CES 2008: Pioneer hybrid navigation system also lets you speak your iPod's language

Pioneer has developed an enthusiastically multitasking navigation and entertainment system that will allow voice control of iPods and Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones.

The AVIC-F500BT aggregates all the things we take on the road and aims to control them all by modifying the existing in-car system rather than requiring a full changing out of the standard audio. It can be installed through an auxiliary audio input or using an installation module from Pioneer to become a hub for all personal audio and communication devices. The exciting bit is of course the voice control.

Using VoiceBox Conversation Voice Search Platform, iPods and Bluetooth phones can be controlled by voice. Although other MP3 players can be hooked up, the voice control currently only seems to extend to the iPod. There are different types of spoken command, with the conversational element able to sift through variations on the order and stumbling speech to understand the command. "I want to hear the artist U2", "play U2" and "er, umm, let's see... the Joshua Tree" should all work according to Pioneer. I can't wait for the video review of that one...

It'll also do its thing when using your phone hands free. Although this is now widely considered a distraction almost on a par with actually holding your phone, it's still legal in many places, so if you absolutely have to (say you're stuck in traffic anyway), then announcing "Call John Smith" will do so. More than one number for John Smith listed? It'll tell you that and ask you to specify which one.

At the moment mapping data is only for the US, Canada, Alaska and Hawaii, from TeleAtlas, displayed on a 5.8" high resolution WVGA screen. There's the usual touch screen, audio prompt features you might expect, including enhancements like reading aloud the name of the road you're turning into, not just telling you to turn "ahead". Point Of Interest information is included and can also be supplemented by the user through SD card.

No price yet, but it's landing on the CES-side of the pond in the Spring.

Pioneer

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