Pioneer AppRadio hands-on (updated with video!)

By Christopher Trout posted May 25th 2011 8:39PM

We got a chance to experience Pioneer's iOS-connected in-dash AppRadio in action this afternoon, and even got to see the thing running in a real-deal automobile. So did it meet our expectations? Well, to be perfectly honest, we didn't know what to expect, but for what it promises, which is bringing the convenience and connectivity of iOS apps to your car, we suppose it does a fine job -- even if it only supports a handful apps at the moment. More after the break.


Setting up AppRadio is a relatively simple affair -- you just connect your fourth gen iPhone or iPod touch via the proprietary 30-pin connector, push a button and you're in. Once there, you choose from a series of options -- Radio, iPod, Apps, or Phone -- from a menu on the multitouch capacitive display. We didn't get a chance to test out the phone, but the other three options were relatively straightforward. The radio is set up in a pretty simple fashion, but we imagine the lack of physical buttons will take some getting used to -- you won't be able to blindly reach out and fiddle with the keys right out the gate. When you hit the app button, you'll have to have one of the four -- Pioneer says it expects more to come before the big launch -- approved apps running before a scrollable list appears. Once you're in any of the apps, controls are relatively simple, but you'll have to return to your phone or iPod to switch between applications. Multi-touch controls, including pinch-to-zoom work well, and all of the apps we tested moved pretty swiftly.

Our big gripe here -- and it is a big one -- is that AppRadio is short on apps. There are currently only four official apps running on the system: Rdio, Pandora, INRIX, and MotionX-GPS Drive. The first two, are, as you might already know, music apps, and the last two are a GPS and traffic app, respectively. All of these applications have been designed specifically to meet Pioneer's standards, with a focus on safety. When it comes to Pandora, that means you won't be able to set up any new stations while driving and, similarly, search functions have been disabled on both Rdio and Pandora. That also means you won't be seeing all the apps the App Store has to offer popping up on your dash -- so don't expect to play Angry Birds while sitting in rush hour traffic. Like we said before, Pioneer says it expects more apps to show up in the future, but we'll just have to wait and see. In the meantime, check out our gallery of AppRadio in action, and  hop on past the break for video.

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Pioneer unveils its AppRadio, integrates iOS into your automobile

Pioneers AppRadio Provides a Revolutionary Way to Use Apps in the Car

Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc., the leader in aftermarket car electronics technology, today unveiled its latest innovation, the game-changing AppRadio™. Drawing upon Pioneer's technology integration expertise and following its "Rethinking Connectivity" strategy, 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 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.

"Pioneer is rethinking connectivity by tapping into the power of the smartphone, while simultaneously providing a solution that safely merges the consumer's connected lifestyle into the vehicle," said Ted Cardenas, director of marketing for the car electronics division of Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. "AppRadio fully embraces the iPhone, which has become the window to our mobile connectivity and provides a comprehensive and safer way to use apps in the car."

The power of AppRadio comes from the ability to simply and easily update its software, similar to many of today's most powerful mobile devices. The front of the unit features a clean and simple aesthetic with only 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 touchscreen display. This capacitive touch panel requires less pressure, responds faster and can recognize multiple touch points simultaneously, advantages when compared to traditional resistive touchscreen displays. Touchscreen control is used for all functions including the app interface, iPod control/playback, AM/FM radio, and Bluetooth hands-free calling features.

Pioneer Centric Apps
When connected to an iPhone and iPod touch (4th 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 specifically for safe use and access in the vehicle. AppRadio compatible apps are now available including INRIX, MotionX-GPS Drive, Rdio, and Pandora Radio.

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

Access to the Future
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.

Music and Communication
AppRadio continues Pioneer's strong audio heritage, with a built-in AM/FM tuner with RDS text information display (when available) and full iPod audio control/playback. 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 (4th 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 simple with built-in Bluetooth, enabling hands-free cellular 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 touchscreen 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.

Pioneer's AppRadio will be available in late June with a suggested retail price below $500.

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