Looks like the new unit has a larger screen (7" vs. 6.1") and support for Android, but that's about it in terms of anything really useful, that I have been able to discern.

Too bad, Pioneer never released any firmware upgrades for the original unit and I'm guessing same will be true of this unit. I almost pulled the trigger on this thing, but in the end, there was just too much wrong with the way it interacted with the iPhone, which overall made me decide against it.

Hmmm it's like Pioneer listened to me about needing a larger screen an additional preouts haha. Now this is something to consider.

I'd much rather have a nicer head unit and a carputer. Yeah it'll cost more but it won't suck.

I've installed a few app radios and have yet to have a happy customer. First of all this is in now way shape or form a pioneer manufactured radio. It shares most of its features with Advent double din radios. Each customer complained of an unresponsive touch screen and an inability to use apps as well as the screen freezing randomly until the car is turned off. Physically the harness and chassis are identical to the Advent Adv-u630 as is the gps antenna. This is an indication that this is simply a cheap audiovox product that someone at pioneer saw somewhere and bought the rights too and just rebadged it as a pioneer product. Overall the appradio is a waste of money

Just installed AppRadio2 in my little brothers 300c with the Boston Acoustics sound system. This actually works much Better than I anticipated and I like it a lot. Yes it lacks certain features but I love how well the UI moves almost fluid like. Much more responsive than any other touchscreen I've used. Videos and pics work great. Pandora works great. I LOVE the free gps app that you can download. It's fast and works great as well!!! All for free!

My only gripe about it as of right now is,(2 gripes) is that we haven't been able to successfully communicate over Bluetooth. The mic works great and the other person can hear us perfectly, but their voice does not play thru the speakers for hands free. I'm sure we're missing something here. Also, the other gripe I have is that the warning screen that displays and tells you not to drive, sometimes the "Ok" button isn't lit up but that might have something to do with the relay I added. We have to unplug the iPhone and plug it back in and then the "ok" button lights up and all is good.

The AppRadio sounded cool until I found out it doesn't play CD's. :shakes head:

wat are CD's? :confused:

Welcome to 2012 where laptops are now becoming ultrabooks and they don't have disc drives either :tup:

Haha. I know its something that I think should be in there. However, I'm in the market for a new MacBook Pro and was considering all sorts of laptops and I wanted the Air but couldn't get over the fact that it doesn't have a disc drive. Then, I remembered that I haven't used a disc in my laptop in like 2 years. Whenever I drive my Z around I always use Sirius radio or I plug in the iPhone to the AUX. I never use CD's. The movies will play straight off your iPhone... You can also use Netflix and all sorts of stuff. This AppRadio is really growing on me and I might throw one in the Z soon.

You know, those round things that some people use as coasters.

I know it's an old technology but I would want the option to play one in the car. What is your opinion on the AppRadio?

app radio is the future. smartphones will be the key device that everyone will have and app radio will be just a remote control to access everything in their phone. this includes nav. and soon enough everything will be wireless. your phones will wirelessly charge while it's in your pocket. i started using google nav and it is very good for a free app + free updates. :tup:

just rip your CD's in 256 bps+ and you probably wont notice a difference in a car stereo.

You guys make very valid points. Now that you mention it, I believe I could live without CD's in the car. The more and more I think about it, CD's just seem like a waste of space. Not having CD's just seemed like such a foreign idea at first. I will have to give this AppRadio a second look.

I'm already using my iPhone for navigation as I don't have a standalone or in-dash GPS. It hasn't let me down yet.

kenchan, you have convinced me that AppRadio will be the future. I cannot see it being any other way. Are there any units on the horizon that you are particularly excited about? Or is the AppRadio2 good for now?

AppRadio2 is a bit glitchy and if you view a couple reviews on youtube you'll see them. This is a huge step over the first generation AppRadio though and Pioneer is releasing firmware updates to address issues so it's nice to see a company backing their product.

