Pioneer’s AVIC-8000NEX in-dash navigation/multimedia receiver
Consumer electronics maker Pioneer says the company will be one of the first aftermarket in-dash car multimedia systems to provide Apple CarPlay, allowing consumers to upgrade their current vehicle to a safer way to use iPhone in the car.
The receiver manufacturer is making CarPlay compatibility available this summer with a firmware update to its newest receivers, five NEX in-dash multimedia units. The receivers are available now, we’ve reported and range in list price from $700 to $1,400.
Using large, in-dash Pioneer LCD displays, CarPlay is compatible with iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c and iPhone 5. Users of the compatible iPhone engage Siri voice control to make and receive calls, compose and respond to text messages, use Apple Maps for navigation and listen to their music, podcasts and iTunes Radio.
CarPlay also lets users stream iHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher and Beats Music, according to Apple.
CarPlay will be available on some models from these automakers in 2014: Ferrari, Honda, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo. Apple lists several automakers as “committed” to the concept, including Jaguar, Ford, Kia, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Subaru and Toyota.
