We know for a long time, the car of tomorrow will be communicating. If communication systems has been around for years on high-end cars like the BMW 7 Series and Audi A8, these systems are far from accessible to everyone, and especially on this car, "Mr Everyone". With AppRadio, Pioneer reinvents the radio and has a revolutionary product!
An open car and almost limitless!
In recent years, car radios have evolved considerably by adopting the connectivity sources: iPod control, USB port, SD slot, Bluetooth phone ... But still, it remains closed systems and not scalable to new technologies. Now everyone (or almost saw the growth curve) has a Smartphone. Besides the basic telephone function, Smart phones we provide many daily services through their many applications. While some such as games or video are fun, some are really useful for the driver (weather, traffic, Google Maps for POI, ...). Unless you use a car PC with a 3G connection, his services were previously inaccessible to the general public in their car. With the new AppRadio Pioneer has revolutionized the radio and open to the world of communication.According to market research, motorists Smartphone owners wish to take advantage of the features of their smart phone in the car. There are many windshield suction cups to install the iPhone on the dashboard. But these systems are not integrated to the car and are not as practical as that. The GPS smart phone is low power. And above the screen is really small (3 to 4.3 inches depending on the model. Also, do not forget that using a smart phone in hand while driving is dangerous and prohibited by law (such as phone while driving) . To solve all these problems and meet the expectations of consumers, Pioneer developed the first car truly dedicated to the use of Smart phones by car. The AppRadio, its code name SPH-DA01, is certainly the multimedia car radio tomorrow!
The first car that opens fully to the iPhone!
But what is this little wonder? Just like with the Parrot Asteroid, Pioneer democratizes communicating car, but chose a different path to meet consumer demands high-tech. Why add to a product, functions that are already in Smartphone? Pioneer wanted a solution, simple and convenient, allowing to resume its functions and especially to limit the cost to the consumer. In fact, most communication systems require a car key with 3G subscription, while we already have a subscription in its 3G Smartphone. The AppRadio Pioneer uses the 3G connection for communicating, which avoids having two 3G subscriptions. Let us see in detail this unit AppRadio.
The purpose of the AppRadio is to use the Smartphone drive without its drawbacks
The AppRadio is combined with a double DIN touch screen 6.1-inch screen is three times larger than the iPhone. Viewing comfort is considerably higher than a Smartphone. Connected for his first car, Pioneer chose Apple and its famous iPhone. This is not the best-selling Smartphone, but the most symbolic, the approach was logical to launch a new generation of radio. But there is a good chance that Pioneer open to other OS like Android in the near future. The AppRadio is therefore compatible with the iPhone and the next four generations. Why not earlier models?Simply because the iPhone 3G or 3G can not get the applications by making the dock to the Apple smart phone. The AppRadio is a multimedia handset with an FM RDS tuner, an amplifier 4x50 Watts, a rear camera input, compatibility with steering wheel controls and a connection for the iPhone 4. No other source is the iPhone which will provide four music and applications to AppRadio. Note also that the AppRadio is the first car to be equipped with a capacitive touch screen multi-touch, that is to say, it works just like the iPhone.
By applying AppRadio, the SPH-DA01 open to new features
Specifically, that allows AppRadio? As we have said, it offers FM radio RDS, music control iPhone with playlist management and display of album covers, but mostly, it can get the iPhone apps on the touch screen. And there, applications are becoming very easy to use, since the screen is bigger and works with the same simplicity as the Apple phone. But it required a lot of development work in partnership between Pioneer and Apple. Indeed, applications are often portrait mode on the iPhone, while the double DIN is in landscape mode. In addition, these applications to be used while driving, they should be easier to use.
The AppRadio is compatible with the iPhone 4 and future generations
Compared to the iPhone, even if they work the same way, they are a redesigned ergonomic point of view. To counter the low power of the Smartphone GPS, Pioneer provides a GPS antenna with its receiver. The latter was also equipped with the Bluetooth remote with microphone to ensure perfect communication. Thus, the iPhone does not need to be on the dashboard to operate. Cable dock iPhone is long enough, you can put the Smartphone in the glove box.
