Every AV product has some sort of app component these days. However, it's not enough to just have an app, but you actually need to keep it current.
Pioneer Electronics has been doing a little tweaking and now they've come up with a pair of new apps. The ControlApp and iControlAV2013 are both designed for use with iOS and Android devices, as well as 2012 and 2013 AV receivers, Blu-ray players and SMA wireless speakers.
Besides offering an alternate way to control your many Pioneer AV products, both of the new apps include setup tweaks and a way to access content on connected smart devices.
Each one boasts greater control and the option to tap into content from USB memory or streaming services. There's also a new feature called Push Player, which allows users to access music stored on different devices and create playlists that can be streamed wirelessly to compatble receivers.
ControlApp-compatible receivers include the Pioneer VSX-823 and VSX-1023 and Elite VSX-43. The iControlAV2013 App, on the other hand, works with Pioneer's VSX-1123 and Elite VSX-70 AV receivers. Additional models will also be announced at a later date.
The new iControlAV2013 app has a new interface and "finger flick" touch access, as well as an Eco Manager page for monitoring your device's energy usage. Other features include Sound Explorer with 18 sound adjustment options, Virtual Speakers, and the aforementioned Finger EQ feature.
Both apps work with the Pioneer BDP-150 Blu-ray Player and Elite BDP-62FD Blu-ray Player. ControlApp is also compatible with the company's XW-SMA1-K, XW-SMA3-K and XW-SMA4-K WiFi speakers.
Also new for the year is the AVNavigator for the iPad, Mac and Windows PC. This is Pioneer's interactive owner's guide, which can walk customers through the entire setup of an AV receiver. It works with the VSX-1123 and Elite VSX-70 receivers, with additional models to be announced later this year.
Last in this year's lineup is Air Jam, a proprietary Pioneer app promoting social networking within the home setting. This option works with VSX-823, VSX-1023, VSX-1123, VSX-40 and VSX-70 receivers, allowing up to four smart devices to connect via Bluetooth and the optional AS-BT200 Bluetooth adapter.
"With the popularity and wide range of apps available today, consumers are quickly becoming accustomed to having complete control of their entertainment at their fingertips," said Chris Walker, director of AV product planning and marketing for the Home Electronics Division of Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. "Not only are we improving and expanding the functionalities of our existing apps year-to-year, but we also continue to develop and launch new apps to take advantage of newly developed hardware features integrated into the new generation of Pioneer products."
Pioneer says that the ControlApp and iControlAV2013 are both available for download right now from the iTunes App Store and the Google Play Store.
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