Pioneer Announces AppRadio 2

This is cool, I want one, sadly though where I live this wouldn’t be in my car for long after I installed it. The AppRadio 2 features a 7” capacitive touchscreen and it will work with either an Android of iPhone for much more than just calls, you can use your apps on the radio!  For Android phones you’ll apparently have to buy and extra connectivity kit which is of course sold separately.

Transforming any car into a “connected car,” Pioneer’s next generation AppRadio™ 2 (SPH-DA100) smartphone-powered in-dash receiver will be on display to demonstrate how both iPhone® and numerous Android smartphones can effectively and safely be connected into the dash of the vehicle. The Pioneer AppRadio 2 enables owners of these devices to use many of their favorite iPhone and Android apps, specifically customized for the in-car environment, but now controlled through a larger touchscreen installed in the dash.

The in-dash receiver features the first 7-inch capacitive touchscreen, designed specifically for easier in-vehicle operation. Compatible with more than 80% of the smartphones in use today¹, AppRadio 2 works with more than 15 of the most popular Android smartphone devices², with iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S, and with more than two dozen apps ranging from navigation to entertainment. Pioneer continues to work with developers to release in-vehicle friendly apps and will demonstrate several Android third party apps at the show, including echoecho™, Inrix^®, Extra Mile™ and Best Parking™.

Pioneer is also unveiling its dedicated app developer portal, www.appradiodev.com, to encourage third party development of compatible AppRadio apps. The self-service website will provide developers with the procedures for submitting their apps for consideration, as well as the AppRadio software development kit (SDK) for qualifying apps.

¹ According to a April 2012 Nielsen survey
² Compatible with certain Android powered smartphones via the Android App Connectivity Kit, CD-AH200C (sold separately).