Traffic jams are becoming a recurring event in our daily commute, and this is when many motorists will turn on their cars’ radio or media player to listen to their favourite music for temporal relief. Of course, it is not only in the midst of a traffic jam when we rely on such form of 'relief'.

With the addition of more functions, such as smartphone connectivity for hands-free telephony and music playback function, I.C.E. systems can perform multiple roles at the same time and can help the driver get to his destination in a safer and more enjoyable manner.

Types of In-Car Entertainment (I.C.E.) systems

I.C.E. is a collective term for hardware devices that are installed in cars or other forms of transportation to provide audio and/or video entertainment. I.C.E. systems of recent come with a wider range of functions, such as Bluetooth connectivity.

Advancement of technology also means that I.C.E. systems are easier to use now with interactive touchscreen and better user interface.

Pioneer's flagship AVH-X8650BT Multimedia Receiver - Seamless connectivity at the touch of a finger

As one of the leading brands of aftermarket car electronics, Pioneer prides itself for development of interactive platforms matched with superior sound quality. The latest top-of-range multimedia receiver, the AVH-X8650BT, encompasses the firm's technology know-how and is catered to modern, IT savvy users.

For instance, compatibility on the flagship media receiver has been greatly enhanced, and can be seamlessly connected to the latest smart phones on the market (both Android and Apple iPhone). In fact, Pioneer's multimedia receiver boasts the widest range of connectivity options among the industry players.

To ensure smooth and seamless integration of their apps with its receivers, the firm has also set up a dedicated development centre specifically to work with third part app developers.

To ensure a fuss-free integration with smartphones, Pioneer has developed a feature known as the AppRadioMode. AppRadioMode allows users to control compatible apps in their smartphones via the receiver's screen, doing without the need to open each app individually.

Drivers can also access their favourite navigation app via AppRadioMode. This allows them to stay concentrated on the roads without having to fumble with their smartphones at the wheel, thus making the drive a safer one.

The app also offers the latest Bluetooth specifications (AVRCP 1.4) for high-quality audio streaming. Thanks to an updated Hands-Free Profile (HFP 1.6), the receiver features a bandwidth of 16KHz, twice that of conventional receivers, so that users can enjoy clearer, better quality hands-free calls.

While the AppRadioMode boasts various cutting edge features that are firsts in the industry, Pioneer is not resting on its laurels. Recently, it has launched a new App called AppRadioLIVE which serves as a 'command centre' for an enhanced range of features.

Drivers can use the new app to check on the weather, look for the latest events in the vicinity, as well as to integrate the smartphone's navigation function into the multimedia receiver. They can also look at events in their smartphone's calendar via the receiver.

Cutting edge technologies for better quality music

For the discerning audiophiles, Pioneer's flagship receiver also has a 13-band graphic equaliser for greater sound quality and, at the same time, allows users to customise the sound reproduction to their preference.

Pioneer's proprietary music analysis and music mixing feature - MIXTRAX - has also been improved for better accessibility on the flagship receiver. This feature allows users to analyse their music and automatically group them into different genre, tempo, artist, mood, etc.

Interactive user interface for ease of use on the move

On top of the fuss-free and seamless connectivity, the AVH-X8650BT multimedia receiver comes with a customisable home menu. This also allows features to be more readily accessible to drivers, and helps to keep their eyes on the road.

Besides this, the background wallpaper can also be customised to suit the user's preference or mood.

For the complete list of authorised dealers for Pioneer’s I.C.E. systems, click here. For more information of the product, please visit the website or its Facebook page. More information on AppRadioMode can be found here.