CES 2011: Pioneer introduces Pandora, Twitter/Facebook integration, iPhone SmartCradle and more

Pioneer maintains the smartphone isn't the ideal automotive device, and it's easy to see why. The interface is too small, and with touchscreens failing to offer the tactility of buttons, the user has to give it their undivided attention – something that should be focused on the road.

To that end, Pioneer wants to bring all the features you use on your smartphone and plumb them into its aftermarket head units, beginning with Pandora streaming radio – pumped out from the iPhone app – coming to nine models in 2011 with a price starting at $150. Other head units can transfer video from an iPhone or iPod Touch through the company's "App Mode."

Additionally, Pioneer wants to match the OEMs point-for-point with the introduction of two new head units that will pull down data from Twitter, Facebook and Yelp, along with traffic conditions, then read all the information to the driver. Two of these units will be available this year and also include the ability to download your favorite podcasts and connected to Aha Radio.

Finally, Pioneer is introducing another iPhone-specific device, the SmartCradle, which features built-in GPS that works in conjunction with the iPhone's gyroscope and accelerometer to enhance location awareness. Bluetooth connectivity, audio/video output and phone charging are all part of the package, as is automatic sound level control which listens to the ambient noise in the car and then increases the volume to compensate.

All the details are available in the press release below, but don't look for any kind of Android, WP7 or Palm support just yet, this is soley an Apple-only joint... for now.

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PIONEER IN-DASH NAVIGATION LINE KEEPS DRIVERS CONNECTED WHILE STAYING FOCUSED ON THE ROAD

LAS VEGAS – CES BOOTH #1001 (January 5, 2011) – Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. today introduces its first in-dash navigation systems that allow drivers to stay connected to social networks, local searches and traffic services while keeping their focus on the road. At a time when consumers can take their personal devices with them virtually anywhere, including the automobile, Pioneer is helping to make it easier and safer to integrate these devices into the car environment. The AVIC-Z130BT and AVIC-X930BT HYPERLINK "http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Car/GPS-Navigation" 2011 in-dash navigation models keep drivers entertained, informed and up-to-date with smartphone connectivity to Aha Radio for Facebook, Twitter, Yelp, Traffic and podcasts, Pandora® internet radio and App Mode.

"Smartphones are ideal personal devices, although they can sometimes be cumbersome to use in the car. As the leader in aftermarket automotive technologies, Pioneer has made an unwavering commitment to safety by seamlessly incorporating these devices into the dash," said Ted Cardenas, director of marketing for the car electronics division of Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. "Consumers today always want to be 'connected' and are using their smartphone devices to do this while on the go. By providing a larger touchscreen unit installed in the dash that features a user interface specifically designed for the automotive environment and complemented by voice control features, we reduce the risk of distraction while driving."

Revolutionary Advancements
Aha Radio
Pioneer's 2011 line of in-dash navigation models are the first to conveniently connect drivers to the world around them with on-demand, interactive, personalized radio. Via an iPhone™ with the free Aha Radio® Mobile App connected to the new AVIC systems, users can listen to the latest traffic conditions on their current road or commute road, listen to Facebook and Twitter updates, access hundreds of podcasts and other services such as the "Hungry" and "Coffee" stations which deliver real-time vicinity search results and directions to preferred restaurant categories listed on Yelp. Aha Radio offers over 100 content and podcast stations that can be conveniently accessed and controlled directly on the display of the Pioneer system.

App Mode
Pioneer's App Mode feature, which can be accessed only when the vehicle is in park and the hand brake is fully engaged, lets users view a connected iPhone's video content from Safari, YouTube and other select apps* directly on the larger 6.1-inch or 7-inch high resolution screen.

Pandora
Pioneer was the first aftermarket manufacturer to offer fully integrated in-dash touchscreen control of Pandora internet radio streamed through a connected iPhone. Pandora access is available in both new-for-2011 navigation systems and has also been extended into the 2011 Audio/Video Receiver and CD Player categories. All Pandora enabled units display the currently playing album, artist and song information, while Navigation and Audio/Video Receivers also add album art display. The Pandora interface features full control of station selection, track info, and thumbs-up and thumbs-down feedback options.


