Wireless Apple CarPlay support included in new Pioneer dash receivers
Pioneer has launched two new CarPlay-compatible receiver units, both of them including a rare feature in the CarPlay world: wireless compatibility.
The W4400NEX.
The AVH-W4400NEX has a 7-inch resistive touchscreen, and features like Bluetooth, SiriusXM, two USB ports, and SD card support. A CD/DVD drive is also present for people using physical media.
The AVH-W8400NEX is largely identical, the major addition being a capactive touchscreen. Whereas resistive screens detect pressure, capacitive ones use only the electrical signal from a human finger, making them more responsive. The latter technology is used on most smartphones and tablets, such as Apple's iPhone and iPad.
The W8400NEX.
Pioneer is selling the W4400NEX through retailers like Crutchfield for $699.99. The W8400NEX is $1,199.99.
Wireless CarPlay has been extremely rare so far, the first aftermarket option being the Alpine iLX-107, released just last June. BMW was the first automaker to offer native wireless though, beginning in 2016.
Most CarPlay-compatible cars and receivers still force users to connect an iPhone via a Lightning cable. Indeed Pioneer's new receivers still have a wired option.
The W4400NEX.
The AVH-W4400NEX has a 7-inch resistive touchscreen, and features like Bluetooth, SiriusXM, two USB ports, and SD card support. A CD/DVD drive is also present for people using physical media.
The AVH-W8400NEX is largely identical, the major addition being a capactive touchscreen. Whereas resistive screens detect pressure, capacitive ones use only the electrical signal from a human finger, making them more responsive. The latter technology is used on most smartphones and tablets, such as Apple's iPhone and iPad.
The W8400NEX.
Pioneer is selling the W4400NEX through retailers like Crutchfield for $699.99. The W8400NEX is $1,199.99.
Wireless CarPlay has been extremely rare so far, the first aftermarket option being the Alpine iLX-107, released just last June. BMW was the first automaker to offer native wireless though, beginning in 2016.
Most CarPlay-compatible cars and receivers still force users to connect an iPhone via a Lightning cable. Indeed Pioneer's new receivers still have a wired option.
Comments
I looked at the Alpine receiver and the Pioneer has a few things going for it that are pertinent. A 13-band equalizer is a big one. I'm pretty picky about the frequency response and my Pioneer 4100NEX is the first head unit I've had that gave me the sound quality I've always wanted. Also, SiriusXM is not completely obviated: if you're in the boonies with no cell service, you can still get satellite radio.
I fully expect these head units to support rear camera video. My 4100NEX does. In fact, it has two video inputs.
The touch didplay in many cars is used for ride settings, tire pressure monitoring, launch control, etc.
When these pioneer units were first announced in January pioneer made a big deal about wireless android but had nothing to say about wireless CarPlay. Now when they are released, Lo! They have wireless CarPlay too!
Surely an update to the Kenwoods would enable wireless CarPlay? Because otherwise they seem a better option than the pioneers. Better screens and equalisers, better multiple phone use etc.
Actually, why hasn’t someone simply done that?
It's hard to tell if those cars have Wi-Fi tied into the entertainment system, or if they just provide data services in-car as a hotspot. If they aren't a part of the infotainment system, then it won't work.
Be careful with "Surely!" - updates to these systems are pretty infrequent. They all have the ability to be updated, but only Pioneer has ever issued updates to systems that I can recall. When we had the SPH-DA120 for testing, and reviewed the AVH-4100NEX, they did have updates during the review period, but did not add functionality like wireless at that time.
Aftermarket products require an adapter to the car's bus to be able to talk to those features. It is possible, but is not provided by the aftermarket radio, as much as it is the adapter to the aftermarket system.
Honestly, there are a ton of people who should install these. People are keeping vehicles longer than ever these days, as much as 11.5 years. 1 in 4 vehicles on the road was made before 2000. I have installed these units in a 2001 Honda CR-V, a 2007 Honda Odyssey, and a 2005 Cadillac CTS. The availability of single-DIN units from Pioneer and Alpine make it even easier to install in a wider range of vehicles.