Native applications to get started!
What applications do we have? For now, at the time of this writing, the AppRadio has native applications for iPhone. First of all, download the application from Pioneer AppRadio the Apple Store, which will allow it to bridge between the Pioneer car stereo and the iPhone 4. Then, after turning on the radio, the iPhone is connected and starts the application AppRadio. And there is magic, there are native applications for the iPhone on his car radio. There is Google Maps (to be on the map and see the way to do), loading of contacts from the iPhone, calendar, and photo viewing. Some applications are used as stationary vehicle for obvious security reasons (eg photos). For other applications, they have been redesigned from a usability point of view to be easily used. Thus, one can easily see its calendar to check the time of his appointment. This is only advisory, it can not complete the schedule by the unit. But this is logical, it would be dangerous while driving, and it makes more sense to do so directly on the Smartphone. The purpose of the AppRadio is to provide new services useful to the driver, without disturbing the pipe. This requires reviewing the applications.
Once the iPhone connected, everything happens on the touch screen of the AppRadio
Viewing the map on Google Maps, find a contact, make a call, play music, use the FM tuner, everything is as simple as child's play. Pioneer has worked extensively on ergonomics. Services, security, connected, these are the words of AppRadio. Of course, reading this, many will say that the combined Pioneer does not take many applications. Make no mistake, this is just the beginning. Technically, anything is possible and the unit could use all the iPhone apps. However, applications that will be used by the AppRadio are subject to validation of Pioneer and Apple. In addition, they must be reprogrammed for the screen size and ergonomics. But during the presentation, Pioneer has made some demonstrations (we can not reveal at this time these applications), and we can tell you that many applications will enrich the AppRadio. No way to find games like Angry Bird, this is not the purpose of AppRadio, Pioneer will offer in partnership with developers of applications, features that can really make to a service to the driver.
Search for an address on Google Maps with a large screen is much more convenient
What to expect in the near future? It is logical to think that one benefit of the Internet, e-mail, driving aids such as road traffic or POI databases, navigation, ... Technically everything is possible, and Pioneer is working hard on it with Apple and application developers to enrich AppRadio. The latter promises to be exciting because there is virtually no limit, since it is computer programming. We will keep you informed of future developments on AppRadio and present a complete test soon. The AppRadio will be marketed from June 20 at a price of 379 Euros. To have been manipulated a bit, saw some prototype development, AppRadio is promoted to a bright future and really revolutionized the multimedia drive. In addition to its iPhone look great, it fits perfectly in most dashboards, since Pioneer is developing integration kits. For the demonstration, a Fiat 500 was in fact equipped with AppRadio, whereas normally this car has a single DIN slot. And format of the double DIN AppRadio is not a problem since 80% of cars have a radio location to this dimension. And for cars with a specific form of radio, there are now numerous media integration. See you later this summer for a full test of this unit promises to be exciting!
Through integration kits, the AppRadio can be mounted in many cars
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The navigation system developed by Pioneer, is presented in a double-din slot with a high-definition display with up to 7 inches. The Avic Z2 is equipped with a hard-disk with a capacity of 30 GB, (most, however, is reserved for the integrated navigation system).
The main features of the source:
-Output Power: 22Watt Rms X 4.
Antenna-GPS included.
-Monitor 7-inch touchscreen.
-Voice Commands (microphone included).
Three-band parametric equalizer.
-3 Pre-outs.
Blogger Labels: Pioneer,AVIC,navigation,system,definition,disk,features,Output,Power,Antenna,Monitor,Voice,Commands,Three,band
In the spring, Pioneer PRS has renewed its range, range dedicated to hi-fi enthusiasts. The amplifier 4 channel we had left a good impression during the test.To discover the new PRS speakers, we decided to try the Audi A4 S-Line from Pioneer, with precisely this new product line.