Audio
In addition to Advanced Sound Retriever (ASR) that enhances audio playback of compressed audio files and an 8-band graphic equalizer, new features like Auto EQ Measurement and the Sonic Center Control which enable users to precisely calibrate the sound field in the car, have been added to both new navigation units.

AVIC-Z130BT
In addition to a comprehensive map database from Tele Atlas®, the new double-DIN AVIC-Z130BT features 4GB of flash memory, a 7-inch WVGA touch screen display, a 3D graphics accelerator, DVD playback, Dual Zone capability for rear seat playback, built-in Bluetooth1 for hands-free calling and music streaming, USB connectivity2 for iPod/iPhone connectivity, SD card slot, back-up camera input, built-in HD Radio and is SIRIUS XM3 satellite ready. Additionally, the unit features enhanced voice recognition, including the ability to input destination addresses by voice.

The AVIC-Z130BT offers Clear Channel's Total Traffic Network5 service for free via a Radio Data Service-Traffic Message Channel (RDS-TMC) tuner. With the included RDS-TMC tuner, ND-TMC10, the traffic service provides an overlay of real-time traffic events and conditions on the navigation map.

AVIC-X930BT
The new double-DIN AVIC-X930BT features 4GB of flash memory, a 6.1-inch WVGA touch screen display, a 3D graphics accelerator, DVD playback, built-in Bluetooth1 for hands-free calling and music streaming, USB connectivity2 for iPod/iPhone connectivity, micro SD card slot, back-up camera input and is SIRIUS XM3 satellite and HD Radio4 ready.

New to the X-series navigation systems is the optional RDS-TMC traffic tuner, Dual Zone capabilities for rear seat playback and a detachable hard-button faceplate for security.

The AVIC-X930BT will be available in March, and the AVIC-Z130BT will be available in April for suggested prices of $800 and $1,200, respectively.

*Content must be output in QuickTime

NOTE: Do not use your Pioneer system if doing so will divert your attention in any way from the safe operation of your vehicle. Always observe safe driving rules. In some states certain operations of devices while driving may be illegal. Where such regulations apply, they must be obeyed.

1Bluetooth 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. See more details about compatible Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones HYPERLINK "http://at/" at the following webpage: "http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/BluetoothCompatibility".

2Not every USB device is compatible with a Pioneer head unit containing an USB port. See more details at the following webpage: "http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/USBCompatibility". Pioneer head units containing a USB port are compatible with USB MSC (Mass Storage Class) devices only, and are not compatible with DRM (Digital Rights Management) contents and MTP (Media Transfer Protocol) connection devices. For size and other limitations, please see Owner's Manual. Unauthorized copying of music or other files is strictly prohibited. Optional USB extension cable is available for use with front USB ports.

3SIRIUS XM satellite radio is a subscription service not affiliated with Pioneer Electronics - service is available everywhere within the continental U.S. More information is available at "http://www.siriusxm.com". The "XM" and "SIRIUS" and related marks are trademarks of SIRIUS XM Radio Inc. Ability of the Pioneer system to access the SIRIUS and/or XM satellite radio service is subject to change without notice and could be affected by any of the following (but not limited to the following): changes to the SIRIUS XM radio service; or, discontinuation of the SIRIUS XM radio service.

4HD Radio and the HD Radio logo are proprietary trademarks of iBiquity Digital Corp.

5Total Traffic Network's Traffic solution is available for AVIC-Z130BT (using included tuner) and AVIC-X930BT with optional ND-TMC10 tuner. Total Traffic Network service subscription is included free with the product. To receive Total Traffic Network Traffic solution on your device, you must be within a Total Traffic Network coverage area. Coverage areas are affected by reception limitations of the FM network as well as other factors, which may affect the availability of the unit to receive FM broadcasts. Pioneer is not responsible for the accuracy of the Total Traffic Network content (SERVICE), and that content (SERVICE) may not be current or available at times. Ability of the Pioneer system to access the Total Traffic Network service is subject to change without notice and could be affected by any of the following (but not limited to the following): changes to the Total Traffic Network service; or, discontinuation of the Total Traffic Network service.


