Pioneer's Android Auto-compatible NEX head units now available for purchase

Following the recent publication of the Android Auto app in the Google Play Store, Pioneer has just announced that its second generation NEX (Network Entertainment eXperience) head units are now available for purchase from a number of different retailers across the country. The 2015 NEX head units, which are both Android Auto and CarPlay compatible, were first debuted at CES 2015 a few months ago.

Three of the five 2015 NEX models are Android Auto-compatible, and include the AVIC-8100NEX, AVIC-7100NEX and AVH-4100NEX models. This is a completely new platform, so you’ll need to pay a hefty chunk of change to become an early adopter. The 4100 model, which is the least expensive, starts at $700. The 7100 unit can be yours for $1,200, and the 8100 is sold for $1,400. All of Pioneer’s second generation NEX units are now available from authorized Pioneer retailers across the United States. But remember, this is just the price for the head unit itself. Unless you know how to install these things on your own, you’ll likely need to shell out some more money for installation.

Of course, once the platform progresses over the next year or so, we should begin to see some more affordable head units become available. What do you think? From what you’ve seen out of the platform so far, are any of these Pioneer units worth your money?