Pioneer AVIC-F700BT / AVIC-F900BT / AVIC-F90BT Review

TO BE RELEASED JUNE 2008

When the AVIC-D3 came out last year, the car audio industry was deeply impressed by Pioneer's ability to seamlessly integrate an aftermarket in-dash navigation system to make it look like an OEM system. Consumers and experts alike agree that the AVIC-D3 looked as good as it performed. However, many were still skeptical about its cumbersome DVD navigation system-- forcing users to shuffle for discs while switching from media playback to navigation.
On April 19, 2008, Pioneer had a press release that announced the upcoming release of the AVIC-F series. They boast a truly innovative navigation with feature-packed media playback capabilities. There will be three levels of the AVIC-F release: AVIC-F700BT, AVIC-F900BT, and Premier AVIC-F90BT.

Intelligent Voice Recognition
All of them feature a voice-recognition system that is both intelligent and conversational. You may be annoyed by the voice command system of your phone... you know what we mean because you've experienced trying to dial a friend by saying his or her name 4 or 5 times before you get it right. The voice command system is a lot like that found in the new Ford Fusion. Just like the Fusion, you could tell it to play songs from a specified artist. In addition,

"The AVIC-F Series systems also allow conversational elements from the user’s speech such as stumbles and pauses without failing the command. For example, when the user says, “I want to, ah, play artist, um, Black Eyed Peas,” the system distinguishes the command phrase from the extra unwanted words to perform the desired function. In the hands-free phone mode with a compatible Bluetooth enabled cell phone, the system utilizes intent recognition. From a command such as, “Call Robert Smith,” the AVIC-F systems can identify the contact without specifying the category it is stored in the phone. These units will prompt users with additional information by responding, “I have three numbers for Robert Smith – home, mobile and office. Which would you like to call?” The user can then provide the additional information without restating the command." -- Pioneer USA Press Release 04/19/2008

Similarities and Differences Between Each Model
The AVIC-F700BT, AVIC-F900BT, and AVIC-F90BT all feature the same 5.8" LCD touchscreen monitor. The screen is smaller than the AVIC-D3, but not by much. In exchange for the smaller monitor, users will also experience (what seemed to us) a much clearer display and a greatly improved graphical user interface. All three in dash navigation units are capable of receiving Satellite and HD Radio with additional, but optional, accessories. The AVIC-F700BT, AVIC-F900BT, and AVIC-F90BT also features AAC, MP3, and WMA playback capabilities through USB, SD, and standard CD medias. However, the AVIC-F700BT does not feature any DVD playback capabilities. On the other hand, the AVIC-F900BT and the AVIC-F90BT could play DVD movies. Without the DVD playback capabilities, the AVIC-F700BT is rendered much more affordable at an MSRP that is set at $850. But expect retailers worldwide to sell them at around $650-$700.

All three double DIN receivers have built-in Bluetooth technology and could also control and receive audio and video signals from iPods or iPod Videos. However, only the Premier AVIC-F90BT includes the cable adapter that interfaces the iPod to the unit. The Premier AVIC-F90BT also features 3D landmark icons and a built-in MSN receiver which allows the unit to receive traffic conditions, fuel prices, local weather information, and personalized local city navigation by the MSN network. The Premier AVIC-F90BT also features an enhanced high voltage RCA preamp outputs as well as a 2-year warranty. The list price for the Premier AVIC-F90BT is set at $1200.

The borderline unit, AVIC-F900BT also features DVD playback, and an MSN receiver. However, it does not feature the 3D landmark icon. It comes with standard preamp outputs, iPod audio/video capable but without interface cable, and a 1-year warranty instead of a 2-year warranty. The AVIC-F900BT is set at a list price of $1100.

Navigation Features
A greatly feature aspect of the AVIC-F series from any previous Pioneer AVIC units is the implementation of a built-in navigation system instead of a DVD navigation. You will no longer need to shuffle for discs or stop listening to your favorite CD while navigating, but instead you could do everything virtually at the same time. The unit features a TeleAtlas map database of all 50 states of the US, as well as Canada.

