Pioneer’s AVIC-8100NEX emerges as a flagship multimedia receiver, aiming to integrate every imaginable in-car connectivity protocol. This unit adopts a comprehensive approach to in-car multimedia and smartphone integration, presenting a vast array of features for the discerning driver.
A Deep Dive into Features and Functionality
The Pioneer AVIC-8100NEX distinguishes itself with its extensive compatibility. It boasts Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, MirrorLink, and Pioneer’s AppMode for smartphone integration, ensuring virtually all users are catered to. For situations where smartphone connectivity isn’t available, the onboard navigation system provides a reliable backup.
However, this top-tier device comes with a premium price tag. The high MSRP of the 8100NEX might prompt potential buyers to consider if they truly need such a wide range of features, especially when Pioneer’s less expensive NEX-series models offer compelling alternatives.
Ultimately, the AVIC-8100NEX stands as a market leader, packed with features and functionality that few competitors can match. The key question for buyers is whether they require, and will utilize, its extensive capabilities.
Beyond the leading smartphone mirroring technologies, the 8100NEX supports a multitude of connection methods including Bluetooth for wireless audio streaming and hands-free calls, USB/iPod mode for direct device connection, and Pioneer’s AppRadio mode for older smartphone app connectivity, specifically for iPhone 4 and pre-Lollipop Android devices. It also incorporates a CD/DVD player for physical media, HD Radio for high-quality over-the-air broadcasts, and standalone access to Aha Radio and Pandora for internet radio streaming. The sheer volume of available features and audio sources is genuinely impressive, and justifiably so given its suggested retail price of $1,400 (approximately AU$1,840 or £950 at the time of review). The Pioneer AVIC-8100NEX is designed to be a comprehensive, all-encompassing in-car entertainment and information system to validate its premium positioning.
A significant highlight for the NEX series, and particularly the 8100NEX, is the integration of Google’s Android Auto. For Android users, this integration represents a major step forward in in-car functionality, moving beyond basic Bluetooth audio streaming. Pioneer’s early adoption of Android Auto is a notable achievement. However, as with many first-generation technologies, early adopters should anticipate potential software bugs and glitches.
Installation of the 8100NEX is designed to be straightforward for those with experience in car stereo installation. It utilizes a standard car audio wire harness for power and speaker connections, along with dedicated connections for the included GPS antenna and hands-free microphone. The rear panel features two USB ports, labeled 1 and 2, which are specifically designated for different connectivity protocols. Port 1 is exclusively for Apple CarPlay, while Port 2 is for Android Auto and MirrorLink. Incorrectly connecting devices to these ports will prevent the 8100NEX from recognizing the device, requiring users to physically access the unit to swap the connections. This port specificity is a crucial detail for users to note during setup.
Upon connecting an Android device running Android 5.x Lollipop or later via USB, the receiver automatically initiates the Android Auto software on the connected phone. The initial setup process involves installing the Android Auto app, along with Google Maps, Google Music, and Google Voice Search if they are not already present on the phone. Following this, a brief tutorial appears on the NEX receiver’s screen, culminating in the presentation of the Android Auto overview screen to the driver.
The Android Auto overview screen is designed with familiarity in mind for Android Lollipop users, mirroring the Google Now interface but optimized for in-car use. It provides context-aware shortcuts to frequently visited destinations, estimated travel times, notifications for missed calls and messages, and information cards displaying weather updates and more. The contextual information dynamically updates based on the time of day and user habits. For instance, in the morning, commute times and navigation to work are prioritized, while in the evening, destinations related to leisure activities might appear. This predictive functionality, reminiscent of Google Now, offers a user-centric experience by anticipating driver needs.
Shortcuts along the bottom of the display provide quick access to the overview screen, recent call logs, Google Maps navigation, audio streaming applications, and a button to return to the Pioneer’s native software interface. Incoming notifications for calls and texts are displayed briefly at the top of the screen. Tapping these notifications allows users to answer calls or have text messages read aloud via text-to-speech, emphasizing voice interaction and minimizing driver distraction. Notably, Android Auto prioritizes safety by not displaying text messages visually, focusing on audio interaction for text communication while driving.
