CES: Pioneer announces new connectivity suite

Pioneer announced its second-generation Networked Entertainment eXperience (NEX) line of car audio hardware at the 2015 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) Tuesday, promising an expansion of in-car smartphone integration for consumers without connected vehicles.
The new NEX receivers will be among the first to integrate Android Auto into aftermarket car audio equipment, allowing users access to advanced features via a simple interface, reducing distraction and increasing functionality.

“Integrating Android Auto into our second generation NEX receivers provides compatible Android smartphone owners the ability to utilize the power and connectivity of their devices for navigation, communications, music and more,” said Pioneer Electronics (USA) Vice President Ted Cardenas in a statement. “Android Auto delivers a familiar and consistent user experience that is optimized specifically for the automotive environment with advanced speech technology for quick and easy voice control and a unique visual display of useful and relevant contextual information.”

The addition of Android Auto will augment existing smartphone connectivity provided by Apple CarPlay.

NEX units will also feature HDMI connectivity, wideband speech & A2DP Bluetooth connectivity, MirrorLink, HD Radio, iDataLink Maestro technology and dual zone audio/video playback for users who wish to incorporate rear-seat entertainment systems. The new hardware should be available to consumers in March, 2015.