Pioneer's NEX In-Dash Systems to Receive CarPlay Firmware Update in a 'Few Weeks'

[HobeSoundDarryl]

I'm not trying to sell ANYONE on this option. It's just an option.

Why should I care about a "double DIN" spot? Apparently, this is about being able to fit one 7" device vs. another. See the video clip links posted earlier. It's not hard to put an iPad Mini in dash. The clips show it and IMO, it looks great in dash.

What "pre-existing in-car features" shall I care about? And are you sure this Pioneer device will cover them as well?

And there's no way my iPad data can cost extra because I don't bother with an iPhone. As such, my "data plan" costs about $100/yr (that's YEAR). I still get all my calls, I still make all my calls, I still text and get texts, all to a "normal" number… just like anyone with an iPhone. It "just works" just fine. But it does cost a lot less for that phone functionality than an iPhone with it's monthly plan.

Now, if we want to sling: "what does your favored option not do that I could do with an iPad mini installed", about 1 million other apps would by my first punch. Need another? When I get to where I'm going, I could just pop out the mini and use it as an iPad (again, see those video clips posted earlier in this thread). Can I pop out that pioneer device and use it an an iPad? But again, this is not about one winning, I am just not cheering on carplay like it's ideal for everyone. It's not. Nor am I suggesting installing an iPad in dash is ideal for everyone. It's not. What I have offered up is that- for the money- one seems like a better option than the other for me. Apparently, such an observation is absolutely wrong and the correct opinion for everyone would be "yeahhh, carplay is the ONE and ONLY way to go." Now open those wallets and comply.

 

[budselectjr]

I'm not trying to sell ANYONE on this option. It's just an option.

Why should I care about a "double DIN" spot? Apparently, this is about being able to fit one 7" device vs. another. See the video clip links posted earlier. It's not hard to put an iPad Mini in dash. The clips show it and IMO, it looks great in dash.

What "pre-existing in-car features" shall I care about? And are you sure this Pioneer device will cover them as well?

And there's no way my iPad data can cost extra because I don't bother with an iPhone. As such, my "data plan" costs about $100/yr (that's YEAR). I still get all my calls, I still make all my calls, I still text and get texts, all to a "normal" number… just like anyone with an iPhone. It "just works" just fine. But it does cost a lot less for that phone functionality than an iPhone with it's monthly plan.

Now, if we want to sling: "what does your favored option not do that I could do with an iPad mini installed", about 1 million other apps would by my first punch. Need another? When I get to where I'm going, I could just pop out the mini and use it as an iPad (again, see those video clips posted earlier in this thread). Can I pop out that pioneer device and use it an an iPad? But again, this is not about one winning, I am just not cheering on carplay like it's ideal for everyone. It's not. Nor am I suggesting installing an iPad in dash is ideal for everyone. It's not. What I have offered up is that- for the money- one seems like a better option than the other for me. Apparently, such an observation is absolutely wrong and the correct opinion for everyone would be "yeahhh, carplay is the ONE and ONLY way to go." Now open those wallets and comply.

We get it. You would rather have an iPad Mini. We also got it at 10am when you made the same point.

 

[applehappy]

Quote:
Originally Posted by DMinTX
So the only unit they support iCarPlay on is one that already has navigation and via Bluetooth can do most of what iCarPlay can?!?!

Now, that's a pretty good point.
__________________
-- Spiky /UNQUOTE

PEOPLE, please just read up on what you are talking about. It's not called iCarPlay. It's called carplay. And there are FIVE units pioneer has in the NEX line that will all work with carplay. The least expensive one doesn't come with Nav and costs $700 MSRP or $560 on Amazon.

 

[PhatRS]

I wish I could afford to upgrade my head unit, but I can't.

I'm mainly interested in being able to listen to music from my iPhone in the car and I found an app that is a pretty good alternative.

The developer states on the App Store page that he designed it with in-car use in mind, so you can quickly start playing an album, and easily control playback without even having to look at the screen, unlike the standard music app which has small buttons that are hard to press accurately when your phone is mounted in a dock at arm's length. It gets regular updates, and one feature I particularly like is that I can listen to podcasts and music within the one app.

Oh, it's called Harken For iPhone. http://bit.ly/HarkenForiPhone

He's also got an iPad version.

 

[Jeff5886]

Gents Pioneer has the AVH 4000 NEX (ready for carplay)for 700$. Just bought one today installing Wednesday.

