audio files stored locally.
• AppRadio Mode - Developed from Pioneer’s revolutionary AppRadio, the AppRadio Mode feature is now available on each of the new AV receivers. Using Pioneer’s free of charge AppRadio App and the large touchscreen displays on the multimedia receivers, users are able to view and control compatible third-party apps installed on their compatible iPhone3 device. There are more than two dozen smartphone-based apps optimised for in-vehicle use currently available and Pioneer continues to grow the library of apps (for a complete list visit http://www.pioneer.eu/appradiomode).
• Siri Eyes Free – Users of an iPhone 4S and iPhone 5/5S/5C device can take advantage of Siri Eyes Free functionality with a touch of the AVH X5600BT, AVH X3600DAB or AVH X2600BT’s touchscreen. When activated, Siri voice prompts play through the vehicle’s speakers and the user’s questions and commands are received and transmitted using the external microphone provided with all models. Siri Eyes Free gives access to many iPhone functions, such as music selection, listening to and composing text messages, Maps, calendar information, reminders, and more.



Pioneer’s exclusive MIXTRAX EZ feature is included in all four new models to deliver a unique DJ-like listening experience. MIXTRAX takes the music from an iPhone, iPod touch, USB device, or certain Android devices and plays it back with added transitions and effects, creating a seamless mix of the user’s music library in a style similar to a live DJ.

The AVH-X3600DAB incorporates a DAB+ digital radio tuner, embracing the growing trend of digital audio broadcasts that provide high-quality digital sound through improved signal reception, easy programme selection4 and automatic DAB-FM network following support, including buffer memory for a minimum loss of radio programmes in areas with weak DAB reception. In addition to crystal clear reception, the DAB tuner lets the user time-shift radio by pausing radio playback and resuming listening later.

Availability
The Pioneer AVH X5600BT, AVH-X3600DAB, AVH X2600BT and AVH-X1600DVD will be available as from November 2013. For further information on pricing and availability, please contact your local Pioneer distributor.



1 MirrorLink requires the MirrorLink box CD-ML100.
2 Bluetooth functionality requires a compatible Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone. Certain Bluetooth features may not be supported by all compatible Bluetooth-enabled devices, and/or the functionality of such features may be limited in certain devices or by certain wireless carriers.
3 iPhone 4/4S are compatible using the Pioneer CD-IU201S accessory cable. iPhone 5/5S/5C are compatible using the Pioneer CD-IV203 accessory cable.
4 Optional AN-DAB1 antenna required



iPhone is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
Android is a trademark of Google Inc.
The Bluetooth word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc and any use of such marks by Pioneer is under license.
MirrorLink and the MirrorLink logo are trademarks of the Car Connectivity Consortium LLC.