Pioneer Is Bringing Android Auto To Everyone (If You’ve Got The Money!)

I have long been dreaming for the perfect in car infotainment set up that would easily give me sufficient access to my phone while driving.  Unfortunately, all I’m able to do right now is connect my phone via Bluetooth to my car’s built in infotainment system and hope that things work “decently.”  So I’m sure you can imagine the excitement I felt when Google announced Android Auto last year; however, my excitement dropped off quite a bit when they failed to announce any after market systems at the launch.

Thankfully, Pioneer has come to the rescue as they announced a trio of new in-dash systems that support both Android Auto and Apple’s CarPlay (just in case you share with someone who uses one of “those”).  You basically need only plug in your phone and just like that Android Auto is up and running.  Making the in-dash system work with your cars built in controls (if they have any) will likely vary from car to car but it looks very promising nonetheless.

According to Pioneer, these three devices will debut this March but they come with quite the hefty price tag.  The cheapest model starts at $700 USD with the mid and top tier models costing $1200 USD and $1400 USD respectively.  Full specs for each can be found on their website.  As exciting as this news is and as much as I want to grab one of these on day one, I feel like I’ll have to wait it out as that’s a lot of pennies to throw at something that’s definitely a convenience thing (although, it is cheaper than buying a new car).  Hopefully more in-dash systems will come to market as the year goes by and these prices will drop.

Any of you guys dying to get Android Auto in your vehicle?

[Pioneer]