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Thursday, January 29, 2015

Umano Becomes The Latest CarPlay Compatible Third-Party Application


The number of CarPlay compatible third-party applications is up to 10 now (including Apple's own Podcasts app). Umano is the latest app to join the CarPlay family. It is a free narrated news application with an optional paid subscription.

More info about Umano and some CarPlay screenshots are below the break...

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Hey Apple, Add Some More CarPlay Compatible Third-Party Apps Already [Opinion]


The Apple CarPlay compatible apps list has grown very slowly in the last few months. When Apple first announced the feature back in March 2014, only five third-party apps were compatible: Podcasts, Beats Music, iHeartRadio, Spotify and Stitcher. Since then, only four more apps have been added to the list.

The other four compatible apps are MLB At Bat, CBS Radio, Rdio and Overcast.

With Android Auto on the verge of being released, will Apple step up its game and give the green light to other third-party apps?

JVC Kenwood To Join The Apple CarPlay + Android Auto Playing Field


At CES 2015, JVC Kenwood announced its next generation head units which will feature both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This makes the aftermarket manufacturer the third company to offer both platforms in one device. Pioneer Electronics and Parrot are the other two.

JVC Kenwood's DDX9902S and DDX9702S will offer a whole range of other options in addition to CarPlay and Android Auto. Additional details are below.

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Looks Like 2nd Generation NEX Receivers Won't Have 'AppRadio One' Functionality


Pioneer Electronics' big announcement at CES 2015 was the unveiling of its second generation NEX head units. The five devices announced (AVIC-8100NEX, AVIC-7100NEX, AVIC-6100NEX, AVIC-5100NEX and AVH-4100NEX) are in keeping with their first generation counterparts, featuring a ton of connection and functionality options.

With three out of the five NEX head units (8100NEX, 7100NEX and 4100NEX, users will be able to enjoy both, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, depending on the smartphone used.

However, it seems like the latest NEX head units will not feature Pioneer's simplified 'AppRadio One' functionality, which is an improved version of AppRadio Mode. Full specifications of all five devices are now available. Details are below.

Sunday, January 11, 2015

Pioneer's Website Shows Android Auto Illustrations On AVIC-8000NEX, But Don't Expect Updates


If you head over to Pioneer's Android Auto page, there are plenty of illustrations that show screenshots of the software in action. Pioneer introduced Android Auto support at CES 2015 last week but announced it would be available only on three upcoming NEX receivers: AVIC-8100NEX, AVIC-7100NEX and AVH-4100NEX.

The illustrations on Pioneer's website show Android Auto on a current generation AVIC-8000NEX. Granted the images are simulated but current NEX owners should not get their hopes up about getting Android Auto firmware. Here's why.

Tuesday, January 6, 2015

[BREAKING] Pioneer Announces Second Generation NEX Receivers With Android Auto & CarPlay [CES 2015]


The annual Consumer Electronics Show never fails to impress.

Pioneer Electronics has announced its second generation line up of NEX head units at CES 2015 which will be available early this year. NEX products have been some of the most popular receivers from Pioneer in recent years. They feature spectrum is robust and the NEX software is very good.

The big feature Pioneer is adding to its head units this year is Android Auto which will be available alongside Apple CarPlay in three of the five new devices being announced. Here are full details from what Pioneer will showcase at CES 2015 this week, including more pictures.

Monday, January 5, 2015

Parrot Joins The Field With The RNB6 Offering CarPlay And Android Auto [CES 2015]


There's plenty of interesting news coming out of CES 2015 even before the event kickstarts officially tomorrow. The aftermarket manufacturer Parrot has announced its latest double-DIN head unit, the RNB6, which it is calling 'the most connected in-vehicle infotainment system', which it well might be.

The RNB6 will offer both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in an aftermarket head unit solution. Which means you won't need to purchase an expensive new car to enjoy the latest in-vehicle software. The head unit runs an impressive looking version of Android Lollipop 5.0.

More details including pictures, screenshots and a demo video are below the break.

Volkswagen Will Bring Android Auto And Apple CarPlay To Its Vehicles This Year [CES 2015]


Volkswagen will finally integrate Apple CarPlay in its 2015 lineup of vehicles starting later this year. Selected vehicles will also get the Android Auto option.

In a press release, the automaker has unveiled plans for its new and improved infotainment system. VW will also be present at CES 2015 in Las Vegas starting tomorrow. Here are some more details from the press release...