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Check out the full AVIC-U310BT review.
(Credit: James Martin/CNET)When we last saw the AVIC-U310BT navigation and car audio receiver, Pioneer was telling us that its goal with the new entry-level AVIC model was to provide GPS navigation, digital audio and iPod integration, and Bluetooth hands-free at an affordable price. After spending time reviewing the U310BT, we're convinced that they've hit the mark.
The AVIC-U310BT is an easy-to-use device with many neat touches that extend its usability beyond that of more expensive competing units. For example, it doesn't just pair with your phone for hands-free calling, it automatically imports your contacts as well. The detachable touch screen is powered by a rechargeable battery, so it can be used outside of the vehicle to input destinations, save favorites, and plan multidestination routes.
However, the AVIC-U310BT isn't without its flaws, and it appears that Pioneer had to cut some corners to keep the unit's price down. Most heinously, the U310BT ships with a severely limited set of preloaded points of interest. We've never seen a GPS device not include a category for restaurants, but the AVIC-U310BT doesn't.
The AVIC-U310BT is the entry point into the AVIC lineup.
(Credit: Pioneer)Fortunately, it's easy to add your own POIs with Pioneer's AVIC-Feeds software or with the purchase of a $100 SD card preloaded with a more complete set of POIs, but either way the additional cost in time or money puts a slight dent in the AVIC-U310BT's low MSRP of $599.
Check out the full Pioneer AVIC-U310BT navigation audio receiver review.
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No matter how much storage space your PMP holds, there will inevitably come a time when it's just not enough. Pioneer is hoping to skirt the issue with its Network AV Playback System for Mobile, which lets users leave their media library on their home network and stream content into a moving vehicle using WiMax.
Many users are already familiar with the idea of a networked home server, a central repository for all of a household's digital media. The Network AV Playback System for Mobile uses "Community WiMax," which is starting to see more and more widespread use, to stream multimedia content stored on a home network's server to an in-car device, such as the portable navigation device seen in the video below.
A new car company in Louisiana, the latest on the Cash for Clunkers law, a car gadget that will prove you're an idiot, and a ride in a little hot rod we don't really like.
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SHOW NOTES
• Cash for Clunkers: What you need to know
• New car company starts up in Louisiana
• 3D maps and more impress us in the Eclipse AVN726e
(Credit:
Pioneer)
The AVIC-U310BT is the entry point into the AVIC lineup.
(Credit: Pioneer)AVIC-U310BT: At the entry point of the new lineup is the AVIC-U310BT. Pioneer is positioning this unit as an easy solution for people who want to add iPod/iPhone integration, Bluetooth hands-free calling, and GPS navigation to their vehicles. Pioneer's Bluetooth technology is powered by Parrot, so we expect call quality to be decent. CD playback and AM/FM radio round out the list of standard available sources, while satellite radio and HD Radio capabilities can be added with external modules.
Interestingly, the U310BT's screen is detachable for security and can be used outside of the vehicle to enter points of interest and edit saved locations. However, this detachable screen lacks a GPS antenna or map data of its own, so it cannot be used as a portable navigation unit.
The AVIC-U310BT will carry an MSRP of $600 and should be available in early July 2009.
The AVIC-X710BT and X910BT have very similar hardware.
(Credit: Pioneer)AVIC-X710BT: Moving further up the AVIC line, the AVIC-X710BT gains a larger screen, but loses the capability to detach it. In addition to the features of the U310BT, the X710BT gains voice control for most functions, updated map software with better graphics and 3D landmarks, and a front panel SD card slot for updating maps and playing back digital audio.
AVIC-X910BT: Featuring almost identical hardware to the X710BT, the AVIC-X910BT is distinguished by its glossy finish (versus the X710BT's matte). Internally, the X910BT uses MSN Direct to deliver live traffic data (flow and incident) as well as fuel prices, stock quotes, local events, and movie showtimes. The X910BT's optical drive has been updated for DVD playback with Dolby Digital surround. The unit also supports DivX playback from DVD/CDs or the SD card slot.
Additionally, the X910BT's GPS antenna gains a 3D hybrid gyrosensor. According to Pioneer, this addition makes the navigation more accurate. Our previous experiences with gyrosensors lets us know that sensor helps the navigation software to continue to track the vehicle's movement in the event of a temporary lapse in GPS signal, such as when passing through a tunnel.
The AVIC-X710BT and X910BT will carry an MSRPs of $900 and $1,100, respectively.
AVIC-Z110BT: At the top of the new lineup is the AVIC-Z110BT features the largest touch screen of the AVIC models, which is motorized in this incarnation. The Z110BT can do everything its smaller siblings can do (including MSN Direct, DVD/DivX playback, and so on) with the addition of Bluetooth A2DP/AVRCP audio streaming. System builders and audio enthusiasts will appreciate the 4-volt preamp outputs and advanced EQ adjustments.
A particularly neat feature is the customizable home screen, which lets people drag up to 15 scalable icons to a custom home screen from a palette of available functions. This lets people keep the features they most often use at their fingertips for quick access. We had an opportunity to play with this feature and found customizing the interface to be smooth and easy.
The AVIC-Z110BT will carry an MSRP of $1,600.
AVIC-Feeds: In addition to the four new units, Pioneer has also updated its AVIC-Feeds software. AVIC-Feeds lets people create and edit points of interest, pictures, icons, settings, and address book entries from the comfort of their computer, then sync the updates to their AVIC receiver via SD card. As a bonus, the software will also analyze your routes for fuel cost and CO2 estimates.