 

[denver133]

This is music to my ears! I was one who pre-ordered a NEX unit as my previous AVIc unit was old and needing replacing.

I bought my 5000 for $450 pre order. Sold my other unit for $175. Price is not the issue.

My big question is if carplay will allow me to play videos from my iPhone? I have screens in my headrests which are connected to my head unit. If car play will allow that I will be the happiest person.

 

[Ozid]

I agree that currently this is overpriced; but first generation products always are.

First, even if you do go the route of installing an iPad, you would still need to connect it to an amplifier and signal processor of some kind. Second, an iPad won't make calls. Third, an iPad doesn't currently have a proper 3ft UI.

With the above three limitations in mind, getting an iPad installed isn't at all ideal. I think when this comes down to under $1000, it will be a compelling upgrade.

I just bought a 4000NEX for 550 dollars from a vendor on ebay. Seems like the right move for my 2004 car that I still love. It won't have navigation until Carplay is enabled, but I've been using my phone for navigation for the last 5 years anyways.

 

[Botts85]

They won't be updating the AppRadio because it doesn't cost enough. They'd be killing any reason to buy the more expensive units.

Sad my AppRadio 3 won't be updated and it's just 6 months old.

I think AppRadio 3 was doomed by lack of penetration though. The app selection has been stagnant. At least CarPlay will have a wider install base, and hopefully once APIs are released, developers will jump all over it.

My 4000NEX has AppRadio, and it's a bit kludgy with lightning. All I use it with is Escort Live and Waze for apps though.

I will likely happily switch to CarPlay from AppRadio providing that Apple allows Waze to operate on CarPlay.

Otherwise, I'll stick to the kludgy and current AppRadio system.

----------

Even the lower end model has carplay ($900). I have been toying with the idea of an iPad Mini for a while but there are too many complications to consider when you have a complete system from them for $100-200 more.

Street price is going to be closer to $700 max on the 4000NEX.

----------

iPad Mini: $420
Install + Labor: $200
Miscellaneous parts: $100

Your already at $800 with the minimum. With an iPad mini, you of the bat lose AM/FM functionality and Bluetooth functionality. You cant pull up messages or make phone calls. Lastly the interface is not designed for use in the car, where your much further away than regular use.

With the system and Carplay, you retain AM/FM functionality and with a simply plug into your phone you have all messages/contacts and phone functionality routed through your larger screen and sound system. All this along with a much easier to use interface.

You also lose clean audio out. Currently my iPhone to USB, to 4000NEX to 5v preouts from the 4000NEX sounds way better than any iPad based solution.

This is the audiophile's solution and a much cleaner setup than installing an iPad in dash. I contemplated and laid out how to go with the iPad and to get good quality audio out of it, you'd need a few different items that greatly increase the price. If you want crap audio over bluetooth, just stick it to your dash with velcro and poop on people who spent more.

You're right. If you wanted smart-audiophile before, you either needed a $500+ piece to get digital out off the iPad to high-voltage pre-outs; or you needed to install a Mac Mini in the trunk, use the optical out, then run a touch screen in dash.

----------

All great points. My current car DOESN'T have a touch screen in the dash. So for the functionality this brings, I currently get by by using my iPad Mini, often in my lap or propped up in the center console. I don't fiddle with it while driving. For example, if I want to use a map app, I set up where I want to go before I'm driving and then click "start".

Check out RAM mounts for your iPad. They likely have a no-drill seat bolt mount for your car. I prefer their tab-tite or tab-lock holder, over the "model specific" one with the roller on the top.

----------

I think we assume as time goes on that the distractions get worse. I don't think so, they just change....I mean my grandparents were yelling at my parents in a car that had the turning ability and size of a yacht, while tuning an analog radio, all the while doing this in a car that had lapbelts only, no airbags, and probably no head rests either. And oh yeah, no collapsable steering column. When the 8 track came along, it probably didn't increase or decrease the distraction factor.

Overall we're much safer today....just different distractions.

You nailed it. Distractions change, but they haven't necessarily increased. Back in the 30s people were panicking about the install of radios. Driver attentiveness is a human factors piece, it is hard to remain significantly concentrated for long periods. That's why breaks are important.

Kids, pets, passengers, and food all distract you from other distractions.

 

[Zxxv]

wow iOS 7 is so great with its colour scheme icons that they use black for a background

why not colour code it to the car, the interior or to the drivers choice?

at that price its the least you could do.

costs so much we hired the cheapest designers we could find, demanded they use the cheapest parts and so kept our profit margin at a %%% that if you knew you'd hit us.

amateurs

 

[rolsskk]

I'm not trying to sell ANYONE on this option. It's just an option.