Pioneer Auditorium on 4 wheels
Technology with the first Ice Power amp for car audio, the new range of Pioneer PRS has put the dishes in large to meet the expectations of music lovers. Enthusiasts looking foremost integrated products and music, Pioneer has a simple installation, relatively reasonable investment (relative to some hi-fi up the price of a small car), and perfectly integrated to not interfere with the car use.
Presentation: a custom installation and unobtrusive
Hi-fi automobile often difficult to attract the general public who mistakenly believe that a change in depth of a car to his inside. However, a car for every day, must remain functional, and even discreet enough to cause risk of theft.
This misconception about hi-fi board is conveyed by tuning cars very demonstrative, too often placed on the front of the stage. But the hi-fi car is quite another thing, and it can be done without putting a ton of equipment in the car. Pioneer we had a very nice demonstration.
A cache has been molded to perfectly integrate the DEX-P90RS in center console
The brief was very simple, so you can say you had to get a very musical listening without making big changes on the car, so that it remains close to the origin. As this is a hi-fi, Pioneer has opted for a relatively simple system: three front channels and subwoofer channel tracks.
The new car stereo Pioneer DEH-do manager P88RS that systems with three active channels, Pioneer has opted for another model to its range: The DEX-P90RS. Thanks to its processor, it manages four active channels with EQ, time alignment and of course active filtering.
The screen in front of the gear lever is only there to navigation
The source took place in the original location, so that the facade comes flush with the center console. For this, a cache fiber painted original color was molded around the faceplate. We swear an original mounting. DEQ-P90 processor being connected by fiber optics to the source and controlled by the latter, it was hidden under a seat.
A chest 100% functional
For amplification, Pioneer uses three models of the new PRS range. These work in digital and use Ice Power technology developed by B & O. This has many advantages: low power consumption, higher power, low heat and especially a very compact size.
The three amplifiers are housed in a rack on the trunk floor. They are then hidden by the carpet rigid origin. The rack can of course be raised to access the spare tire. Thus, the amps do not fear the blows when loading the trunk, and it remains usable. These hot little amp, this poses no problem running.
Compact and thin, the amps are located between the trunk floor and floor mats
The amplification is composed of two two-channel amplifiers (PRS-D200) and a four-channel model (PRS-D400). The four channels is responsible for leading the midrange and treble for the front channels. The first two channels is responsible before the woofers, while the second is to facilitate bridged mono subwoofer.
The trunk is fully used and the installation is invisible when opened in a public place
For channel bass, Pioneer used a 25 cm subwoofer range ODR, the cream of the crop in the catalog Pioneer. Wishing to use the safe storage of the left flank to integrate the subwoofer in the trunk, Pioneer needed a powered subwoofer in a small volume, and especially thin. TS-W01RS corresponded perfectly to that use because it can operate in a volume of 14 to 28 liters.
The box is custom made to fit the lost volume of the left rear fender
To do this, an imprint of the wing was made with cardboard to make fiberglass the bottom of the box. Several layers of fiber were providing sufficient rigidity. The front is made of 22 mm medium and painted black. The lid of the storage box has been discreetly modified to include a grill speaker cloth through which the sound.
The cache is closed, the subwoofer is hidden and does not clutter the boot
Change the doors to a minimum
Before modifying at least the car he was out of question to redo the door panels tailored to accommodate the three-way kit. Recall that the latter consists of a pair of 28 mm tweeters, a pair of medium of 10 cm and a pair of woofers 17 cm. The woofers are mounted in original locations at the bottom of the doors.
PRS woofers are hidden in the original locations
Mediums have been top of the doors. The orientation was chosen to deliver the best possible sound image. A fiber support painted in color of the interior was molded in the shape of the door trim. For now, the speakers are visible, but a small grid stretched canvas will protect them from prying eyes.
Not wanting to redo the door panels, the support has been designed to match the trim without sacrificing aesthetics
The tweeters are integrated in the upright windshield, always with a precise choice of angle of orientation for imaging. They are also mounted on a fiber painted on the linings of the amounts of the windshield. They could be molded directly into the lining of the amount of the windshield, but the system remains well removed without having to change the fittings for the resale of the car.
