How To View AppRadio Mode In Fullscreen On The AppRadio 4 [How-To]

Those of you who have been writing in asking how to get rid of the menu bar in AppRadio Mode on the new Pioneer AppRadio 4 (SPH-DA120), this post is for you.

When you first launch AppRadio Mode, you will notice the menu bar on the left side which reduces the size of the display area. The menu bar has buttons for access to phone calls over Bluetooth, a home button, menu button and the mode button (looks like an arrow facing downwards).

So how do you get rid of the menu bar? It's simple.

Pioneer AppRadio 4 (SPH-DA120) Review: The Best AppRadio Yet! [Full Review]

Pioneer Electronics' AppRadio line has undergone a gradual transformation over the last few years. The previous generation models had modest improvements over their predecessors. The AppRadio 3, for example, came with Bluetooth streaming and a CD/DVD drive along with a slightly faster interface.

The recently announced AppRadio 4 (SPH-DA120) however, takes upgrades to a whole new level over the AppRadio 3. And I'm not talking about Apple CarPlay alone. Yes, that's a big addition but there are a whole spectrum of other features that will make the device one of the highly desired head units this holiday season.

We have been testing out the AppRadio 4, which was sent to us by Pioneer Electronics, for a few days now, and this is our full in-depth review.

Pioneer AppRadio 4 SPH-DA120 Vs. AVH-4000NEX... Which One Should You Buy?

Pioneer's entry level NEX head unit, AVH-4000NEX, has been available for a few months now and is probably the most popular model. But with AppRadio 4 (SPH-DA120) being launched, it gives potential customers an additional choice to avail of Apple CarPlay in that price range.

So, how will you decide which head unit to buy? We have shortlisted a few features which may help you make your decision easier. Take a look after the break...

Video Shows AppRadio Unchained Reloaded In Action [Video]

We found this YouTube video which shows what to expect when using AppRadio Unchained Reloaded (ARUR) with a rooted Android device. In this case, the user has an MK809III Mini TV PC Box stick connected to a Pioneer AppRadio 2 (SPH-DA100).

The video is after the break.

AppRadio Unchained Reloaded App Launched; Mirroring With Touch Control For Android

AppRadio Unchained was an open source endeavor by developers that brought full touch control for your Android smartphone on AppRadio. The mod worked with any head unit that supported Pioneer AppRadio Mode. The software was available as an independent download and required a rooted Android smartphone to work.

Developers have now launched a standalone app available for purchase on Google Play called AppRadio Unchained Reloaded which replaces Pioneer AppRadio Mode. The app mirrors the Android smartphone interface onto the head unit and allows full touch controls. It is like mounting your smartphone in your dashboard but on a bigger screen.

Full details and some additional screenshots are below.

The "Race To Zero" On Pioneer NEX Head Unit Pricing Heats Up [Deals]

Pioneer Electronics' NEX head units are some of the most desired pieces of car entertainment hardware these days. The five models feature a variety of robust features but none better than Apple CarPlay.

Although suggested retail price ranges from $700 to $1400, online sellers on Amazon offer the devices at much lower prices. We have a price comparison graphic below with links to Amazon, showing the lowest prices available at the moment.

Let your holiday shopping begin with a head unit upgrade for your car. Prices start as low as $525 for some models. Take a peek below...

Pioneer AppRadio 4 (SPH-DA120) Installation & What To Expect - Review Part 2 [Pictures]

In the second part of our Pioneer AppRadio 4 (SPH-DA120) review process, we will look at installation and initial setup. We installed the review unit we received from Pioneer Electronics yesterday and have been testing it out ever since. Our full, in-depth review of the device will be posted in a few days.

Read through the rest of this post to see how we went about installing the device. There are also a few of our initial impressions of the AppRadio 4 included at the bottom of this post.

Let's Unbox The New Pioneer AppRadio 4 (SPH-DA120) - Review Part 1 [Pictures]

We recently received the new Pioneer AppRadio 4 (SPH-DA120) for review from Pioneer Electronics. The device is the latest Apple CarPlay-capable, double-DIN head unit from Pioneer and adds to their list of five NEX head units that offer CarPlay.

This is the first part of our review process - the unboxing. So lets see what's included with your AppRadio 4 purchase. Check out our unboxing pictures below.

Landscape View On The iPhone 6 Plus Makes It A Great Dashboard Install [Video]

The iPhone 6 Plus features a large 5.5-inch screen making it a good-sized device to install in your car's dashboard. We have seen iPads and iPad Minis getting the dashboard treatment but even the iPad Mini is quite a large device to install in your car.

That's where the iPhone 6 Plus comes in, bridging the gap between the smaller iPhone 6 and relatively larger iPad Mini. The 6 Plus also features landscape view like the iPads, something the iPhone 6 doesn't allow. The landscape orientation of icons makes it perfect for the dashboard.

We found this video, which was posted back in September on YouTube, showing an iPhone 6 Plus installed in a Mercedes-Benz with some high-end audio equipment. The video is from "NVSAUDIO." Watch it below...

Use An OBD-II Extension Cable To Make Your Car's Data Port Easily Accessible

The On-Board Diagnostics or OBD port in your car can be a useful source of information. The OBD-II specification became mandatory in all cars sold in the United States after 1996. OBD-II adapters are aplenty these days giving users the ability to view vehicle diagnostics on their smartphones.

The OBD-II port is usually located obscurely in your car's dashboard. There's one way to make the port easily accessible. Using an extension cable. Here are some relatively inexpensive options.