Many of today’s cars are having display screens mounted on the dashboard which resemble tablets. From the assembly point of view, it’s easier to install rather than being integrated in an opening in the dashboard. When you look at the display, it seems like a good idea if it could also be detached and taken out of the car for other uses and Pioneer seems to have come up with such an idea for a new product.

In the first quarter of 2020, it will begin shipping the market’s first Smart Unit Receiver which combines a Google-certified 8-inch Android portable display with a smart receiver. Its portability means it can go beyond being just an in-car infotainment system.

For digitally-savvy individuals
“Today’s car owners are more than just drivers. They are digitally-savvy individuals who live a lifestyle that is integrated with their mobile devices and apps. This new wave of smart drivers doesn’t want just a system that accompanies them from point A to point B, but personalised tools and solutions that enhance their way of life and help them with their day-to-day tasks,” said Ronald Lee, General Manager of Sales and Product Division, Pioneer Electronics AsiaCentre.

“Our new Smart Unit Receiver is the first in the market to deliver our Pioneer Smart Sync (PSS) in-car infotainment app with the flexibility of a portable display and a smart receiver, allowing car owners to live a truly digital lifestyle wherever they go,” he explained.

All-in-one functionalities
When motoring, the Smart Unit Receiver drivers with quick access to their favourite music using the display’s dedicated source display for radio and Bluetooth as well as the PSS app’s smart receiver control. The app is a one-stop solution for getting the most out of the Android display, car stereo, and navigation and drivers can activate voice assistants, or have unread text messages read out.

The system can also connect to existing rearview cameras and Pioneer’s parking sensors through the smart receiver. Passengers can also stream videos on the move through apps like YouTube and Netflix. The portable display’s IPS LED screen offers crystal-clear clarity and a wide smooth surface to tap into controls and popular apps in just a few swipes.

With the ability to pre-select the cradle position, drivers can also adjust the display’s elevation for maximum comfort when watching videos and operating the device. The display can also be removed from the mount with just the press of a button so it becomes a tablet which can be taken into the office or home or anywhere else (to be connected to the internet would, of course, require having a SIM card or wifi connection).

“Drivers get to experience a truly seamless digital lifestyle within and outside of the car. When leaving the car, they can simply remove the display and reply to emails, catch up on the news or their favourite shows, and connect with loved ones via messaging apps on the go. The transition is non-disruptive,” said Mr. Lee.

Lower costs, more value
With the Smart Unit Receiver’s multiple capabilities and flexibility, drivers can gain more value just from a single system solution. They stand to reduce their hardware requirements and costs by meeting a diverse range of needs – from entertainment and navigation to productivity and connectivity – from just one portable display receiver system.

The system is also designed with safety and protection in mind, with the display built for durability and longevity within the environment of a car. The secure mount and robust display cover also offer better protection for the investment, preventing damage and extending the usage life of the system.

Information on pricing and availability in Malaysia is not available at this time but as the product will enter the market in the near future, perhaps you would want to hold off on buying a new tablet if you were planning to shop for one.

VR experience to enhance journeys for passengers in future