Another common feature found in Pioneer’s headunits is MIXTRAX – a technology that creates non-stop mixes of selections from your audio library, complete with DJ effects that make your music sound as if a DJ is sitting in the back seat. It is worth highlighting that CarPlay is an evolving software platform that lives on your Apple iOS device, not in the receiver itself. From there, you can access various options such as equalizer settings, balance, fader, and other audio adjustments to tailor the sound to your preference. A capacitive touchscreen requires less force to register a touch and also allows for multi-touch gestures like scrolling, swiping, and pinching to zoom in and out.

Just start with the name of one of your favorite artists, songs, genres or composers and Pandora will do the rest. The AppRadio 4 (SPH-DA120) has been Pioneer’s ‘go to’ headunit for people seeking an Apple CarPlay enabled receiver, whilst on a budget. Each model includes Bluetooth Audio Streaming, Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP), for wireless audio streaming and Audio Video Remote Control Profile (AVRCP) version 1.

AppRadio Mode + AppRadio Mode + opens up in-car entertainment to a wonderful world of apps to enjoy using iPhone and Android smartphones (Not all Android devices are compatible), utilising a single USB cable connection method. Well that depends on your wants and desires, as well as what media sources you plan on connecting to it. If you simply want to connect your Android phone to listen to music, you can do that without an app too. Within this menu, you can adjust brightness, contrast, color settings, and even choose from different display themes to personalize your viewing experience.

For audiophiles, the AppRadio 4 offers a number of features and modes to cater for your critical ears. Thankfully, with an iOS device connected, a ‘CarPlay’ option sits prominently in to top corner of the front screen, so Apple users can dive right in and feel right at home with Apple’s ‘clean and simple’ user interface. The product includes line outputs (RCA) and is ready for iPod, making it easy for users to connect their Apple devices.A ‘home’ function button is placed in the middle of the pack, with the upper half housing volume buttons. Certain functions such as video playback and keyboard input are restricted through a parking brake interlock system. Bluetooth audio can be controlled via its built-in music player, with music meta-data such as title, artist, album name and genre being populated into the player’s interface.

Simply download Pioneer’s free of charge AppRadio application onto your iPhone® or Android™ device and connect to the AppRadio receiver using the appropriate Pioneer connectivity kit (sold separately) to unleash the power of compatible apps right from the dash of your car! Once again, you can add your own image here by plugging in a USB drive and selecting your launch image of choice. The device features a total of 13 equalizer bands allowing users to adjust the audio output to their preferences.

People carry thousands of songs with them everywhere they go, and with current broadband connections they stream their music from different places too! The AppRadio interface isn’t bad, but of course it seems cluttered compared to Apple’s clean interfaces. The Pioneer SPH-DA120 is a sleek and functional car radio that offers a touchscreen display, making it easy to navigate through various menus and settings.

The AppRadio 4 features Apple CarPlay, the smarter, safer and more fun way to use your iPhone® in the car. The HDMI port opens up many more media possibilities in the car and the equaliser and visual customisation options will please many. With its silver edge rimmed bezel design, the AppRadio 4 carries a close resemblance to an Apple iPad. If you have an alternative video source; via the HDMI port at the back, you can plug this source in and have its content display on the AppRadio 4’s screen. You can charge your phone while playing music from another USB-connected device, or switch between music from two different devices.CEA did not verify the accuracy of any submission or of any claims made and did not test the item to which the award was given. The Pioneer SPH-DA120 is a well-designed and reliable car radio that delivers excellent audio quality. If wireless CarPlay is a requirement, you will not find it here in the AppRadio 4; but there is an alternative option that the Alpine’s iLX-700 severely misses out on, and that is built-in Bluetooth. In today’s age of digital displays and tough-screens, I think it is now time for Pioneer to heavily invest some time in this area. Pioneer’s AppRadio 4 offers playback of files encoded as high-res FLAC up to 192kHz/24 bit and provide playback output at CD quality.