rockthebeef

The answer is maybe. That's one of those things you just have to try...

I'm not sure about the SWI-CP5, but I have an Axxess ASWC-1 adapter in use with my SPH-DA120 and I can definitely get Siri to work by using the "push to talk" button on my steering wheel.

1. I don't think so 2. No, CarPlay can reads text out loud only. I do not believe NEX mode supports any texting functions. 3. That is indeed USB port #1. There are two USB ports in the back of the unit. The installer should have installed extension cords to make them accessible from the cabin. Furthermore, USB-1 is the port needed for CarPlay. If you have CarPlay working, then your lightning cable is already routed to USB-1. 4. Rear source is not for the backup camera. It's for expanding the system for rear-seat entertainment. Check out the manuals. It's all in there. https://www.p

Aside from Metra, I found this one by Googling for it. http://www.janus-design.net/english/e81-e82-e87-e88-double-din/index.php I can't really help much with the lightning cable (cord) issue... Sometimes all it takes is a hard restart of the phone to fix these types of issues.

I don't think so. My audio/video receiver at home does that. It's a great feature. It takes a little effort, but I got myself into the habit of turning the volume low before I shut off the car. It's become second nature. I do understand the desire to automate this, as I automate everything I possibly can.

Any updates on this? This has happened to my AppRadio 4 on a couple of occasions, except the radio came eventually came back. I can't recall if it was after a restart or if I just changed sources and then came back to the radio.

Both CarPlay and AppRadio Mode need to use USB 1. I don't think it was ever intended to allow users to swap between modes very easily (without swapping connections). Hint: Even if you do change connections, I've noticed that an iPhone must be rebooted when you change from AppRadio Mode to CarPlay and vice versa. Otherwise you get weirdness. Somebody else here has had the same experience. This makes switching between modes even less friendly. It's more of a choice you have to commit to rather than something you can switch between at will.

I agree with your sentiment. Pioneer does what it needs to do in order to keep its car audio division afloat. Car audio has been a niche market in general and it's getting smaller (no data - just a gut feeling). There simply isn't the economy of scale in this market that can drive R&D up and prices down simultanelously.

I don't have experience with FLAC files on a large SSD (I've only used small USB sticks). But if you need some information sooner rather than later... http://www.lmgtfy.com/?q=Pioneer+NEX+flac+SSD

I just saw a post on another forum with a picture of this happening on an AppRadio4! I guess even if the AR4 screen is made differently than the AR2 (source: Pioneer email), it didn't do much good. http://appradioworld.17289.n7.nabble.com/AppRadio-4-Strange-marks-across-entire-screen-td1196.html#a1199

I get the same thing with Iheartradio as well as TuneIn. It may happen with other third party apps but I use these two the most and haven't noticed it otherwise. It's my understanding that everything should work as expected even when the phone is locked (black screen). Obviously this doesn't happen. I don't know if it's an issue with the apps or with CarPlay. I suppose you can write an iTunes review for iheartradio and mention this problem, then you can contact apple to share your experience. http://www.apple.com/feedback/iphone.html

When you turn it back on without touching the car's key/ignition/pushbutton, does the unit reboot from the splash screen or does the screen just come back on? If it's the latter, then no your unit does not turn off. It's merely in "standby".

If you're using CarPlay, it doesn't do video (for obvious reasons). If you use AppRadio mode, it will show video provided that the parking brake is engaged (or bypassed). If you just want to display video from your iPhone from then all you need to do is use an AV adapter (same one for AppRadio Mode) with an HDMI cable into the HDMI input on the back of the head unit. USB will not pass video by istself. Need elaboration? Take a look at the owner's manual. It's all in there!

Use the volume control to adjust Siri's volume. This can only be done while Siri is "active". Otherwise the volume control will adjust the media volume instead (as expected). If you observe the volume levels on the screen you can see that they are independent. It's pretty easy to accidentally change Siri's volume. That feature should be in a separate setting IMO.

People have gotten other mics to work. There may a be a calibration issue with a different mic however.

I would guess that it will be a direct swap. That's how it was when I switched from an AppRadio 2 to AppRadio 4 (I did have to change the bypass I had). Compare the two installation manuals, which can be found on the Pioneer website.

Functionality out of the box was great - in 2012 or whatever year the AppRadio 2 came out. I had one and it was awesome with a 30-pin iPhone. It was so good that I kept my iPhone 4S for 3 years. it was a great combo. Like with any technology these days, I had to move on once it became obsolete.

There is traffic here. It's just not the most popular place on the internet. I don't think it ever was super active. It certainly wouldn't hurt to post some specific questions and see what happens.

It's hit or miss with the Chinese eBay stuff. I've had several lightning cables either never work, or stop working. Is saving time and frustration worth an extra $15? I'd just go with the proven cable: http://www.cablejive.com/dockxtender/

Well, iOS 9.3 is supposed to add features to Maps and Music. Hopefully they can can bake some stability improvements in as well.

I've been using CarPlay since its inception. The Apple apps work very well (Maps, Music, Messages, etc.). However the third party music apps have been hit or miss for me since the beginning. I often use TuneIn Radio and I Heart Radio, but most of the time when I select them from the head unit, the app will open and I can't get anything to play. I can eventually get sound if I start playing the app from the phone itself, which defeats the purpose of CarPlay. I think Pandora is better, but the two apps mentioned above are pretty bad. One of my theories is that the ads that run on some music

The only concern is whether or not the Sony and Pioneer mics have the same frequency response. If the sony mic "hears" differently then you'll basically be running auto EQ with an "uncalibrated" microphone. It's worth a shot, but if the results sound funny, it might be worth it to try the Pioneer mic.

Read the update instructions and it will all be cleared up.

Are you already on FW 1.11? Since you head unit is already effectively "bricked", you can try to update the firmware to see if it'll take. If that doesn't work, then I'd probably send it in. Good luck. http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Car/AppRadio/AppRadio+4+(SPH-DA120)

Same issue here, except I have the SPH-DA120 AppRadio 4. I was able to update the firmware to 1.11. I also ran the Bluetooth update to the point where it said it was complete. However when I check the version it still says HW01-SW03.21.30. I never checked it before the update so I don't know it succeeded in doing anything.