Navigation through Google Maps within Android Auto closely resembles the smartphone experience and is primarily voice-command driven. While a contextual menu icon provides access to suggested destinations and category browsing, direct text input for destination search is intentionally absent, reinforcing voice search as the primary interaction method.
The audio interface within Android Auto presents a simplified version of Google Music, featuring large, easily accessible controls for play, pause, and skip, along with clear song metadata display. Tapping the audio icon again reveals a list of compatible audio streaming apps, including popular services like Spotify, iHeartRadio, and Pocket Casts. These apps are also voice-command enabled, allowing for hands-free control, such as “Listen to The Strokes on Spotify.”
Voice search is central to the Android Auto experience, and the 8100NEX’s implementation is remarkably conversational. Users can issue natural language commands like “Take me to the nearest Taco Bell,” “What’s a good Chinese restaurant near here?” or “Text Katherine and say ‘Want to get dinner?'” The system adeptly interprets these requests without requiring rigid, staccato phrasing.
Beyond navigation and music, Google Voice Search integration extends to general information queries. Users can ask questions like “Did the Braves win last night?” and receive spoken responses, demonstrating the system’s broad information access. However, this wide-ranging capability can sometimes yield unexpected results, as demonstrated when asking “What’s the meaning of life?” which resulted in a lengthy Wikipedia summary rather than a concise answer.
The Android Auto interface is characterized by its clean, bright visuals and strong reliance on voice input, creating a largely seamless user experience. One minor ergonomic point is the placement of the voice input button in the upper-right corner, potentially a slight reach for drivers in left-hand drive vehicles. This minor inconvenience can be easily addressed with steering wheel control adapters and is a minimal drawback in an otherwise well-designed interface.
The Pioneer NEX series, including the AVIC-8100NEX, is uniquely positioned by supporting both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, making it ideal for households with users of both platforms. When connected to an iPhone running iOS 8 or later, the 8100NEX provides CarPlay functionality comparable to previous NEX models like the AVIC-8000NEX. Side-by-side comparison reveals that CarPlay operates slightly more smoothly than Android Auto, particularly in device pairing, possibly due to differences in the respective phone operating systems, with Apple’s CarPlay appearing more inherently plug-and-play.
Switching between CarPlay and Android Auto requires simply plugging in the corresponding phone to the appropriate USB port. However, the transition isn’t fully automatic; users need to navigate to the Options menu to toggle between “Apple CarPlay” and “Other” USB connection modes. The 8100NEX intelligently detects when a different phone platform is connected and provides a pop-up shortcut to the relevant menu for mode switching, streamlining the process.
The 8100NEX also offers multitasking capabilities. It can simultaneously run Android Auto from one USB port while playing music from an iPhone connected via iPod mode on the second USB port. Similarly, it can play CD audio or HD Radio while running navigation from either Google Maps or Apple Maps. Furthermore, the unit includes its own onboard navigation system, which can be used independently of smartphone connectivity while playing audio from any source, including Android Auto or CarPlay. With the ability to add rear-seat entertainment and expand audio sources with external tuners like satellite radio, the 8100NEX truly functions as a highly versatile and expandable in-car command center.
Pioneer has confirmed that the current NEX models, including the 8100NEX, do not support wireless CarPlay due to the absence of necessary Wi-Fi hardware, a feature introduced in iOS 8.3 and later.
After an extended period of testing, the initial impression of the AVIC-8100NEX as a comprehensive, all-in-one device has been reinforced. The breadth of its functionality is genuinely impressive, although it’s acknowledged that many users may not utilize every single feature. However, for households with diverse media preferences and multiple drivers using different smartphone platforms, the 8100NEX comprehensively addresses virtually every in-car entertainment need.
The primary concern remains the $1,400 price point. While market research may reveal discounted prices, the initial cost is significant. For users seeking a more budget-friendly option, Pioneer offers the AVIC-7100NEX and AVH-4100NEX, with slightly reduced feature sets at lower MSRPs of $1,200 and $700 respectively. The AVH-4100NEX is highlighted as a particularly compelling option within the NEX series, offering a balance of features and value.