Yet in every post you make, you keep on touting the mini as the perfect "cheaper" substitute.

Why should I care about a "double DIN" spot?

Ummm okay. . .you go about bashing in-car systems but don't know what a double DIN is, here you go:

The "DIN" label refers to the size of the in-dash stereo unit, or "head" unit. Single-DIN and double-DIN stereos are about 7 inches wide, with 2 and 4 inches of height, respectively. Stereo depth will vary, so you may need to measure the car-stereo cavity in your dash.

The mini is 5.3" by 7.87", so that is clearly larger than a double din spot.

Apparently, this is about being able to fit one 7" device vs. another. See the video clip links posted earlier. It's not hard to put an iPad Mini in dash. The clips show it and IMO, it looks great in dash.

Seriously?? Did you even watch any of the videos that you linked to? In the first one they even state: "Fabrication skills required" They totally remove the portion of them retrofitting their tray into the console, and they recommend having another shop do that work for you. In the second video, the guy has an additional head unit hidden below the iPad, which negates the alleged price savings.

Again, did you look through the second set of links that you posted? You may as well use duct tape to mount the iPad, as that'll be just as seemless as those installs, not to mention all of your ease of install claims are laughable.

What "pre-existing in-car features" shall I care about? And are you sure this Pioneer device will cover them as well?

Bluetooth commands, steering wheel control, and so on.

And there's no way my iPad data can cost extra because I don't bother with an iPhone. As such, my "data plan" costs about $100/yr (that's YEAR). I still get all my calls, I still make all my calls, I still text and get texts, all to a "normal" number… just like anyone with an iPhone. It "just works" just fine. But it does cost a lot less for that phone functionality than an iPhone with it's monthly plan.

So do you have a cell phone at all, or does your iPad fulfill you needs?

Now, if we want to sling: "what does your favored option not do that I could do with an iPad mini installed", about 1 million other apps would by my first punch. Need another? When I get to where I'm going, I could just pop out the mini and use it as an iPad (again, see those video clips posted earlier in this thread). Can I pop out that pioneer device and use it an an iPad? But again, this is not about one winning, I am just not cheering on carplay like it's ideal for everyone. It's not. Nor am I suggesting installing an iPad in dash is ideal for everyone. It's not. What I have offered up is that- for the money- one seems like a better option than the other for me. Apparently, such an observation is absolutely wrong and the correct opinion for everyone would be "yeahhh, carplay is the ONE and ONLY way to go." Now open those wallets and comply.

I'm not slinging anything, I'm just bothered by your ignorance in what it really takes to install an iPad in a vehicle and make it function like shown in the videos that you linked to. In fact, all of them have been installed by car audio specialists. Headunits like the NEX series can easily be done by yourself on a Saturday afternoon with no fabrication needed, and will look seamlessly integrated.

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

rolsskk, what's your problem?

To me it appears the iPad mini install would be the cheaper substitute. No one has shown me different, though many have tried to spin value in just about every way they can.

I do know what Double DIN means. I just don't care.

I do know that iPad mini is a little bigger than double DIN. Again, I just don't care. One can accept that a particular piece of hardware must fit a specific hole or they can just adjust the hole. No big deal (to me). Lots of cars come factory installed with certain sized speakers too, but those who want different sound systems will adjust speaker holes to fit other-sized speakers. No big deal either.

I did watch the videos. I did observe professional installation in them. But EITHER option appears likely to require installation labor. I have no concept of either being a complete "do it yourself" solution. It appears you think the Pioneer option is one, though I have a hard time picturing the masses pulling their existing unit and installing the Pioneer unit on their own. Maybe YOU have such skills but I doubt the masses will be as comfortable doing it. I probably have such skills myself but I'd almost certainly go to those who do this kind of thing every day whether I went with the Pioneer or iPad option. When I've replaced such equip in the past, installation costs were never that much. So again, I don't care.

I didn't post the video links- someone else did. And if I chose to go this way, those first 2 look like a great way to go. I was originally thinking a more permanent solution but that ability to pop it out and use it as an iPad when the car is parked has its own advantages. Popping out the Pioneer won't yield an iPad's utility.

I don't care about bluetooth or steering wheel controls enough to care. I have those in my car now and hardly ever use them to control the system already in the car.

