New Firmware Update For Pioneer NEX Receivers Adds iDatalink Maestro Support

Pioneer Electronics has released another firmware update for its NEX receivers today. The latest version 1.08 comes a few days after version 1.06 brought Apple CarPlay to their devices. Today's update, however, adds iDatalink Maestro support and has a few bug fixes.

To perform the update, you need to follow similar instructions as the previous update. The update files for each of the NEX receivers is separate so make sure you get the correct file. You will need a USB flash drive or a microSD card to install the update, depending on your receiver's model number.

Here are full details from Pioneer...

Firmware Update Version 1.08 for Pioneer NEX (AVIC-8000NEX)

Dear Valued Pioneer Customer:

We would like to inform you of the availability of a firmware update (version 1.08) related to iDatalink® Maestro™ and Apple CarPlay™ for Pioneer AVIC-8000NEX receivers. This firmware update should be applied only to AVIC-8000NEX units sold in the United States and Canada. Installation on any other product could cause irreversible damage.

This firmware update (version 1.08) contains the following improvements:

• Compatibility with iDatalink Maestro 

• Minor bug fixes and audio related issues

• All items from the previous update (version 1.06): 

- Apple CarPlay support for iPhone® 6 Plus, iPhone 6, iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c, and iPhone 5 

- iTunes® Radio support for iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6, iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c, and iPhone 5 

- Support for MPEG-2 playback 

- Rear view camera feature support 

NOTE: A Lightning™ to USB cable (sold separately) is required to connect the iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6, iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c, or iPhone 5 to the Pioneer AVIC-8000NEX to access Apple CarPlay. 

In order to perform this update, the following items are needed:

• Pioneer AVIC-8000NEX 

• One of the following storage devices with at least 2 GB of storage capacity: 

- USB storage device 

- SD card 

After installation of the update, you will be able to use a compatible iDatalink Maestro vehicle-specific adapter to retain some of the factory OEM functions. To learn more about compatibility and supported features, please visit: maestro.idatalink.com

Steps to install the firmware are attached. Installation of the update should take no more than ten minutes to complete.

How to Obtain the Free Firmware Update:

1. Download the firmware update files to a computer from the Pioneer website: pioneerelectronics.com/firmware

2. Transfer the files to a SD memory card or USB storage device for insertion into the AVIC-8000NEX 

Questions:

If you have any questions, please contact Pioneer Customer Service toll free at 1-800-421-1404, Monday through Friday, 10:30 AM - 2:30 PM and 3:30 PM - 7:00 PM (Eastern Time), excluding holidays, or by email through parts.pioneerelectronics.com/contact. 

Sincerely,

Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc.

Note: The above instructions and details are for the Pioneer AVIC-8000NEX. Update details for other NEX receivers are similar. Visit pioneerelectronics.com/firmware.

So, if you had skipped the previous update (version 1.06) for some reason, updating your NEX head unit with the latest version 1.08 will add all the features of the previous version like Apple CarPlay.

A few details about iDatalink Maestro: The connection protocol allows users to retain your car's OEM functions when used with an aftermarket head unit. Steering wheel controls are the best example. Additionally, an iDatalink Maestro module adds vehicle gauges and allows users to view these gauges on the head unit. Data is obtained from the OBD-II port in the car.

Wiring instructions for iDatalink Maestro modules is available from their website for most cars on the road today. For full details on iDatalink Maestro, visit maestro.idatalink.com.