This year, the first car available with Android systems. Some cars are already fitted as standard with, but there are also systems with Google’s operating system that you can install later. Pioneer AVIC-F77DAB of is one of them and we have him tested.
Android Car review the Pioneer AVIC-F77DAB
The AVIC-F77DAB is the flagship infotainment systems from Pioneer and the price and features are also there. The system has a suggested retail price of 1179 euro certainly not cheap, but equipped with all the features you need in the car. Thus, the device has a 7 inch TFT screen with a WVGA resolution (800 by 480 pixels) that looks sharp enough, optionally tilt and quick access to frequently used functions.
The operation is simple thanks to big buttons and simple interface: you can in a jiffy plan routes, finding your favorite radio stations and tweak numerous settings. The only disadvantage of the screen is that it is during the day with direct light, which is difficult to read, especially if it is full of fingerprints. However, the display is extremely responsive thanks to the capacitive touch panel
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The radio is equipped with GPS and built-in navigation for 45 European countries. Want a road trip plans, then you have no apps or mobile Internet connection. In addition, the navigation is very user friendly and provided lots of options, including the ability to make you aware of flashes and problems on the road. Voice guidance is available in 18 languages (including Dutch, Flemish and French) and key locations of interest are clearly displayed on the map. You can then press for more information.
The built-in navigation, Pioneer works well
Enhanced Support
It is also pleasing that the AVIC-F77DAB can handle almost all common media formats. You can insert CDs or DVDs with music or videos, as well as an SD card or UBS stick to be recognized. In addition, you can link easily a music player or phone via Bluetooth to wirelessly example as MP3s, WAV or FLAC files to play. On this page you will find a complete list of supported file formats. Other audio sources can be linked via the auxiliary jack. You prefer to listen to the radio, you can connect a DAB + antenna and attach it to your car window to listen without cracking.
Finally, the AVIC-F77DAB compatible with reversing cameras, Pioneer’s proprietary and not very good AppRadio application and Mirror Link. There is also support for both Android and Apple Auto CarPlay, making you even iPhones (5 and newer) can connect easily. The comparison between Android Car CarPlay and we will make later in a separate article; Now we focus on Google’s system
This is how Android Car
Let’s come straight to the point:. Android Auto knows at the time of writing no official support Netherlands and Belgium, so you can find the Auto Android app yet in Google Play. Fortunately, the relevant apk file to download manually from APKmirror.
Is successful installation, you can connect your smartphone with a USB cable between the AVIC-F77DAB. To then ensure that your device will actually be recognized, you must in most cases, the AVIC-F77DAB to Settings & gt; Imports and Exports & gt; Smartphone Setup ‘and enter the mode “checkbox Android Auto’. Then switch the control to the Navigation system. Your phone shows only the Android Car logo and locks; do so safe in the car.
Pleasant interface, faltering voice support
The interface of Android Car is quite straightforward. On the home screen you can see the weather forecast and any notifications and incoming calls. Right you will find the status of the phone, battery and time. Next to it is to find a microphone for executing voice commands via Google Now. During our tests, which is unfortunately not flawless: voice commands like “Call Anne” or “Send a text to Daniel” are simply not recognized
Also it is not possible to answer incoming What Apps or text messages with your voice; the system reads them well in the Netherlands, but then can only be answered with an English template. Dutch send a reply is not there. Accept phone calls will be seamlessly and calls sound as crisp and clear as if you were using a car kit.
It is unfortunate that the voice control still does not work, especially since there are already several systems with Android Car – including Pioneer – are available in the Netherlands. When this changes, the manufacturer can not say
Apart from this, it works in-car system smoothly:. Via the buttons at the bottom you switch easily between navigation (via Google Maps on your smartphone), call and music. Android Car can currently only handle a handful of apps, including Spotify, Google Play Music and SoundCloud. They work well happy. So you have Spotify Play Music and instant access to your favorite tracks and playlists. The free, ad-supported version of Spotify is compatible with Android Auto.
Music apps work flawlessly, but the voice support falters
Android Car not yet essential
In an advanced system, the AVIC-F77DAB feels the addition of Android Car not essential. For example, the built-in navigation Pioneer pieces is more comprehensive than Google Maps and you have no data connection required to plan routes. Also you can connect almost any conceivable content source to listen to your favorite (streaming) music; before that you do not necessarily need your smartphone.
Android Car is currently far too limited and the faltering voice control little functional. Moreover, there are hardly any apps that work with the system. Would we’d love to see an app like FlitsMeister be optimized for Android Auto, but according to the team behind the file and flash app, there are still too many hooks and eyes before Google’s platform. App developers can indeed only make music and chat apps and should adhere to the interface, and guidelines from Google.
Conclusion Pioneer AVIC-F77DAB and Android Auto Review
From the built-in systems currently available, the Pioneer AVIC-F77DAB undoubtedly one of the best. The system is pleasant to use, supports almost all popular audio and video formats, is easy to connect to your smartphone and completely to be adjusted as desired. Furthermore, the AVIC-F77DAB can handle both Apple and Android CarPlay car, although the latter – by the lack of support – in the Netherlands is not yet functional. Apart from the voice control works Android Auto well, but there are few apps that will actually build it together. Only when there is a change in, Android car is worth to use in your car.
The test model for this article was provided by Pioneer. We thank Autoshop Tunnel from Nijmegen for the installation of the system.
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