Paul Morris·

Pioneer Launches New CarPlay & Android Auto NEX Receivers Starting At $400, Includes Single-DIN Model

If you have been waiting patiently to own an aftermarket in-car receiver with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto compatibility, then the time could have just come for you to make that purchase. Pioneer, one of the leaders in that industry, has just announced that it will be expanding its range of in-car receivers with five new Apple CarPlay and Android Auto-compatible options ranging from $400 to $600.

The new range of hardware is as beautiful and visually appealing as you would expect from a Pioneer creation, with two models featuring two different display sizes, either 6.2-inch or an impressive 7-inch.

That display may be impressive in size, but it’s also embedded with resistive touch meaning that there is the requirement of an almost physical press on the display to register input. Like modern smartphones, a capacitive display would be the ideal here, but it adds significant cost to the hardware and would likely price it out of the market.

Pioneer has also worked on the device experience from a user-interface and user-experience perspective to make the new hardware more than just about its physical appearance and product design. The internal system has been redesigned with a “simple-to-use interface”, which is fairly imperative given that these devices will be used in a vehicle with minimal input and attention necessary to achieve what needs to be achieved:

Each display in the NEX receiver lineup is built with a clear resistive touchscreen and 24-bit true color LCD panel, making it more responsive than traditional resistive touchscreens, with increased color depth for brighter colors and more vibrant images. The five models also feature a redesigned UI with large source and system settings icons for easy accessibility and operation.

Those who are seriously considering their first, or even a new, in-car experience such as this, will have five new models to choose from. The cheapest two models are the double-DIN AVH-1300NEX and AVH-1330NEX costing $400.

Prices then rise to $500 for the double-DIN AVH-2300NEX and AVH-2330NEX, both with 7-inch 24-bit true color LCD displays. Finally, the most expensive new arrival is the single-DIN AVH-3300NEX, retailing for $600.

All five models will support Apple’s CarPlay, with the AVH-3300NEX, AVH-2330NEX, and AVH-2300NEX offering support for Android Auto as well. They will start shipping this coming July.

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