This email I have received from Pioneer is REALLY disappointing. I spend over $1200 for the 8000NEX and more for the install... now this email appears in my inbox!!! If another unit comes out that has all of the abilities which were touted by the media, I will return the 8000nex and go with a company who can live up to it's timeline and hype. 

Dear Valued Pioneer Customer:

We would like to advise you regarding the AVICSYNC feature update for Pioneer NEX models.   Pioneer had anticipated that the update would be available in spring for all NEX models with embedded navigation (AVIC-5000NEX, AVIC-6000NEX, AVIC-7000NEX, and AVIC-8000NEX).  With a connected smartphone, AVICSYNC would provide a simplified interface for accessing subscription-based services such as traffic, local search, weather, and gas prices.

Unfortunately the update for AVICSYNC has been delayed, and the revised release timing is expected to be by the end of this year.  While the AVICSYNC enhancements are not central to the functionality of NEX navigation products, Pioneer wishes to explain alternative solutions currently available.  With the NEX product in AppRadio Mode¹ and connected to a compatible iPhone or Samsung Galaxy phone², services can be obtained through the below AppRadio Mode compatible third party applications³ available through the iTunes App Store and Google Play:

Services

Apps

Live traffic updates 

INRIX^®, Waze^®

Weather 

CommuteWX

Parking locations and pricing

Parkopedia®

Fuel pricing and POI updates

Waze, ExtraMile

AVICSYNC is intended to enable access to the above types of services from one place.  Pioneer regrets that we are not able to provide this feature as previously scheduled.  We hope the above services will be useful in the interim.  If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Pioneer Customer Service toll free at 1-800-421-1404, Monday through Friday, 10:30 AM - 2:30 PM and 3:30 PM - 7:00 PM (Eastern Time), excluding holidays, or by email through http://parts.pioneerelectronics.com/contact/.

Sincerely,

Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. 

Thanks for posting this.  I was looking for AVICSYNC in the Apple app store and found nothing.  Now I know I have to wait.   Funny as the Manual references AVICSYNC all over the place.

i was told today by pioneer that AVICsync will be released by the end of the year(2014)