Automotive

Video walkthroughs offer detailed look at CarPlay on Pioneer’s $700 AVH-4000NEX receiver

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated October 13, 2018

Though we've seen our fair share of CarPlay demos in months past, we still can't get enough of learning about the intricacies of Apple's in-car iPhone entertainment system. You may have head that Pioneer recently released a firmware update bringing CarPlay functionality to five of its 2014 NEX in-dash multimedia receivers, so people don't have to buy a brand new car just to enjoy CarPlay.

As noted by TUAW, Josh Carr of technology repair firm Fix Denver put Pioneer's new software through its paces and created several videos showing off different aspects of CarPlay, including Phone functionality, Apple Maps and various other built-in apps including Spotify, which recently updated its iPhone and iPad app with CarPlay support .

Interested? Jump past the break for more.

Pioneer releases aftermarket CarPlay systems, Spotify updated with CarPlay support

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated February 3, 2017

A pair of CarPlay-related news reports is making the rounds this morning, one confirming the official release of the first aftermarket CarPlay systems from Pioneer and the other announcing an updated Spotify application for the iPhone and iPad with built-in support for Apple's in-car platform.

As announced back in April, CarPlay is now available as a software update for Pioneer's existing 2014 in-dash multimedia systems, the $1400 AVIC-8000NEX, $1200 AVIC-7000NEX, $900 AVIC-6000NEX, $750 AVIC-5000NEX and the $700 AVH-4000NEX systems.

The company also announced a new $600 smartphone receiver, AppRadio 4, with CarPlay compatibility.

First Ferrari FF models with CarPlay hit the roads

Christian Zibreg ∙ September 8, 2014

Ferrari on Monday started delivering its new Ferrari FF model with CarPlay integration to early adopters, becoming the first commercially available vehicle on the roads with native support for Apple's in-car system, previously known as 'iOS in the Car'. CarPlay is also available for older vehicles as an aftermarket solution from the likes of Alpine and Pioneer.

The $300,000 sports car with a 6.3-liter V12 engine provides a cool 651 horsepower and takes you from zero to 60 miles per hour in 3.4 second (top speed: 208 miles per hour). CarPlay integration in the Ferrari FF includes the familiar features like voice-guided navigation, Siri, music playback, voice controls, messaging, phone calls and more.

Volkswagen to embed CarPlay in 2016 VW models

Christian Zibreg ∙ July 15, 2014

German automobile manufacturer Volkswagen is in talks with Apple on bringing CarPlay to its 2016 lineup, according to a new report. This is an important development as Volkswagen, itself notably absent in Apple's press release announcing CarPlay, files as the biggest German automaker and the second largest automaker in the world.

According to a source with knowledge of the discussions, a formal announcement is expected in the coming months...

Audi CarPlay rollout: 2015 models in Europe, North American vehicles in 2016

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated November 19, 2018

Yesterday, luxury car maker Audi announced it'll be integrating both Apple's CarPlay and Google's Android Auto automotive software platforms into the Multimedia Interface for its premium lineup of vehicles. Today, the German car maker shared additional details pertaining to both the feature and the roll-out timeframe.

Coming to 2015 models in Europe and to 2016 vehicles in North America, CarPlay will integrate with Audi’s built-in controls and allow drivers to access apps through the car’s native controls and switch between CarPlay and Audi's Multimedia Interface with a touch of a button...

Google details Android Auto with APIs for audio and messaging apps

Christian Zibreg ∙ June 25, 2014

More than forty partners have joined Open Automotive Alliance, which Google announced in January as an Android initiative for your car.

The program has received a significant boost with today's official introduction of Android Auto, an in-car software solution which strives to put the right information for the road ahead at your fingertips.

Android Auto extends the Android platform into the car in a way that Google says is purpose-built for driving and focused on navigation, communication and music. Jump past the fold for the nitty-gritty...

Apple adds MLB At Bat to its list of CarPlay-enabled apps

Christian Zibreg ∙ June 24, 2014

Apple's in-car entertainment solution, CarPlay, features limited support for third-party applications, ranging from Stitcher and Apple's own Podcasts to Beats Music, iHeartRadio and Spotify. Previously demoed at WWDC earlier this month, you can now put MLB At Bat on the list of officially supported CarPlay apps, according to Apple's own CarPlay webpage...

Apple shows off Chevy Spark CarPlay integration

Christian Zibreg ∙ June 4, 2014

CarPlay, Apple's in-car entertainment solution which integrates the iPhone into your car in a safe manner, is receiving some welcomed attention at the WWDC show in San Francisco.

Apple hinted at CarPlay demonstrations by parking a Ferrari inside the Moscone West building, right in front of the keynote line.

Indeed, the company is now using these vehicles to show off CarPlay integration to select members of the press. Among them is the USA Today newspaper whose reporter was able to sneak a peek on CarPlay features in a Chevy Spark.

The video is right after the jump...

Volvo confirms XC90 SUV is its first CarPlay vehicle

Christian Zibreg ∙ June 3, 2014

Aside from Mercedes-Benz and Ferari, Volvo is another launch partner for Apple's in-car software feature, dubbed CarPlay. After recently announcing a new version of its popular XC90 SUV, the Swedish company today confirmed the vehicle files as its first car model with native CarPlay integration.

CarPlay on the XC90 is provided alongside Volvo's built-in technology from Here and it enables familiar features like phone, navigation, music, Siri and more - all within an arm's reach via the vehicle's centre console touchscreen display...

Ferrari and other cars parked inside Moscone West. More CarPlay news at WWDC?

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated January 27, 2016

Ferrari is one of the three CarPlay launch partners (along with Volvo and Mercedes-Benz) so we're not shocked that a Ferrari sports vehicle has been spotted inside the Moscone West building and right in front of the keynote line.

With CarPlay in iOS 8 allegedly gaining support for wireless connections between the vehicle and your iOS device - and who knows what else - this could signal Apple's desire to take CarPlay mainstream and perhaps announce during the keynote additional CarPlay features/partners, expanded CarPlay availability, in-dash aftermarket solutions and what not...

Google’s cute self-driving car goes for a test drive

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated May 16, 2016

Google's self-driving autonomous cars have been conceived in Google X, a semi-secret research facility run by CEO Larry Page and dedicated to making skunkworks projects that could lead to major technological leaps in the years ahead, moonshots of sorts if you will. After years of development, the Internet giant has now revealed its design for self-driving car prototypes and they look damn cute.

Google's Sergey Brin took to Code Conference last night to formally announce his company's vehicle that has no steering wheel, pedals or gear shift. The design isn't finalized yet because Google is essentially building its own car here from scratch rather than retrofit existing Toyota and Lexus designs, like the previous prototypes...

Pioneer video shows off aftermarket CarPlay kit

Christian Zibreg ∙ May 16, 2014

Pioneer last month announced five aftermarket options aimed at enabling CarPlay on older vehicles, with Apple confirming both Pioneer and Alpine aftermarket CarPlay integration coming later this year.

Today, the Japanese company has shown off how Apple's in-car solution works in tandem with its NEX dash systems and we have a video right after he jump. Just like native CarPlay integration, customers simply plug in their handset and the NEX hardware then takes over and displays CarPlay interface on a built-in capacitive touchscreen (still a rarity in aftermarket systems)...