Add Android Auto to your car with Pioneer receivers

Pioneer has announced three new devices that support Android Auto, Google’s in-car centre console software. The devices can be retrofitted to cars with 7in centre console screens that don’t support Android Auto.

Three new models have been announced that come with Android Auto support pre-installed. Apple CarPlay, which was launched last year, is also supported.

Android Auto allows users to use Google voice controls to do all the hands-free things you’d expect to be able to do from your phone, but on a bigger, less distracting and more car-friendly interface. Using either the device’s built-in microphone or your car’s own built-in microphone, voice commands for sending messages, checking the weather, using Google Maps for navigation and making phone calls are all possible. If you car has media and telephone buttons on the steering wheel, these can also be connected to allow you to control the unit. Auto is compatible with devices running Android 5.0 (Lollipop) and up.

Android Auto was announced last year with launch partners including Ford, Audi, Honda, Nissan, Renault and Volkswagen. Pioneer’s new products, available from March, are among the first to go on sale.

The three new models vary in their feature sets and touchscreen quality, with only the top-end AVIC-F77DAB including a capacitive touchscreen. The cheaper AVIC-F70DAB and AVH-X8700B0 models use cheaper resistive touch screens, which typically require a little more force to get a response.

Additional features include HDMI connectivity (AVIC-F77DAB and AVH-8700BT only), Bluetooth connectivity and Pioneer’s own AVICSYNC networked navigation tools. The two DAB-suffixed models also have DAB tuners with pause and rewind functions.

The AVH-X8700BT is priced at £699.99, the AVIC-F70DAB will be £999.99 and the top-end AVIC-F77DAB can be yours for £1,199.99. Add on installation fees from your local garage or aftermarket store if you don’t want to undertake the fiddly task of installing them yourself.