Pioneer reveals 2017 NEX aftermarket head units with CarPlay support
Pioneer has introduced a new range of aftermarket head units to its collection, with the five 2017-edition NEX in-dash multimedia receivers giving more CarPlay-compatible options to drivers to install into their vehicles, at a more consumer-friendly price point.
Pioneer AVH-3300NEX Multimedia Car Receiver
Four of the five new NEX units are double-DIN devices, with the AVH-2330NEX and AVH-2300NEX offering 7-inch displays, while the AVH-1330NEX and AVH-1300NEX use 6.2-inch screens. The last unit, the AVH-3300NEX, uses the more universal single-DUN in-dash receiver size, which is said will be more compatible with older vehicles and collectible cars.
The updated models all boast a resistive touchscreen with 24-bit color and an increased color depth, complete with a redesigned user interface. All include support for CarPlay, with Apple's automotive platform activating once an iPhone is connected via USB, with three models also including support for the rival Android Auto system.
Outside of CarPlay, the units can control music playback from a media device connected over USB, with Bluetooth connectivity allowing for hands-free calling and music streaming with up to five registerable devices. For streaming media, the units all offer the ability to access Spotify on a connected iPhone without using CarPlay, as well as the dynamic creation of new Pandora stations and presets from the main interface.
Pioneer AVH-3300NEX Multimedia Car Receiver
The collection all offer a 13-band graphic equalizer configurable by the touch panel, auto EQ and auto time alignment, video playback from USB and external drives, FLAC support, and connectivity to Waze for navigation.
All models are backup camera ready, working with many rear view camera systems, with the AVH-3300NEX, AVH-2330NEX, and AVH-1330NEX including dual camera inputs. The three also have a remote control for adjusting the volume and changing the audio source, with the AVH-3300NEX the only one with a motorized 7-inch display and a detachable face for security.
Pioneer is shipping all five 2017 NEX receivers in July in the United States, starting from $400 and rising to $600 for the AVH-3300NEX.
Pioneer AVH-3300NEX Multimedia Car Receiver
Four of the five new NEX units are double-DIN devices, with the AVH-2330NEX and AVH-2300NEX offering 7-inch displays, while the AVH-1330NEX and AVH-1300NEX use 6.2-inch screens. The last unit, the AVH-3300NEX, uses the more universal single-DUN in-dash receiver size, which is said will be more compatible with older vehicles and collectible cars.
The updated models all boast a resistive touchscreen with 24-bit color and an increased color depth, complete with a redesigned user interface. All include support for CarPlay, with Apple's automotive platform activating once an iPhone is connected via USB, with three models also including support for the rival Android Auto system.
Outside of CarPlay, the units can control music playback from a media device connected over USB, with Bluetooth connectivity allowing for hands-free calling and music streaming with up to five registerable devices. For streaming media, the units all offer the ability to access Spotify on a connected iPhone without using CarPlay, as well as the dynamic creation of new Pandora stations and presets from the main interface.
Pioneer AVH-3300NEX Multimedia Car Receiver
The collection all offer a 13-band graphic equalizer configurable by the touch panel, auto EQ and auto time alignment, video playback from USB and external drives, FLAC support, and connectivity to Waze for navigation.
All models are backup camera ready, working with many rear view camera systems, with the AVH-3300NEX, AVH-2330NEX, and AVH-1330NEX including dual camera inputs. The three also have a remote control for adjusting the volume and changing the audio source, with the AVH-3300NEX the only one with a motorized 7-inch display and a detachable face for security.
Pioneer is shipping all five 2017 NEX receivers in July in the United States, starting from $400 and rising to $600 for the AVH-3300NEX.
Comments
I have a Pioneer 4200NEX in my Tacoma and a Kenwood 9903s in my Evo. I used the iDatalink Maestro RR in my Evo so I could get gauges. It works by tapping into the CANBUS (2 wires). In other cars, you can also tap into the HVAC controls, heated mirrors and seats and other vehicle controls. This makes it possible to replace head units that are deeply integrated into cars that control everything. Really excited that this ability has come to fruition because it keeps the aftermarket car audio industry alive.
I do wish these had wireless CarPlay though. The only option is Alpine and they have 2-volt pre-outs (not acceptable for audiophiles, though you could argue that wireless audio isn't either).
My only ask at this point is for Apple to open CarPlay up to more developers. I have ideas for a number of apps, just wish they'd let us get involved instead of being forced to Android Auto.
If you are an audiophile, upgrading the head unit is almost required. Also in my opinion the UX for these aftermarket head units has beat any factory built-in unit I've worked with so far.
I don't consider a six year old car old.
The other thing is that most people who might want this don't have the skills to install it themselves. I know I don't and I'm pretty handy. So getting professional installation would be another expense.
You don't have to go back more than a couple of years to find that most cars don't have airplay compability. Not to mention all of the people worldwide who, unlike the privileged few, don't buy a new car even every 5 years. Yes it's well worth $500 for a stereo. Tires which need to be replaced every so often or any other work that needs to be done to a car is right often pailed in comparison with a $500-$600 receiver. The line gets drawn slightly after you start adding preamps, amps, subwoofers etc.
Not everyone has thousands of dollars to fork out for a new car every 3yrs, or they don't want a continuous car payment. So its much cheaper to spend $400 on a new head unit than it is $22,000 for a new car that has CarPlay included. Cars aren't just crap after the warranty are up. If you take care of your vehicle it typically takes care of you for the most part.