Pioneer AVIC-F500BT Hybrid (In-dash and Portable) GPS Navigation Device

Pioneer call their AVIC-F500BT a hybrid device as it will function as and in-dash navigation device as well as a personal navigation device (PND) when removed. For portable use the AVIC-F500 has built-in speakers and a rechargeable battery. The at 5.8 inches, WVGA resolution touch display is large enough for easy in-car viewing.

Navigation

Maps with navigation guidance are available in two views: overhead and movable 3D. Destinations can be input using the touch screen or voice recognition. Audible navigation instructions also include text-to-speech pronouncing street names providing confirmation that you are on track without looking at the display.

Destinations can also be entered by using points of interest (POI). The POI database includes common destinations such as ATMs, motels and restaurants. Categories of POI can be overlaid onto the map display or searched for. The POI database can be updated or augmented using an SD card for uploading. Personal POI can be created and stored as well.

VoiceBox Voice Command Control

The ability to use voice commands for a navigation unit allows one to save time by avoid cascading input menus. It also makes for safer driving with the drivers eyes able to stay on the road ahead.
For voice control of the AVIC-F500BT, Pioneer has selected the Wall Street Journal Technology Innovation Awardâ€™s runner up – VoiceBox’s Conversational Voice Search Platform.

There are voice recognition controlled GPS navigation devices available on the market including the Magellan Maestro 5250 however, they all rely on the using key words and phrases. VoiceBox’s product is a technology improvement in two ways:

The software is able to accept varying conversational commands eg. Find Charter street for me or 16 Charter Street.
From conversational phrases, the software is able to extract the command, removing all the irrelevant words. Speech clutter such as ums and ahs and background noise can be removed as well. This capability is called intent recognition. While VoiceBox uses context and user intent to understand commands it may in difficult to resolve situations ask clarifying questions that is, cooperative conversations.

Voice commands can also be used to control attached devices such as Apple iPod player and Bluetooth enabled cell phones.

Multimedia Capabilities

As well as being a navigator the Pioneer AVIC-F500BT will also act as an aggregator and gateway for personal audio and communication devices. It can accept portable devices with a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connection or SD memory card input. Plugged in devices are recognized and can be controlled via the touch display and/or by voice commands. MP3 and Windows Media Audio (WMA) music files are recognized.

Bluetooth Wireless Technology

Bluetooth wireless technology is available for cellular phones to be combined with the Pioneer AVIC-F500BT for safer hands-free phone operation utilizing either the touch screen or voice commands. The AVIC-F500′s speakers or/or the vehicles built-in speakers and the microphone can be used to make and receive calls. When a call is received, the system automatically mutes audio and displays caller information on the display panel.

MSN Direct

The AVIC-F500BT can display traffic information and other service information for up to 100 cities across the United States and Canada. At a glance, users can see updated road conditions on their local freeways.
MSN Direct location based services currently available include:

Local Traffic Reports provide traffic information on accidents, breakdowns and weather related traffic problems.
Weather Reports include current temperature, today’s high/low temperatures, three-day forecasts, humidity, and wind speeds.
Local Gas Prices local gas prices are uploaded to your GPS unit for you to navigate to the lowest price.
Local Movie Times allow you to find out what movies are playing – not just where.

MSN Direct is available free for three months with the purchase of an AVIC-F500 and thereafter by subscription.

Reversing Camera Capability

equipped with a camera input and back-up trigger, AVIC-F500BT when connected to a rear mounted camera will show parking assistance video when the reverse gear is engaged.

Maps and Languages

Mapping data is from Tele Atlas for the entire United States, Canada, Alaska and Hawaii. Map coverage for European versions covers 26 countries including; Benelux, Germany, France, United Kingdom, Ireland, Spain, Portugal, Monaco, Andorra, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Switzerland, Austria, Hungary, Italy, Greece, Liechtenstein, Vatican City and San Marino.

Ten languages are supported including; English, German, French, Italian, Dutch / Flemish , Spanish, Danish, Swedish, Norwegian and Portuguese.