Pioneer announces in-dash Facebook and Twitter support, GPS iPhone dock, PAIS

By Jeffrey Van Camp January 5, 2011

pioneer-ces-2011-pandora — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Pioneer makes a wide array of consumer electronics products, but you wouldn’t know it from its CES press conference today. The company focused exclusively on its car stereo and accessories, putting its car division’s director of marketing, Ted Cardenas, on the stand to make some minor announcements including additional social networking support, the launch of a new iPhone dock, and its own app platform.

Pandora, Twitter, Facebook

pioneer-ces-2011-aha-radio — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Cardenas announced that nine Pioneer car stereo models will now support Pandora Internet radio, up from two last year and the electronics manufacturer is partnering with Aha Radio to add Twitter, Facebook, and podcast support to a couple of its high-end audio dashboards. Aha Radio, originally an iPhone app, reads tweets and Facebook messages out loud via a robotic-sounding voice and has about 100 podcast series available for download. It also features some light location searching, will read local Yelp reviews, and has traffic reports.

SmartCradle

pioneer-ces-2011-smartcradle-iphone — Image used with permission by copyright holder

In addition to adding Aha, Pioneer is also launching an iPhone car dock called the SmartCradle. It’s designed to enhance GPS performance by feeding data back into your iPhone from its own internal GPS sensor, gyroscope, and accelerometer. It has a built-in volume control, speaker, and microphone as well as automatic sound leveling, which adjusts volume based on the amount of noise in the vehicle. If you’re driving on the highway, for example, the device will compensate.

PAIS

pioneer-ces-2011-pais-platform-for-aggregation-of-internet-services — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Finally, Pioneer is joining a flurry of manufacturers and launching its own App platform. Dubbed PAIS, or Platform for Aggregation of Internet Services, the platform will attempt to sync up the smartphone, TV, and car experiences to ensure that no tweet or Facebook post goes unread on your trip from the living room to the car. The company also plans to add social features, like the ability to send your friends directions from your dash. Initial apps on the platform include Voicebox, Accuweather, Facebook, Google, Slacker, Tuner2, Twitter, WCities, and Yelp. Service API and reference client code is available now to device makers and app developers.

Topics

Jeffrey Van Camp

Former Digital Trends Contributor

As DT's Deputy Editor, Jeff helps oversee editorial operations at Digital Trends. Previously, he ran the site's…

Cars

Mercedes-Benz EQG: range, price, release date, and more

Concept image of the larger electric G-Wagon

The G-Class is going electric. We already knew that Mercedes-Benz was working on an electric, small-size G-Wagon, but it looks like the company is also working on a larger G-Class SUV, in the form of the EQG. In fact, Mercedes has gone as far as to show off a concept version of the off-roader.

While there's much we don't know about what will become the production model of the EQG, Mercedes has also shared a lot about it. Curious about whether the Mercedes-Benz EQG could be the EV for you? Here's everything we know so far.
Design
Fear not -- the EQG will retain many of the design aspects of the G-Class that you already know and love but with a modern face-lift. The EQG will keep the boxy design that gives the G-Class a classic look but with some additional modern styling, at least if the concept version is anything to go by.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs. Kia EV9: battle of affordable electric SUVs

Kia EV9 GT-Line Three Quarters

The long-awaited Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it's an excellent option for those who want an electric SUV that doesn't completely break the bank. Sure, the R2 isn't cheap -- but it's a whole lot cheaper than most other EVs out there, especially when it comes to SUVs. But Rivian isn't the only company trying to tackle the problem of the budget electric SUV. The Kia EV9 is finally available, and it too offers a modern design and a range of helpful features.

Given the fact that the Rivian R2 and Kia EV9 are two electric SUVs in a similar price range, you might be wondering which is better for your needs. That's why we put the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 head-to-head.
Design
Both the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 are actual SUVs -- not crossovers pretending to be SUVs, like plenty of other EVs out there. The two vehicles offer big, boxy designs and plenty of interior space, making them excellent options for families or those who need that extra storage.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs R1S: How will Rivian’s cheaper SUV compare?

The front three-quarter view of a 2022 Rivian against a rocky backdrop.

Rivian has finally unveiled the R2, its long-awaited attempt at a more affordable electric SUV. The new vehicle may not be available just yet, but fans of Rivian's design aesthetics and feature set are already looking forward to being able to order the new car. The R2 is targeted at being a more affordable take on the electric SUV and will sit alongside the flagship-tier R1S.

Let's get this out of the way right now: The R1S is most likely going to be a better vehicle than the R2. Rivian isn't replacing the R1S with the R2 — it's releasing the R2 as a more affordable alternative, and there will be some compromises when buying the R2 over the R1S.