Pioneer Embraces The iPhone With A GPS Car Dock [CES 2011]

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pioneer1.jpg
photo: Erfon Elijah

LAS VEGAS, CES 2011 — Pioneer launched its SmartCradle for the iPhone at its CES presser today, further proving that the aftermarket auto industry seems to be embracing the iPhone with rapidly increasing gusto.

They really pulled out the stops on this one, hardware-wise: a dedicated GPS receiver with an external antenna, which they said will give even newer iPod Touch models GPS capability; an accelerometer and gyro sensor for better location awareness; hands-free calling an integrated amplified speaker with the ability to vary volume based on ambient noise; and audio/video output. Of course, it’ll also charge the iPhone; Ted Cardenas, Pioneer’s director of marketing, made of point of this — but since the iPhone won’t last long with location services going, any dock even remotely similar already includes charging ability. Nary a whiff on price or availability yet.

Pioneer also announced that two of its new head units will integrate with Twitter and Facebook, and will actually read Twitter and Facebook updates (and podcasts too) to the driver; should appeal to worried parents of teen drivers.

Here’s a little clip of part of the SmartCradle announcement:

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