Apple Inc. CarPlay coming to Pioneer’s in-dash systems

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Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) teamed up with Pioneer to create CarPlay system dashboards which are geared towards a summer arrival. These new systems won’t be limited to new automobiles, there will also be five new aftermarket options for customers to install in their existing cars.

Pioneer CarPlay brings more options for customers

Support for CarPlay will come via a firmware update to five of Pioneer’s new NEX in-dash receivers. These multimedia receivers feature large in-dash LCD displays which can easily be installed in most vehicles. CarPlay support will offer a multitude of features including Siri voice control, Apple Maps, and iTunes.

Car Electronics Division of Pioneer Electronics Inc’s Ted Cardenas explained, “Pioneer’s years of expertise integrating smartphone connectivity into the automotive environment has provided us the opportunity to be among the first to offer CarPlay to drivers. By providing an aftermarket option, Pioneer’s 2014 in-dash multimedia systems give many iPhone owners the ability to add CarPlay to their current vehicles.”

Pioneer offers 5 CarPlay choices

The cheapest option starts at $700. This system features a 2-DIN Flagship Multimedia DVD Receiver, 7-inch WVGA touchscreen display, AppRadio mode function for iPhone and Android, MirrorLink compatibility, Siri Eyes Free compatibility, iDataLink Maestro, and Wireless Pandora Control. Other CarPlay options with more features will be priced at $750; $900; $1,200; and $1,400.

Pioneer added that their lineup of NEX dashboard receivers will offer a more responsive user interface as well as improved sound quality and safety.

It’s rumored that Alpine will also bring CarPlay options to the market, however this rumor has yet to be confirmed. It was purported the company would release in-dash multimedia systems costing between $500 and $700.

CarPlay was officially unveiled at Geneva Motor Show. Back in 2013, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) revealed iOS in the car during the Worldwide Developer’s Conference. Greg Joswiak (Apple VP for iPhone and iOS Marketing) summed it up as such: “CarPlay has been designed from the ground up to provide drivers with an incredible experience using their iPhone in the car. iPhone users always want their content at their fingertips and CarPlay lets drivers use their iPhone in the car with minimized distraction. We have an amazing lineup of auto partners rolling out CarPlay, and we’re thrilled it will make its debut this week in Geneva.”

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