#CES2019 – If you are buying a new car, you might be given the option to choose an infotainment system that will support Android Auto or CarPlay. If you aren’t buying a new car but want those features, there are some aftermarket options to check out. However if you think that those are still a bit too pricey, maybe Pioneer could have something for you.
At CES 2019, the company announced a new device called the SPH-10BT Smart Sync in-dash receiver. This will basically take your smartphone and turn it into an in-dash car display that will use the Pioneer Smart Sync Driving system. This means that it won’t be Android Auto or CarPlay, but at the same time it will leverage the use of your phone which should help cut down on costs.
It will come with a rotatable smartphone cradle that when connected will launch the system. It will also apparently be easy to install thanks to the single-DIN chassis size, meaning that for the most part it should fit in most cars. It will also play nicely with Pioneer’s rear parking sensor technology that will alert users through their smartphones.
The SPH-10BT is already available for purchase in Europe and for those living in the US, Pioneer is expected to make it available this coming February where it will be priced at $150 for the unit itself. We should note that if you’re trying to save even more money, Google’s Android Auto actually exists as a standalone app, so all you need is a mount and you’ll be good to go.