Today Pioneer released the Apple CarPlayâ„¢ SPH-DA120. This units brings together the use of cloud and devicecontent from compatible iOS devices (iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6, iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c, iPhone 5, iPhone 4s and iPhone 4), Android smartphones, and MirrorLink enabled smartphones, as well as feature enhanced smartphone control, voice control for Siri Eyes Free and Google Voice Recognition, Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming, and a new graphical user interface.
Pioneer becomes one of the first aftermarket manufacturers to support Apple CarPlay™ with the official release of a compatible firmware update for the AVIC-F60DAB, AVIC-F960DAB, AVIC-F960BT, AVIC-F860BT and the AVH-X8600BT, as well as the introduction of the CarPlay-compatible SPH-DA120. Pioneer’s CarPlay-compatible in-dash receivers offer consumers the ability to upgrade the vehicles they already own to the smarter, safer and more fun way to use iPhone® in the car. 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.
CarPlay enriches the iPhone experience in the vehicle by providing a safer way to access the iPhone features they want to use most while driving,†said Philippe Weyers, marketing communication manager at Pioneer Europe. “With Pioneer’s implementation, CarPlay can now be integrated into millions of vehicles already on the road.”
The CarPlay firmware update is now available at no charge through www.pioneer.eu/support. Current owners of an AVIC-F60DAB, AVIC-F960DAB or BT, AVIC-F860BT and an AVH-X8600BT can simply load the firmware on a USB memory device and connect it to the receiver’s USB cable input.
CarPlay is also compatible with the all new SPH-DA120, designed with the smartphone user in mind, offering a simple and clean cosmetic design, with the majority of functions and control accessible and operated through its high resolution 6.2-inch WVGA capacitive touchscreen and providing increased audio performance, inheriting the capabilities of Pioneer’s navigation models.
“The new SPH-DA120 embodies our idea of the connected car, providing the majority of smartphone owners the ability to utilize their devices in the car for calling, streaming music, and even controlling supported apps to enhance their driving experience,†said Philippe Weyers, marketing communication manager at Pioneer Europe.
- 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 and podcasts. For more information about CarPlay,www.apple.com/ios/carplay.
- 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 SPH-DA120 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 unit.
- Bluetooth – To maximize the connectivity options available in today’s most popular smartphones, the SPH-DA120 offers both Bluetooth hands-free calling1 and Bluetooth audio streaming and wireless control of compatible devices. It 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 SPH-DA120 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 the SPH-DA120 (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 the SPH-DA120 and offers a vehicle-specific interface and connectivity with MirrorLink certified devices from smartphone manufacturers such as Samsung, Nokia and others.
The new SPH-DA120 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. For a complete overview of all compatible smartphones and connectivity cables2, visit www.pioneer.eu/appradiomode.
For increased audio performance, the SPH-DA120 inherits the capabilities of Pioneer’s navigation 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.
The SPH-DA120 will be available soon at authorised Pioneer Car dealers Europe wide.
To find the nearest Pioneer retailer, visit the Dealer Locator at www.pioneer.eu.[signoff predefined=”Enjoy this?” icon=”icon-users”][/signoff]
