bferguson

http://9to5mac.com/2014/12/11/apple-carplay-mfi-standards/

New Spotify update out today. Will be curious to see if any improvements have been made on the Carplay side of things.

For apps I'd like to see included in the future:

1 - APIs (see below)

2 - Revamped Spotify

3 - TuneIn

4 - Audible

I'd be really something if Apple allowed some APIs for apps like Waze to overlay within the native Maps app or at the very least, allow real time notifications through the dash display. This would also be useful for an app like Dark Sky. I don't really need any more information than knowing when it is about to rain, how heavy, and how long. I think Carplay will see a high adoption rate next year as more and more companies offer it as a stock option and therefore more app development and integration. I really hope Apple continues to evolve it as well - while they may make news with their annual product line updates, there are still a few that have laid stagnant - Apple TV and Mac Mini being two that come to mind.

Big thanks to everyone that posted the firmware updates today to help out when Pioneer's site slowed to a crawl. A few notes:

1 - I agree with most people about what's been said so far - it feels a little Beta-ish, but still clean enough to make work on a regular basis.

2 - Spotify is not quite ready for primetime. And if what has been said about the delay regarding CarPlay is true, the second party apps are still trying to find their footing. A big reason why they were likely not included on the home screen initially.

3 - iTunes Radio seems to work really well, as did playing the local music on my phone. So I feel like Apple's core apps got it right.

4 - Siri has been refreshingly easy to use, I haven't had a simple problem dialing or sending texts. Not sure I want my texts read through the stereo when others are in the car however, but I can wait. I don't usually check messages when driving anyway.

5 - Maps. I haven't tried inputting an address by voice, but so far, maps has been pretty solid. It's basic, I wish it felt bigger on the screen, but I the layout is clean and information is easily read. Kentinportland is right, it would be really nice to be able to move around the maps, but that feature is not yet available.

6 - Really liked how contacts are displayed just like on your phone. Favorites, Recents, etc - with photos.

7 - Apple has said this is all about listening and speaking. So on the display side, yes it's a little disappointing contact photos are not large or full screen, album art is minuscule, podcast art is the same - would have been nice to have big photos to select from instead of a list. But maybe it's safer?

8 - I feel like the left section of the screen that houses the virtual home button, time, and network strength is a waste. Does that info really need to be displayed? Could a gesture take the place of the home button? Feels like sacrificing that screen real estate just makes everything else a bit smaller - like maps. 

All in all, even with it feeling a bit unpolished, this is why I have this head unit, so I am glad the software has finally been updated. I think there is a world of potential with this platform, and I have little doubt that Apple will get it right and consistently improve as the software and apps are updated.

Thank you!

mapotter99 - can you throw that firmware update up on Dropbox? I have not been able to get on Pioneer's site all morning....thanks!

Anyone have the firmware hosted somewhere else? Been trying to get this download all morning with zero luck.

I'm not in the market for a unit, so no, I haven't seen one lately. But I saw probably 5-6 this summer all coming in under $600.00 - you just need to do a national search if you want to go that route.

I've seen them on Craigslist going for as little as $500.00

That's my sentiment exactly. I'm disappointed mainly because I dropped a ton of money and it's starting to feel like new head units will be out before we even see the software update. I went with Pioneer for two reasons - CarPlay and AvicSync - neither of which is available, both of which added tremendous influence in my purchasing decision. 

All I was really saying was that Tim Cook acknowledged that Car Play was out in the wild.....

Nary a mention of Car Play today with exception to the very end when Tim Cook mentioned how integrated everything is now. So - your move Pioneer. Time to deliver.

Mine came off of Craigslist at a STEEP discount. It was only slightly used (for about a week) and I didn't have any problems with it. I have seen units going for as little a $500-600 (yeah, 8000NEX units) you just have to be diligent in your search as they go fast.

Also - as far as repairs - good luck. Pioneer isn't even selling some of the most basic parts for the unit yet = it's impossible to get a power cable right now. So be careful, make sure everything is included. 

Thanks for all the great advice, I really appreciate the time spent writing replies. DP3343 really embodies my spirit, so I think I am going to accept the challenge and do the install myself. Thanks again everyone!

I'm awaiting the arrival of a new 8000NEX unit for my 2008 Hyundai Sante Fe. I've been suffering along with zero phone connectivity for the past couple of years and can't wait to spoil my ears on my next long drive. 

I've been contemplating installing the unit myself and wanted to see if anyone could shed some light on their experience. I am tinkerer, a builder, I love taking things apart and putting them back together. I have a good understanding of the disassembly of my dash (thanks to YouTube) but I am a little hesitant with what seems like a lot of wiring - power, liner converter to amp, steering wheel control, etc)  - can anyone out there let me know how laborious the process is? Are the instructions with each piece of equipment adequate? Are there any danger zones I might run into?

Just looking to save some money on the install (and time, hard to get car away with job, etc) and wondering if this is too big a job or fairly easy with the right focus.

Thanks!