PIONEER BRINGS THE CONSUMER'S CONNECTED WORLD INTO THE CAR

Aha Radio®, SmartCradle™, MotionX™ and App Mode Provide Smartphone App Solutions for Drivers

LAS VEGAS - CES BOOTH #1001– (January 5, 2011) – The leading car electronics manufacturer, Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc., today announces new solutions for safer integration of smartphones into the car environment. Pioneer brings the next step in broadcast radio into the car with Aha Radio® Mobile App, which turns social media and traffic apps into audio broadcasts. Pioneer's expertise in navigation, coupled with its focus on in-vehicle smartphone integration has led to the company's first SmartCradle™ for use with Apple® iPhone™1 to enhance in-car performance of GPS enabled apps such as MotionX™-GPS Drive, the leading Apple iTunes navigation application. Also new is the App Mode feature which is available in nine new audio/video and navigation models and enables viewing of a connected iPhone's video content from Safari, YouTube and other select apps2 directly through Pioneer's larger, high resolution in-dash screens.

"We understand the importance of keeping drivers informed and entertained and we continue to work with the leaders in the Internet, smartphone, app and mobile realms to safely bring consumers the best in-vehicle experience," said Ted Cardenas, director of marketing for the car electronics department, sales and marketing division of Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. "Seamless compatibility with Aha Radio, MotionX-GPS Drive and Pandora internet radio provides users with immediate access to apps and services that are most important to them."

Pioneer's two new in-dash navigation models are the first to conveniently connect drivers to the world around them with on-demand, interactive, personalized radio. Via an iPhone running the free Aha Radio Mobile App connected to the new AVIC systems, users can listen to the latest traffic conditions on their current road or commute road, listen to Facebook and Twitter updates, access hundreds of podcasts and other services such as the "Hungry" and "Coffee" stations which deliver real-time vicinity search results and directions to preferred restaurant categories listed on Yelp. Aha Radio offers over 100 content and podcast stations that can be conveniently accessed and controlled directly on the touch display of the Pioneer system.

The Pioneer SmartCradle for iPhones is compatible with all GPS enabled apps, including MotionX-GPS Drive and is the first of its kind to incorporate a built-in gyro sensor and accelerometer combined with an external antenna for improved GPS reception and location accuracy, even if GPS signals are limited by high rise buildings and tunnels. Additionally, the unit features an integrated amplified speaker with volume control for high quality hands-free calling and offers a mini USB input and audio/video output. An Eco Illumination2 light turns from red to green as driving efficiency increases and provides an awareness of driving habits. The unit can be rotated to portrait or landscape views and the SmartCradle will also charge the connected iPhone. "Pioneer is leading the way for Smartphone integration", said Philippe Kahn, CEO of Fullpower," customers are looking forward to using MotionX-GPS Drive with Pioneer's solutions."

The App Mode feature, which can only be accessed when the vehicle is in park and the hand brake is fully engaged, lets users view a connected iPhone's video content from Safari, YouTube and other select apps2 directly on a larger high resolution screen. Audio from these video source and compatible apps, such as MotionX-GPS Drive's navigation voice guidance can be heard through the vehicle speakers while driving.

Pricing and availability of Pioneer's SmartCradle will be announced at a future date. App Mode and Pandora internet radio are available on the new AVH-P3300BT, AVH-P4300DVD and AVH-P6300BT audio/video units and Aha Radio is additionally available on the new AVIC-Z130BT and AVIC-X930BT in-dash navigation units.

Pioneer's Car Electronics Department is known for offering the kind of in-car products that make driving more enjoyable by offering high quality audio and video, seamless connectivity and ease-of-use. Its focus is on the development of new digital technologies including audio video, navigation and satellite radio, while maintaining its strong heritage in products for car audio enthusiasts and sound competitors.


PIONEER EXPANDS PANDORA OFFERINGS

Pandora Internet Radio Capability Available in More Models and at a Lower Price

LAS VEGAS - CES BOOTH #1001 (January 5, 2011) – As Pandora Internet radio continues to gain popularity among consumers who enjoy personalized radio, Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. today announces that nine of its 2011 automotive in-dash products offer full Pandora® streaming and control through a connected Apple® iPhone®. Among the first aftermarket audio manufacturers to introduce Pandora connectivity in its 2010 navigation models, Pioneer's latest Pandora offerings expand throughout the car electronics line-up with two CD players, three audio/video, two digital media players and two navigation systems; with suggested prices starting as low as $150.

