April 21, 2008, Tokyo, Japan - Pioneer Corporation announced today two AV-integrated car navigation systems featuring an internal flash memory for storing map data: AVIC-F900BT (with a DVD/CD mechanism) and AVIC-F700BT (with a CD mechanism). These models will be launched simultaneously in the consumer markets for North America, Europe, Russia, and Australia in June 2008.*1
The AVIC-F900BT and AVIC-F700BT are the first in-dash systems from Pioneer to adopt a flash memory as map-data storage medium. This design not only makes the system more compact but also simplifies the configuration. By incorporating many features such as Bluetooth®, voice recognition, and a tuner for traffic information services into a double DIN chassis, these two models offer multiple functionality and high performance as well as easy installation.
In addition, the company has newly developed a dedicated PC application to allow users to record POI information (such as address book data managed on a PC or information on shops downloaded from the Internet) onto an SD card or USB memory. Users can import the data into the car navigation unit via the SD slot on the front or USB connector on the rear. An SD card or USB memory can also be used to easily make navigation settings or changes in the start-up screen.
Besides, Pioneer plans to launch the AVIC-F500BT (without a DVD/CD mechanism) that was unveiled at the International CES 2008 in January this year, in these markets. Scheduled for the same time and the same markets, this release will expand its current lineup and further stimulate the global market for car navigation systems.
Pioneer launched the world's first GPS car navigation system (CD-ROM employed as the map-data storage medium) for the Japanese consumer market in June 1990. Then, the company launched the world's first DVD-based car navigation system in 1997 and the HDD-based car navigation system in 2001. Thus, the company has continuously expanded its entry markets while incorporating the latest storage media.
AVIC-F900BT and AVIC-F700BT: Main features
- Conversational voice recognition (employing the VoiceBox® voice search technology) enables users to easily and safely control their iPod® music players or Bluetooth® enabled cell phones by voice even while driving. (Only for the AVIC-F900BT and AVIC-F700BT in North America with American English selected)
- Built-in Bluetooth® module (made by Parrot S.A. in France) enables cell phone hands-free operation.
- With a built-in tuner for MSN® Direct, a information service in North America, users can obtain traffic information, weather forecasts, gas prices, etc. (Only for the AVIC-F900BT in North America)
- High-resolution WVGA 5.8-inch LCD touch panel display (with LED backlighting)
- SD card slot on the front panel and USB connector on the rear panel provided as standard features. Diverse POI data can be imported via an SD card or USB memory.
- As well as iPod® music players, USB devices (including a USB memory) or SD cards can be accepted to playback music and video data (such as MP3 and MPEG-4).
