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Christmas comes late! Pioneer unwraps four connected car solutions at CES

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Pioneer
Image used with permission by copyright holder
At the 2015 International CES, Pioneer announced four solutions that will dramatically improve the brand’s ‘connected car’ offerings.

With the announcement, Pioneer is among the first wave of manufacturers to include both iPhone and Android compatibility with its head units, and the brand’s ‘NEX’ receivers and TS-D speakers have entered a new generation. Also new for 2015 is a Horizontal-Vertical Transforming Technology (HVT) loudspeaker design.

Android Auto compatibility

Android Auto
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Adding onto the brand’s Apple CarPlay functionality, Pioneer has announced Android Auto compatibility with three of its Networked Entertainment eXperience (NEX) receivers.

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The devices include the AVIC-8100NE, AVIC-7100NEX, and AVH-4100NEX, all of which feature a 7-inch touchscreen and a microphone for voice control.

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“Integrating Android Auto into our second generation NEX receivers provides compatible Android smartphone owners the ability to utilize the power and connectivity of their devices for navigation, communications, music and more,” said Ted Cardenas, marketing VP of Pioneer Electronics.

The three units will be available in March 2015.

NEX receivers enter second generation

Pioneer
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Pioneer’s newest NEX receivers, the AVIC-8100NEX, AVIC-7100NEX, AVIC-6100NEX, AVIC-5100NEX and AVH-4100NEX, now boast more impressive connectivity and audio/video capability.

Three feature Android Auto (see above), all equip Apple CarPlay, and each utilizes a brighter, more sensitive touchscreen. All models includeSiriusXM-Ready, Bluetooth, and high-res FLAC audio playback.

Redesigned TS-D speaker packages

Pioneer
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Pioneer’s TS-D speakers have also entered their second generation.

New for TS-D speakers is an aramid fiber cone made from ‘Twaron’ woven cloth, which gives the unit a low mass but “excellent damping characteristics.” There are 0.9-inch tweeters now as well, and the whole line has been tweaked for ease of installation.

The company claims these improvements will result in “exceptionally open and smooth sound quality with solid bass response, bolder vocals, precise staging and clear separation of instruments.”

Pioneer debuts ‘Horizontal-Vertical Transforming Technology’

Pioneer
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Perhaps the coolest bit of tech news from Pioneer is the firm’s new ‘Horizontal-Vertical Transforming Technology’ (HVT) loudspeaker design. HVT employs a bespoke linkage mechanism that dramatically reduces size while canceling vibration, improving bass, and increasing total output.

HVT is showcased on the new TS-WH500A amplified subwoofer, a 150-maximum watt system that measures just 13.4 inches x 9.8 inches x 2.3 inches. It goes on sale in March.

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Andrew Hard
Andrew Hard
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Andrew first started writing in middle school and hasn't put the pen down since. Whether it's technology, music, sports, or…
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