LAS VEGAS — (BUSINESS WIRE) — January 9, 2012 — CES BOOTH #1101 – Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc., the leader in in-dash navigation technology, today unveiled the new AVIC-Z140BH and AVIC-X940BT navigation systems that offer drivers detailed route guidance to their destinations while simultaneously providing entertainment, information and connectivity with features like the HD Radio Artist Experience™ and map data software now provided by NAVTEQ^®.

Pioneer AVIC-Z140BH (Photo: Business Wire)

Smartphone integration, a hallmark of Pioneer’s previous in-dash navigation models, has been enhanced with the addition of Pioneer’s Advanced App Mode, and for the first time, wireless app control via Bluetooth^® for specific Android^™ devices.

“Pioneer is making an unwavering commitment to bring today’s consumers the best in-car integration for practically all of their personal devices,” said Ted Cardenas, director of marketing for the car electronics division of Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. “Consumers expect the products they use on a daily basis to keep them entertained, informed and up-to-date at all times; our goal is to deliver upon those expectations while ensuring our products are specifically designed to be easy and safe to use in the vehicle.”

AVIC SYSTEMS ADVANCEMENTS

Android Device Connectivity

Pioneer’s newest in-dash navigation models now support wireless app control via the Bluetooth Serial Port Profile (SPP) for select Android^™ devices, enabling audio playback with app display and control through the AVIC touchscreen displays. The following apps are enabled using these new features:

Pandora® internet radio

Pandora internet radio users can enjoy their personalized listening experience fully integrated into their dash and through the speakers in their car. Both Pandora enabled units display the currently playing album, artist and song text information, display current song album art and the user interface features full control of station selection, track info, and thumbs-up and thumbs-down feedback options through the touchscreen of the AVIC systems.

Aha Radio®

With the free Aha Radio app, Android version available Spring ‘12, users can listen to the latest traffic conditions on their current or planned road, listen to Facebook and Twitter updates, access hundreds of podcasts and other services such as the “Hungry” and “Coffee” stations, which deliver real-time vicinity search results and directions to preferred restaurant categories listed on Yelp. Aha Radio offers more than 100 content and podcast stations that can be conveniently accessed and controlled directly on the display of the Pioneer system.

Bluetooth Connectivity

Bluetooth connectivity is built-in to provide a wireless communication and data connection to Bluetooth enabled devices. For 2012, the Bluetooth profiles include the Hands-Free Profile (HFP) for wireless calling and receiving; the Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP), which allows wireless audio streaming; and the Audio Video Remote Control Profile (AVRCP) version 1.3, which provides wireless control of devices and related metadata (if available) to be viewed directly on the Pioneer touchscreen display.

Advanced App Mode and App Mode

Expanding upon the Pioneer AppRadio platform introduced in 2011, Advanced App Mode combined with the Pioneer AppRadio App enables AVIC users to view and control compatible third-party apps which currently include MotionX®-GPS DRIVE, INRIX® Traffic, Rdio®, PANDORA® internet radio, DashCommand™ (Version 2.9.0), StreamS HiFi™ (Version 5.1.1) and AUPEO! Personal Radio (Version 2.36). More AppRadio compatible apps are under development and will be added soon, dynamically expanding the features of AppRadio and Advanced App Mode products including the AVIC navigation systems.

The AVIC-Z140BH and AVIC-X940BT also feature Pioneer’s App Mode, which offers access to streaming video content on a compatible iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S from Safari, YouTube and other select apps when the vehicle is in park and the hand brake is fully engaged.

Audio

In addition to an 8-band graphic equalizer and Advanced Sound Retriever (ASR), a feature that enhances audio playback of compressed audio files, new features like Auto EQ Measurement and the Sonic Center Control have been added to both navigation units, enabling users to precisely calibrate the sound field in the car.

HD Radio™ Technology

Embracing a growing trend for high quality audio broadcasts, both AVIC systems feature HD Radio Technology (AVIC-Z140BH built-in tuner and AVIC-Z940BT optional with GEX-P20HD), providing clear digital reception of HD Radio broadcasts from radio stations around the country. In addition to great audio quality, additional information such as the artist and song title can be viewed on each model’s touchscreen display. And, with the AVIC-Z140BH, the system supports the HD Radio Artist Experience feature, which allows the user to view album art, station logos or other broadcast related graphics in addition to the displayed text information (when available).