Did Saab just become a high tech supercar? BMW rewrites the rules for voice command, thankfully. Airbags in places you wouldn't believe. And a ride in a big, comfy, annoying Mercedes!
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SHOW NOTES
Mercedes ESF 2009 safety car has airbags in goofy places and people in foil suits loving it.
(Credit: Mercedes-Benz)• Mercedes ESF 2009 safety car
• iPhone will finally get real turn-by-turn navigation
• BMW to dramatically ease voice command in cars
Last week I hinted that I would make my following week's blogging theme about navigation systems, partially inspired by the kickass navigation system installed in the 2009 Mini Cooper (or should I say Cooper Mini to annoy all you car snobs out there). True to my word, here we go with this week's Car Tech look at the modern miracle for lost drivers everywhere, the car navigation system.
To kick things off, I found a video from Al & Ed's Auto Sound produced last fall about a portable hybrid navigation system produced by Pioneer Mobile, the AVIC-F500BT. One reason I chose this video to share with you is that I've had good luck with Pioneer goods in the past (especially their stereo equipment), and their prices are typically reasonable. Plus, this video actually shows first-hand demonstrations of what this voice-controlled device can do, and these guys know how to inject humor along the tech-speak here and there. Hybrid navigation systems are going to be among the hottest technologies for your automobile within the foreseeable future, so this should be an intriguing topic to keep an eye on.
Scion's new stereo looks well-designed for iPod browsing.
(Credit: Scion)In a response to tough economic times, Scion announced a new stereo for its 2010 xB model and a price unchanged from the current model year. The new stereo head unit is by Pioneer, and comes standard with the xB.
We've been impressed by Scion's early adoption of standard iPod connectivity, which continues in the 2010 model. The new stereo features a redesigned interface to the one it replaces, with controls that seem more appropriate for browsing music on an iPod and a better-looking display.
The outgoing xB stereo looks drab compared to the new one.
(Credit: Scion)The sound system output, 160 watts, remains the same as the previous electronics. Beyond the improved interface, the major change seems to be new sound processing technology from Pioneer called Advanced Sound Retriever, which tries to restore depth to compressed audio tracks.
Scion also offers a new premium audio system, this one from Alpine, with an optional navigation component. The 200 watt Alpine stereo offers HD radio, Media Expander sound processing technology, and a 4.3 inch color touch screen.
Unlike other automakers, Scion's reliance on aftermarket stereo makers gives it an edge in upgrading its model line-up. Instead of major changes on the production line, a new, standard double-DIN stereo can be swapped in more easily.
Scion announced that the base price of a manual transmission 2010 xB will be $15,750, the same as the current model. With upcoming competition from the Kia Soul and Nissan Cube, Scion needs to keep up. But the new technology availability gives prospective buyers an incentive to hold of on an xB purchase until the 2010 models come out.
Pioneer updates car audio line
(Credit:
Pioneer USA)
Pioneer didn't bet too big this year at CES 2009 in Las Vegas, and has only incrementally updated its full line of car audio receivers, amps, and speakers.
Pioneer's line of audio/video head units gains three models benefiting from better iPod integration compared with its outgoing models. The double DIN AVH-P3100DVD and AVH-P4100DVD and the single DIN, motorized AVH-P5100DVD give users a variety of ...
Read the full post at CNET's CES 2009 blog.
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View the latest prices for Pioneer DEHP5100UB CD Receiver with Full Motion OEL Display
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Hyundai is said to be sniffing around Chrysler, a new Web site blows whistle on short yellow lights, Porsche is more bank than car company, and a ride in the polarizing Ford Flex.
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SHOW NOTES
• Cooley's 2009 Ford Flex video
• Short yellow lights Web site
AVIC-F90BT
(Credit: Pioneer)Pioneer's AVIC Z-Series has set the standard for in-dash navigation devices over the past couple of years, and so the release of a new line of a new family of products in the AVIC series is big news for car tech fans. The line-up starts with the entry-level AVIC-F700BT, which features a single CD/CD-R/RW playback mechanism, followed by the AVIC-F900BT and the AVIC-F90BT, which are both capable of reading MP3, WMA, iTunes AAC, and WAV audio formats as well as DVD, DivX, and MPEG4 video files.
AVIC F900BT
(Credit: Pioneer)
AVIC-F700BT
(Credit: Pioneer)Unveiled this week, all of the F-Series include flash-memory-based navigation and the capability to deliver real-time traffic, weather, and gasoline prices via a connection to MSN Direct. Each of the three new in-dash units features a 5.8-inch high-resolution WVGA touch-panel display; a USB interface for quick connection to iPod music players, portable media players, and USB memory devices; and an SD-card slot for loading additional Points of Interest information or compressed audio and video files. The devices also feature an advanced speech-recognition interface for hands-free calling and media playback selection. Developed by VoiceBox, the voice-recognition system is able to understand conversational directions for making phone calls and selecting audio playback options. Pioneer claims that the interface can even discern a voice command that is complicated by pauses or hesitation, such as a command like: "I want to, ah, play artist, um, Black Eyed Peas." If it works as advertised, the technology will go one better than Ford's Sync system, which holds the current crown for voice-command usability.
Look out for the AVIC-F700BT, the AVIC-F900BT, and the Premier AVIC-F90BT to hit the shelves in June with price tags of $850, $1,100, and $1,200 respectively.