No cell phone. iPad Mini does completely cover my mobile phone needs. AT&T plan for 3 months at $25 for those 3 months plus free wifi makes me feel like I'm not missing a thing, yet spending <= $100/yr for cell service.

While I've admitted over and over again that this iPad idea is not for everyone, you sure seem extraordinarily committed to making it seem like it's not for anyone- including me- and that this carplay option is the ONLY way for ANYONE to go. I think a carplay option is a fine way to go for anyone with those wants, needs or requirements that it covers.

I've never said that the iPad option is the perfect solution for EVERYONE. It does appear to be a good option for those willing to sacrifice the carplay benefits that won't come with it in exchange for the benefits that do. While your ongoing barrage at the concept seems to revolve around trying to make it seem like a stupid idea for anyone, I'm not the only one interested in the iPad alternative. Lots of people are doing it or have done it. There's a whole market of installers and installation kits that exist. I doubt all that has been put together for just a lone, "ignorant" fool like me.

I appreciate your view. If carplay is the ONE and ONLY way for you, great. Go with it. I'm not trying to force an alternative I like on you. There are lots of ways for people to go here. There's no ONE way that is the ONLY way for ALL.

 

[zhenya]

I don't care about bluetooth or steering wheel controls enough to care. I have those in my car now and hardly ever use them to control the system already in the car.

No cell phone. iPad Mini does completely cover my mobile phone needs. AT&T plan for 3 months at $25 for those 3 months plus free wifi makes me feel like I'm not missing a thing, yet spending <= $100/yr for cell service.

While I've admitted over and over again that this iPad idea is not for everyone, you sure seem extraordinarily committed to making it seem like it's not for anyone- including me- and that this carplay option is the ONLY way for ANYONE to go. I think a carplay option is a fine way to go for anyone with those wants, needs or requirements that it covers.

I've never said that the iPad option is the perfect solution for EVERYONE. It does appear to be a good option for those willing to sacrifice the carplay benefits that won't come with it in exchange for the benefits that do. While your ongoing barrage at the concept seems to revolve around trying to make it seem like a stupid idea for anyone, I'm not the only one interested in the iPad alternative. Lots of people are doing it or have done it. There's a whole market of installers and installation kits that exist. I doubt all that has been put together for just a lone, "ignorant" fool like me.

I appreciate your view. If carplay is the ONE and ONLY way for you, great. Go with it. I'm not trying to force an alternative I like on you. There are lots of ways for people to go here. There's no ONE way that is the ONLY way for ALL.

Your iPad as a phone is representative of well under 1% of the actual car-buying market, so it's not that your way doesn't work, it's that they don't build anything in a car that caters to niches that tiny. The other 99% of us just want the phone to integrate with the headunit so that handsfree calling works, calls are integrated into all aspects of the unit, whether streaming, USB, radio, whatever, and is integrated into the buttons on the steering wheel. Virtually every new car built in the US market now has all of those things. CarPlay is an appealing extension for both the manufacturers and consumers because it gives a bit of control to both parties. I would bet that Carplay will be a premium feature for a while yet.

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

First off, congratulations on your job in marketing where you can survey the population so that you can know that 99% fact. So often around here, people sling "99%" like it's fact when really, their survey size tends to be themselves or maybe themselves and their little circle of acquaintances. I'm glad you've done the work to know that 99% for sure.

Second, nowhere in this thread have I suggested people do what that 1% of "us" are doing. This has almost nothing to do with iPhone vs. iPad + VOIP app. That bit only applies to my own situation in this discussion. I was asked about it so I answered. Whether there is anyone else using an iPad that way is irrelevant. It still seems more economical for anyone to buy a wifi iPad as the screen, link it to the data flow of their iPhone- JUST LIKE THEY WOULD DO BY BUYING THIS PIONEER DEVICE- and use the combo of screen + iPhone almost the very same way.

You guys are taking this like it's some kind of iPhone vs. Samsung or Windows vs. Mac fight. It's not. It's Apple software running on Pioneer hardware vs. Apple software running on Apple hardware. Either way, Apple wins. To read the way people keep trying to spin this- or keep putting words in my mouth- I suspect they have stakes in Carplay or Pioneer.

As I've said about 10 times now, if Carplay works for you, GREAT! Get it. Install it. Fantastic. I'm happy for you. I'm not trying to force my view of this concept on anyone else. But no one is going to force my view to change either just because they can't fathom how else something similar might be accomplished that forgoes Pioneer equipment to use both Apple software AND hardware. To each his own.