"There are now more than 65 million Pandora listeners and many of them enjoy the service on-the-go through the iPhone," said Ted Cardenas, director of marketing for the car electronics department, sales and marketing division of Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. "Our new Pandora compatible source units offer consumers a safe and easy way to bring the Internet radio experience into the car. It's simply 'plug and play', with full streaming, control and display of the Pandora content directly through the Pioneer in-dash products."

Pandora Enriched CD Players
New to its HYPERLINK "http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Car/CD-Receivers" CD player line, Pandora capability is integrated into two units, the DEH-P6300UB and the DEH-P8300UB. With a connected iPhone, users can view and select Pandora stations stored on their Pandora account directly on the CD player. Users can pause and skip tracks, bookmark songs and/or artists, and thumb up or down the currently playing song therefore providing the same Pandora functionality found on a computer or smart phone. Pandora music is enhanced by Pioneer's patented Advanced Sound Retriever (ASR) technology that restores the musical details often lost in compressed music formats including MP3, WMA and AAC, to create a fuller, more rich and enjoyable listening experience.

The DEH-P6300UB features a contemporary cosmetic design with MP3/WMA/AAC playback, USB connectivity, two line LCD display (12-character), Radio Data Service (RDS), 5-Band equalizer, MOSFET 50W x 4, dual RCA outputs and auxiliary input. The DEH-P8300UB adds a third RCA high voltage output, signature Organic Electroluminescent display and optional Bluetooth® capability with a CD-BTB200 (sold separately). The DEH-P6300UB and the DEH-P8300UB are currently available for a suggested price of $150 and $180, respectively

Heard and Seen in Audio/Video Units
The newest entries in Pioneer's popular HYPERLINK "http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Car/DVD-Receivers" AVH series audio video systems, the AVH-P3300BT, AVH-P4300DVD and AVH-P6300BT, also adopt integrated Pandora capability and further enhance the experience with the display of album art, artist, and song information and touchscreen control of thumbs up and down, pause, track skip, and more on the large TFT displays.

Pioneer's intuitive Touch Slide Control further enhances the experience by enabling quick access to Pandora stations with a simple touch of the display. Pioneer's ASR technology is also included in all three units for an improved audio experience.

The AVH-P3300BT features 5.8-inch TFT touchscreen display, three 4-Volt preamp outputs, DVD/CD playback, DivX/MP3/WMA/AAC, aux in, built in Bluetooth, dual zone and auto equalizer. The AVH-P4300DVD features a larger 7-inch screen, rear USB connection, rear aux in and optional Bluetooth (CD-BTB200). The AVH-P6300BT is a high-end single DIN unit with a motorized 7-inch touchscreen display, front USB, front auxiliary input and built in Bluetooth.

In addition to iPod/iPhone control in all of Pioneer's A/V offerings, each unit also features Pioneer's App Mode feature, which can only be accessed when the vehicle is in park and the hand brake is fully engaged, and lets users view a connected iPhone's video content from Safari, YouTube and other select apps1 directly on the larger 5.8-inch, 6.1-inch or 7-inch high resolution screen.

Pioneer's AVH-P3300BT, AVH-P4300DVD and AVH-P6300BT Audio/Video players will be available starting January for a suggested price of $450, $500 and $700, respectively.

It's All Digital with MVH systems
Pioneer's newest HYPERLINK "http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Car/DVD-Receivers" digital media receivers, MVH-P7300 and MVH-P8300BT, are also enhanced with Pandora compatibility. Their 3-inch widescreen TFT color display provide detailed Pandora information including the album art, artist, and song information.

The MVH digital media receivers are designed for media playback using the iPod, USB storage devices and Secure Digital (SD) memory cards in addition to AM/FM radio. Both receivers offer three sets of 4-Volt preamp outputs, DivX/MP3/WMA/AAC file playback, aux input, iPod/iPhone control, auto EQ and Advanced Sound Retriever. The MVH-P8300BT also incorporates Bluetooth capability to enable hands-free calling.

Pioneer's new App Mode is also featured in both players and enables the viewing of a connected iPhone's video content from Safari, YouTube and other select apps directly.

