I had already written this blog waiting to post it and then I, along with all of you, heard that Steve Jobs had passed. Although we all expected it due to his poor health, I believe the moment(s) of reflection we have must at some point turn to all of his innovations and how they have affected our lives and states of being. We now have our wallet, calendar, phone, calculator, video games, babysitter, baby tracker, navigation, videos, email and lets not forget music in one very small phone or device. For several years, other innovative companies have been playing catch up while we have been allowed to squeeze one item after another into a very tiny device and make our lives, “simpler”. The last decade or so has seen one improvement after another and much of that is due to Mr. Jobs. For that, I’m sure we are all thankful and his is certainly a name that will always be remembered. The following is my blog as I had written it before he passed.
Pioneer has once again inched ahead of the aftermarket head unit replacement world. App Radio or model number, SPH-DA01, is a fantastic “iDea” for all the iPhone/iTouch users. Let’s get the nitty gritty out of the way first. You must use iPhone 4 or iTouch 4th gen with this unit. The HU comes with AM/FM radio and the iPhone/iTouch adapter needed. There is no CD player and no ability to add satellite radio. You are able to add back up camera and steering wheel controls. Then, well everything else functions through apps. Yes, apps. Our pop-culture, vernacular-driven world has an “it” word and Pioneer has possibly provided the new “it” Head Unit. It is a double din, touchscreen receiver that will allow the user to control apps from the HU that are on the iPhone. Not all of them, but ones that are very handy for a driver. You can use Contacts, Calendar, Photos, Google Maps, Pandora Internet Radio, Rdio, MotionX GPS Drive and Inrix Traffic. You will also be able to use your iTunes files from your iPhone. If someone is “sophisticated” enough, you will also be able to view video while driving. The price is even better, $400, for all that.
The downside is relevant to the user. You can only control those apps listed above from the App Radio, for now. Everything else must be controled from the iPhone. Bet your bottom dollar the list will grow. That is where this industry gets exciting for me is when something new like this, something innovative like the App Radio, although not perfect, will spawn so many other beautiful and cool new “its”, just like the iPod and apps itself. Also, some of the apps are more complicated than others to “back out of”. For example, while using Pandora, if you want to change to a different app, the user must back, back, back until it is at the main app menu again. It takes several “backs” to do this. One customer of ours just chooses to exit Pandora from his iPhone to speed the process along. For him, that’s acceptable and fine because he loves everything else about it. For others, those that expect perfection the first time around and aren’t enthusiastic about accepting a couple of small inconveniences although the coolness would normally outweigh them, not so fine.
Keep in mind, your approval will depend on a few things. Your phone, service provider, service area, 3G, etc., all effect how the apps will function. So if you are someone, like another customer of ours who has to travel to remote areas for work and still needs navigation to function perfectly, then this may not be for you. If you are upgrading and perfection from your navigation and all other features is necessary and you don’t want them to rely on your service area, then choose one of the unbelievably low-priced all-in-one HU’s that are out there. Pioneer has those too. Units, that 3 years ago were $2400 are now $700 – $1200 and they are better and have more features.
I really like the App Radio. It is perfect for users like me that haven’t bought a CD in “I don’t know how long” and completely rely on their phone or iPod to provide the entertainment. The buyer of this unit will have to remind themselves that it is not going to function just like an iPhone or iTouch, because it isn’t either one.
Remember that and I believe you’ll love it.
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