 

[cutienoua]

When carplay was announced,I was eager to try it.
Now that I think more about it ,I'll wait for the wifi version.
For short trips is really annoying to connect the wire!

 

[osofast240sx]

When carplay was announced,I was eager to try it.
Now that I think more about it ,I'll wait for the wifi version.
For short trips is really annoying to connect the wire!

do u charge your phone in the car?

 

[cutienoua]

I charge it if it's a trip where I use maps for more than an hour.
Otherwise I tried to avoid short or incomplete charges. I know it's just a habit! lol might not be any benefit to the battery life in the long term!

 

[DMinTX]

PEOPLE, please just read up on what you are talking about. It's not called iCarPlay. It's called carplay. And there are FIVE units pioneer has in the NEX line that will all work with carplay. The least expensive one doesn't come with Nav and costs $700 MSRP or $560 on Amazon.

The article stated they were releasing it on the 8000 specifically, not the full NEX line.

 

[applehappy]

The article stated they were releasing it on the 8000 specifically, not the full NEX line.

It says that is what was demo's. Of course they demo the higher end unit. The capacitive screens are glossy and pop off the screen much more.

"As noted by Macworld, demo cars included the high-end $1400 Pioneer AVH-8000NEX system, which contains an in-dash capacitive touchscreen that allows the driver to tap on the infotainment screen to interact with the CarPlay system.."

Just google pioneer carplay. The NEX line consists of four "AVIC" models and one "AVH" model. Big price range.

 

[oneMadRssn]

I just bought a 4000NEX for 550 dollars from a vendor on ebay. Seems like the right move for my 2004 car that I still love. It won't have navigation until Carplay is enabled, but I've been using my phone for navigation for the last 5 years anyways.

Sounds like a good deal to me Enjoy!

 

[venom600]

rolsskk, what's your problem?

To me it appears the iPad mini install would be the cheaper substitute.

You sound like the PC guys who claim that their homebuilt $500 PC is better than a Mac Pro. Cheaper =/ better. Not everyone wants wires running all over their interior. More importantly, using an iPad mini would provide a prime target for thieves looking to score.

 

[DevinPitcher]

The article stated they were releasing it on the 8000 specifically, not the full NEX line.

orly?

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/CarPlay/

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

You sound like the PC guys who claim that their homebuilt $500 PC is better than a Mac Pro. Cheaper =/ better. Not everyone wants wires running all over their interior. More importantly, using an iPad mini would provide a prime target for thieves looking to score.

Watch the videos. If I did it, I'd probably do it the way the first 2 videos are done. No wires at all. And it easily pops right out when you get to where you are going. Then, it can be used as an iPad (while the Pioneer is ONLY usable in the car).

Again (and again and again), this is not Apple vs. Samsung or Windows. This is actually Apple software running on Pioneer hardware vs. Apple software running on Apple hardware. Some keep taking it like I'm suggesting a competitor for Apple. I'm not. I'm just seeing one (more) Apple solution appear to look better (to me) than another (part) Apple solution.

 

[bobenhaus]

#dud

 

[Knowimagination]

Watch the videos. If I did it, I'd probably do it the way the first 2 videos are done. No wires at all. And it easily pops right out when you get to where you are going. Then, it can be used as an iPad (while the Pioneer is ONLY usable in the car).

Again (and again and again), this is not Apple vs. Samsung or Windows. This is actually Apple software running on Pioneer hardware vs. Apple software running on Apple hardware. Some keep taking it like I'm suggesting a competitor for Apple. I'm not. I'm just seeing one (more) Apple solution appear to look better (to me) than another (part) Apple solution.

Please just stop arguing with people already. Someone who doesn't have a cell phone (let alone an iPhone) is never going to see the value in carplay and that is fine. If the iPad mini is the perfect solution for you than great, but those of us who use our iPhones a lot see the value in this.

Especially the fact that we are not forced to upgrade to a newer car to get something that I will literally use every time I'm in the car and will make me safer (by texting via siri, and not staring down at a tiny phone screen) makes these units look like a great value whether you get the 4000 series at $650 or the top of the line $1600 model.

I am pumped about carplay, but I will probably wait for a second round of head units to come out so I can see what competitors like Alpine come up with before making a final decision.

 

[krravi]

Always wanted a Pioneer GPS/AV unit on my vehicle, but the thought of removing or bending some covers on the A pillars and Dashboard plastic for the GPS antenna had put me off.

Now with iOS integration I am seriously motivated to do this!