The MVH-P7300 and MVH-P8300BT will be available in February for a suggested price of $270 and $330, respectively.

More Than Just Directions: Navigation and Entertainment
Just as in 2010, Pandora capability continues into the 2011 line of AVIC series HYPERLINK "http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Car/GPS-Navigation" navigation systems. Both AVIC-X930BT and AVIC-Z130BT navigation models provide high resolution WVGA touchscreen displays for exceptional image quality that makes it easy for users to see Pandora album art, artist, and song information. Audio streaming and control of Pandora is made easy with a highly improved touch slide control. Three lines of information listing album, artists and song names are conveniently displayed alongside Pandora playback controls such as track pause, track skip and thumbs up and down.

Aha Radio® service is a feature added to 2011 line of in-dash navigation models and provides the ability to conveniently connect drivers to the world around them with on-demand, interactive, personalized radio. Via an iPhone™ with the free Aha Radio Mobile App connected to the new AVIC systems, users can listen to the latest traffic conditions on their current road or commute road, listen to Facebook and Twitter updates, access hundreds of podcasts and other services such as the "Hungry" and "Coffee" stations which deliver real-time vicinity search results and directions to preferred restaurant categories listed on Yelp. Aha Radio offers over 100 content and podcast stations that can be conveniently accessed and controlled directly on the display of the Pioneer system.

Both models will also feature App Mode and enable the viewing of a connected iPhone's video content from Safari, YouTube and other select apps directly.

The AVIC-X930BT features a high resolution 6.1-inch WVGA touch screen display for superior image quality. In addition, the unit includes three preamp outputs, DVD/CD playback, DivX/MP3/WMA/AAC file playback, microSD card slot, USB connection, MusicSphere, HD Radio® capability with the optional GEX-P20HD tuner, SIRIUS XM satellite radio ready, back up camera ready, built in Bluetooth, dual zone and auto equalizer. Users can access and see live traffic information via Radio Data Service-Traffic Message Channel (RDS-TMC) with the optional Pioneer ND-TMC10 traffic tuner.

The flagship AVIC-Z130BT further enhances display image quality with its large 7-inch WVGA high resolution screen. In addition to the specs found in the AVIC-X930BT, the AVIC-Z130BT features three sets of 4-Volt preamp outputs, a full-size SD Card Slot, and a motorized face with adjustable tilt. The built-in voice recognition engine allows spoken commands to be used to control key features of the system including address input by voice. Pioneer's ND-TMC10 traffic tuner is included with the AVIC-Z130BT.

Pioneer's AVIC-X930BT and AVIC-Z130BT will be available in March for a suggested price of $800 and $1200, respectively.

Pioneer's Car Electronics Department is known for offering the kind of in-car products that make driving more enjoyable by offering high quality audio and video, seamless connectivity and ease-of-use. Its focus is on the development of new digital technologies including audio video, navigation and satellite radio, while maintaining its strong heritage in products for car audio enthusiasts and sound competitors.

Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. is headquartered in Long Beach, Calif., and its U.S. Web address is HYPERLINK "http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/" www.pioneerelectronics.com. Its parent company, Pioneer Corporation, is a leader in optical disc technology and a preeminent manufacturer of high-performance audio, video and computer equipment for the home, car and business markets. The company focuses on three core business domains including home electronics, car electronics, and Digital Network Entertainment™.

NOTE: Do not use your Pioneer system if doing so will divert your attention in any way from the safe operation of your vehicle. Always observe safe driving rules. In some states certain operations of devices while driving may be illegal. Where such regulations apply, they must be obeyed.

1App Mode footnote –Content must be output in QuickTime.

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.

Not every USB device is compatible with a Pioneer head unit containing an USB port. See more details at the following webpage: "http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/USBCompatibility". Pioneer head units containing a USB port are compatible with USB MSC (Mass Storage Class) devices only, and are not compatible with DRM (Digital Rights Management) contents and MTP (Media Transfer Protocol) connection devices. For size and other limitations, please see Owner's Manual. Unauthorized copying of music or other files is strictly prohibited. Optional USB extension cable is available for use with front USB ports.

SIRIUS XM satellite radio is a subscription service not affiliated with Pioneer Electronics - service is available everywhere within the continental U.S.

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