I'm looking forward to see other companies grow into the AppRadio types. I'd love to have a Kenwood or Eclipse unit but right now the GUI isn't up to par IMHO. I've played with the latest and greatest Kenwood 9990HD and it's slooooow. The Eclipse unit is nice but the display is lacking pixels. The screen on this AppRadio is beautiful. It's a glossy glass just like the iPhone so your finger slides effortlessly across the screen, as it should.

actually i like CD's for the cover album and the booklet. something to read while checking out the artist's tunes. but yah, headunits these days will show the illustration on screen while it plays and you can get lyrics, etc online.

i am an android user so i am hoping pioneer releases something more compatible for my phone next year. i think it's just a matter of time. :)

i was about to get a new HU to replace my aging AVH3100DVD in my Z this year, but i decided to wait. if no app-radio comes out for android next year, i will get either a AVH4400BH or the next version of it.

The Pioneer AppRadio 2 is compatible with Android, it was released in Jan 2012. $388 brand new on Amazon.

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PU...+2+(SPH-DA100)

from wat i read it's not truely compatible like it is with iphone, i dont think.
its just some apps like pandora and some google apps that it can take phone data via BT.

also no steering wheel control yet.

That's a bummer, hopefully some firmware updates will solve the compatibility issues with Android. If this unit was fully compatible with your phone, would it be in your car as we speak?

thanks, they did improve from the earlier version it looks like via the recent firm ware update. my droid4 appears to be more compatible. :tup: it's listed now. hummmm!

if it had steering wheel controls, then absolutely.

Also, just an FYI but the 8400BH model has AppRadio built in and has a ton more features and would be more future proof if you ever wanted to expand into adding several amps and have amazing sound quality....

yah, that might be a better way to go next yr if app radio3 is not out by then with steering controls. :tup:

will check out their site for compatibility. thanks

$50mail in rebate if app radio2 bought from authorized dealer... till aug.

AppRadio Mail-In Rebate | Pioneer Electronics USA

the 8400BH app mode only works with iphones still.

Do NOT buy that one. That is NOT AppRadio2. Thats AppRadio v1.2 lol

Go to crutchfield and look at the difference. That one has the smaller screen. AppRadio 2 is SPH-DA100:tup:

Looks like they're just trying to clear out some overstock of the first generation and gave it a different model number to confuse people.

ohhhhh, pioneer sneaky... :ugh2: scratch that then.

thought it was for the app radio2

So I've been comparing the various Pioneer models all afternoon. I think I kind of have it down in a nutshell. All models I have researched have the AppRadio feature built in.

For the AVIC models. They are top of the line with navigation capabilities out of the box. Plays CDs/DVDs and also features voice command.

The AVH models are similar to the AVIC ones, but do not navigate out of the box. You need to purchase the ~$400 adapter in order to do so. But you can use AppRadio with your phone to navigate.

The AppRadio models are the most basic. Does not play CDs/DVDs and relies on the phone for all the fuctionality. (Unable to play music, navigate, etc unless synced with the phone).

- If I wanted a unit that relied on my phone for navigation, but is also able to play CDs/DVDs. the AVH would be the way to go.

- If CDs/DVDs were not necessary and I could rely on my phone for navigation, the AppRadio 2 would be the best choice.

- If I wanted a unit to do everything out of the box, the AVIC is the best choice.

Do I have it down? Am I missing anything? Any feedback is appreciated.


Any feedback/opinions would be great.

you got it right. i run an older model avh-3100 and nuvi in my Z, and avh4100 + droid4 in my G. AVH's are a nice system, reliable too.

only down side was back then BT was an option and the BT module had issues pairing with motorola phones for some reason. this is why i use BT off the nuvi (ecoRoute guages + speaker phone) + recently got a auto on/off Motorola roaster2 for my G.

if i was to get a new HU today, i would get the AVH4400BH for my Z. :) im still not a fan of having to have to pay $95 or watever for map updates. for maps i will use nuvi/droid4 until these stereo manufacturers offer free map updates.

The AppRadio does have regular radio functionality without the need for your smart phone. Also I do believe you can add satellite radio and other gadgets via IPBUS connections without needing a smart phone. The 4400/8400 would be the best bet right now but the GUI of the actual AppRadio is still superior with its glass screen and fluid like movements.