The built-in navigation system also features 12 million points of interest, which should cover all your favorite hot-spots and hang-out places. Of course, what good would all these features be if it doesn't have Text-to-Speech (TTS) technology, right? Don't worry, the AVIC-F700BT, AVIC-F900BT, and Premier AVIC-F90BT all feature TTS technology that give drivers instructions with real street names being spoken instead of distance to turn which could be hard to determine.

More navigation features will be reviewed here as soon as we get our hands on the products

Seamless Integration
What the AVIC-D3 excelled in was integration. It truly amazes every AVIC-D3 owner when they see how great the AVIC-D3 could fit into any dashboard of any vehicle. So Pioneer did the right thing and kept the feature for the AVIC-F series. The AVIC-F700BT, AVIC-F900BT, and AVIC-F90BT will all feature up to 32,768 user selectable colors. There is not a dashboard on this planet that the AVIC-F700BT, AVIC-F900BT, and AVIC-F90BT will not fit into.

Other Features
As we conclude, we'll also point out that the AVIC-F units could also display any secondary source audio and video including back up cameras. You could even wire up your favorite gaming console or any other external sources you want to hook up.

In the end, the AVIC-F700BT, AVIC-F900BT, and AVIC-F90BT will highly be anticipated. Though our review here is limited to what Pioneer has released, additional information will be added as soon as actual products are released. With all the great features, improved software and interface, built-in GPS navigation, and a highly intelligent voice command, it seems that the AVIC-F could sell itself with these features. If you're looking to get the better version of the AVIC-D3, this is it!

First Look Video Review

Pioneer AVIC-D3 Review

The need for in-dash navigation has increasingly surpassed all previous expectations. We see this in the way automobile manufacturers begin to integrate navigation components into factory configurations, allowing consumers to purchase brand new vehicles with GPS systems. But what about the majority of consumers who could not afford new vehicles? The answer is the Pioneer AVIC-D3.

Though it first came out in early 2007, the unit is still considered to be a current model because of its capabilities, performance, and design. The AVIC-D3 gives any dashboard of any vehicle an integrated look, similar to that of pre-installed navigation systems of newer car as users will be able to adjust the AVIC-D3’s color to match the button lighting in the interior of your car.

This double DIN receiver features a 6.1” wide LCD touchscreen display that could also be adjusted to match the color scheme of your choice. It is capable of course displaying its built-in navigation, DVD movies, and any audio information on any music file you’re playing. What’s nice about the AVIC-D3 is its ability to be expandable as it is capable of receiving Satellite Radio, Bluetooth Technology, iPod, and USB inputs with additional accessories. The price is set at its base cost, which is usually under $650. Expect to spend anywhere between $50-$100 per additional add-on accessory you want to add on to your system. With any additional accessory, the AVIC-D3 will be able to fully control and access devices like the iPod and even your mobile phone. You’ll be able to use the unit’s touchscreen to select songs from your iPod and make phone calls through its Bluetooth Ready interface.

The built-in navigation requires the use of the included DVD player and is capable of receiving XM NavTraffic. It has turn-by-turn directions, voice guidance, 3D navigation zoom, and over 12 million points of interest (POI). The GPS receiver is capable of locking on to 8 different orbital GPS satellites, giving the unit the ability to use the data from one satellite if a connection is dropped. It’s always nice to have the XM NavTraffic, especially if you live in any major metropolitan areas. It gives drivers LIVE updates of traffic congestion and incidents. Avoid traffic jams and navigate around the slow-moving traffic and get to where you want faster.

In essence, the Pioneer AVIC-D3 comes with a lot of features that has, since its release, become standard. Thus, it is to no one’s surprise that the AVIC-D3 is STILL one of the most popular in-dash navigation units. It is indeed an all-in-one multimedia receiver that is sure to impress for years to come.