As those mediums, supports the tweeters were made by Parotech
Listening: High Fidelity simply
Tested with different types of music, the facility provides a really excellent musicality. It is really in the audiophile category. The first thing you notice is the quality of the stamps, the installation sounds realistic, true. We also liked the sound details, it seems to feel the guitarist's fingers on the strings run. It's open and airy, it has a nice sense of space, depth between instruments.
This facility gives Pioneer a lot of fun to listen
We really feel the bass is totally forward, not back. Any disturbing vibration is felt, just the serious need for music is there and in front. The subwoofer is well connected to other speakers.The subwoofer is present.
Although the subwoofer in the trunk, the grave is well ahead
Dynamic question, PRS amps give very good results, it lives, it's rhythmic. The soundstage is wide, and no hole in the center, at the right height for the ears. The focus and settings for the processor are many.
A good example of realistic hi-fi
This installation is simple in its configuration: front channels and subwoofer channel in assets. No accumulation of equipment, Pioneer has just necessary for audiophile listening. This facility is fully integrated and does not disturb the use of the vehicle.
The new PRS speakers offer very beautiful stamps
In conclusion: A reasonable facility
Although more than 5000 € is a substantial sum, it is still very reasonable compared to what we can see in this category of hi-fi. Only the source and processor, have a high price (although justified). Taking the elements separately, the new PRS products offer excellent value for money (for example, less than 500 Euros for the 4-channel amplifier), given their performance.
Musicality, strength, beauty of stamps (particularly the female voices), sense of space is a beautiful facility that provides a lot of fun. For all these reasons, this Audi is truly exemplary in promoting true hi-fi to the general public.
Factsheet
- Source: Pioneer DEX-P90RS
- Processor: Pioneer DEQ-P90
- Amp Mid / High: Pioneer PRS-D400
- Receivers Woofers: Pioneer PRS-D200
- Subwoofer Amplifier: Pioneer PRS-D200
- Subwoofer: Pioneer TS-W01RS
- Woofer: Pioneer TS-M171PRS
- Media: Pioneer TS-S101PRS
- Tweeters: Pioneer TS-T031PRS
Budget, excluding labor: € 5972
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| The DEX-P99RS is built on a magnificent copper chassis to protect against parasites |
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| USB, iPod control, DEX-P99RS is compatible with modern sources |
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| The small plug on the edge of the facade at the microphone is automatic calibration |
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| The ergonomics of this deck is really thinking |
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| Several materials are supplied with the IR remote |
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| USB, iPod, SD, the DEH-6300SD is compatible with major mobile sources |
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| Control of the iPhone / iPod is very easy |
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| 3 outputs with crossover lines are present to make a powerful rig |
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| The player is compatible with SD cards to 32GB |
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| The CD player offers good sound quality |
Blogger Labels: Pioneer,Test,Young,consumers,music,files,unit,money,Black,lacquer,illumination,Question,keyboard,Benefits,Supports,output,player,Hidden,component,port,facade,panel,card,reader,song,Bluetooth,option,architecture,handset,amplifier,Direct,Drive,mode,Control,band,addition,noise,theft,protection,peace,Faceplates,perspective,Discover,features,receiver,setup,Second,joystick,radio,Thus,criticism,scroll,text,Overall,lover,host,performance,IPod,navigation,Same,Afterwards,seller,clientele,Euros,fact,system,strengths,stereos,starters,Albums,artists,submissions,outputs,selections,speakers,carriers,amplifiers,younger,playlists,tuner,preamp,cards
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| The CDE-103BT is compatible iPod and iPhone |
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| Musically, the CD will appeal to a wide majority |
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| The CDE-103BT has a hands-free kit |
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| USB Port |
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| The USB port can also control the iPod and iPhone |
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| Via IP-Bus, the AVH-P3100DVD can get a Bluetooth module optional |
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| In video as in music, the DVD offers very good quality playback |
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| Aesthetic, intuitive graphical user interface is well designed |
