Given the fact that the automotive industry is not exactly going through one of its best moments right now (in fact, it's exactly the opposite), the market for various car-related accessories has also shrunk significantly, including here the specific field of in-dash navigation and entertainment systems. Despite this situation, some of the most important names in the industry keep rolling out new solutions of this type, one of the latest being Pioneer, which made big announcements these days, providing several such solutions in one shot.

One of the first products presented by Pioneer is AVIC-U310BT, 2-DIN system capable of providing an extensive range of features, whether we're talking here about navigation, entertainment or communication.

First and foremost, it's important to mention that the unit from Pioneer comes equipped with a full-color 4.3-inch WQVGA touch screen display and 2GB of flash memory, as well as a fast and easy-to-use navigation platform that features voice guidance of directions and text-to-speech technology that enables the unit to provide verbal prompts to specific street names.

The in-dash infotainment system is powered by Tele Atlas navigation software and maps and uses three map views: 2D North Up, 2D Heading Up and 3D. It also employs the new Highway Sign Board View, where highway signs will appear onscreen when a junction approaches for a quick visual aid while navigating, while an advanced Drive Report system provides the fuel cost for trip routes and estimates of the vehicle’s CO2 emissions.

The AVIC-U310BT supports a wide array of audio files, including here MP3, WMA and iTunes AAC music files. These can be easily accessed via the built-in USB port, found in the rear of the system, regardless of the type of storage of the device they're located onto.

Last, but certainly not least, we'll say a few things about the audio features. Hence, as the maker informs us, the new AVIC navigator is equipped with Pioneer’s Supertuner IIID AM/FM tuner, two RCA pre-outs, a built-in 50 watt X 4 high-power amplifier, an auxiliary input, and is ready to connect to various optional tuners, including XM/SIRIUS Satellite Radio and HD Digital Radio. And since we're on the issue of connectivity, we'll also point out the fact that the system sports a built-in Bluetooth module, which enables easy and fast wireless communications.

The AVIC-U310BT from Pioneer sells for somewhere in the vicinity of 600 US dollars, not exactly very “affordable,” as the company considers this thing to be.


We are just a few, but there are many of you, Softpedia users, out there. That's why we thought it would be a good idea to create an email address for you to help us a little in finding gadgets we missed. Interesting links are bound to be posted with recognition going mainly to those who submit. The address is .