Pioneer unveils first after-market Apple CarPlay compatible in-dash systems

By Stephen Fenech On Apr 16, 2014

Pioneer will be releasing some of the first after-market in-dash car multimedia systems that will be compatible with Apple’s new CarPlay feature.

CarPlay will allow iPhone 5, 5C and 5S users to use built-in apps like Siri, Maps, iTunes and iTunes Radio as well as make and receive calls in their vehicles.

The technology was initially though to be available only when customers bought the latest vehicles from manufacturers who had already agreed to partner with Apple including Mercedes Benz, BMW, Audi and Volkswagen.

But now users can still enjoy CarPlay, a feature of the iOS 7.1 iPhone operating system, in their existing vehicle simply by installing one of Pioneer’s new in-dash products.

Pioneer utilises a large LCD touchscreen display to visualise the whole multimedia system.

This screen will now be able to replicate the iPhone’s screen to access the same apps users enjoy on their device in their cars safely and easily.

For example, Siri – the iPhone’s built-in digital assistant – can be used with CarPlay to compose and respond to messages just by speaking.

This is in addition to the extra features already onboard the impressive Pioneer systems which have audio and video playback capability along with navigation.

Pioneer will release three CarPlay compatible headunits in the coming months – AVIC-F60DAB, AVIC-F960DAB and the AVH-X8650BT.

Existing Pioneer systems will not be able to be upgraded for CarPlay compatibility.

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