Pioneer just announced their fourth generation in-dash head unit that integrates smartphone or iPhone apps into the car. The $600 AppRadio 4 (SPH-DA120) is Apple CarPlay-compatible and brings Calendar, Maps, Photos and other compatible apps directly on the Pioneer touchscreen right in your dashboard. Plus, get voice control with Siri Eyes Free and Voice Recognition for select Android, Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming, and a new graphical user interface.
AppRadio 4 offers a simple and clean cosmetic design utilizing minimal physical buttons on the left side of the screen for quick access by drivers, with the majority of functions and control accessible and operated through its high resolution 6.2-inch WVGA capacitive touchscreen. The capacitive touch panel is used for all functions including the app interface, music control/playback, AM/FM radio, and Bluetooth functions. A total of four connectivity cable options, sold separately, enable connections to more than 30 different smartphone devices available in the U.S. In addition, the unit now offers the Android Media Transfer Protocol (MTP) for deeper access to files and folders on Android devices.
Audio Performance
AppRadio 4 inherits the capabilities of Pioneer’s NEX receiver models with three sets of high volt (4V) pre-outs, 13-band graphic equalizer, auto EQ, auto time alignment, dual rear USB, and HDMI input, AM/FM tuner with RDS text information display (when available), and MOSFET 50 Watts X 4 power. Audiophiles will appreciate that is plays back files encoded as high-res FLAC up to 192kHz/24 bit as well as all the popular audio codecs.
CarPlay Ready
With CarPlay, consumers with iPhone 5 or later, including iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, and the latest version of iOS can use Siri voice control to make and receive calls, compose and respond to text messages, use Apple Maps for navigation and listen to their music libraries, podcasts and iTunes Radio.
Siri Eyes Free
Users of iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6, iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c, iPhone 5 and iPhone devices can take advantage of Siri Eyes Free functionality with a touch of the AppRadio 4 touchscreen. When activated, Siri provides voice prompts through the vehicle’s speakers, and the user’s questions and commands are received and transmitted using the external microphone provided with the AppRadio 4 unit.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth hands-free calling, Bluetooth audio streaming and wireless control of compatible devices is supported. AppRadio 4 includes Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) for wireless audio streaming and Audio Video Remote Control Profile (AVRCP) version 1.4 for wireless control of devices and related metadata (if available) to be viewed directly on the Pioneer touchscreen display.
Enhanced Touchscreen User Interface
Designed with the smartphone user in mind, the AppRadio 4 touchscreen user interface (UI) provides easy access to the most commonly used features such as apps, music and calling.
Built-in MirrorLink
MirrorLink technology enables consumers to connect compatible smartphones to AppRadio 4 (or other compatible in-dash receiver) 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 is integrated into AppRadio 4 and offers a vehicle-specific interface and connectivity with MirrorLink certified devices from smartphone manufacturers such as Samsung, Nokia and others.
Pricing and Availability
The Pioneer AppRadio 4 SPH-DA120 will be available for $600 will begin shipping to authorized Pioneer Car Electronics dealers nationwide, including Best Buy, Crutchfield and Car Toys.
