TL;DR
Pioneer introduced the Sphera, an aftermarket in-dash receiver that brings Dolby Atmos playback to cars via Apple CarPlay using virtualization. The unit fits single- or double-DIN slots, uses a calibration mic, and can create convincing Atmos with as few as four speakers.
What happened
At CES, Pioneer unveiled the Sphera, an aftermarket head unit designed to deliver Dolby Atmos music in ordinary cars without the multi‑speaker arrays typical of luxury models. The Sphera has a 10.1‑inch capacitive display and installs in a single‑DIN or double‑DIN dash opening. Setup requires placing a supplied microphone at the driver’s headrest and leaving the car for roughly five minutes while Pioneer’s processing calibrates the soundfield to the vehicle interior. The system applies virtualization techniques to simulate overhead and surround channels, and users can choose a listening sweet spot (driver, passenger, or whole cabin) from the touchscreen. In a demo unit fitted into a 2017 Toyota Highlander with four speakers and a subwoofer — upgraded to Pioneer A‑Series speakers — the virtualization positioned discrete sounds around the cabin and produced a noticeably expansive soundstage.
Why it matters
- Makes immersive Dolby Atmos music available as an aftermarket upgrade, not limited to luxury vehicles.
- Virtualization reduces the need for extra physical speakers, lowering installation complexity and cost.
- Cabin calibration tailors the listening experience to a vehicle’s specific interior, potentially improving real‑world results.
- Offers a path to wider adoption of object‑based audio playback in everyday cars via Apple CarPlay integration.
Key facts
- Product: Pioneer Sphera — aftermarket in‑dash receiver.
- Display: 10.1‑inch capacitive touchscreen.
- Fits into single‑DIN or double‑DIN dash openings.
- Enables Dolby Atmos playback through Apple CarPlay.
- Uses virtualization to create Atmos effects with as few as four speakers.
- Includes a microphone placed at the driver’s headrest for automatic calibration.
- Calibration process takes about five minutes with the car vacated during processing.
- On‑screen options let users select driver, passenger, or whole‑cabin listening sweet spots.
- Demo: installed in a 2017 Toyota Highlander with four speakers and a sub; demo speakers were Pioneer A‑Series (around $100 each).
- Positioning and envelopment in the demo produced an expanded interior soundstage according to the reviewer.
What to watch next
- Retail price and shipping/availability for consumer installation: not confirmed in the source.
- Whether Sphera supports Android Auto or other platforms beyond Apple CarPlay: not confirmed in the source.
- Real‑world performance across diverse vehicle types and long‑term reliability of the virtualization: not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- Dolby Atmos: An object‑based audio format that positions sound in three‑dimensional space to create an immersive listening experience.
- Virtualization: Signal‑processing techniques that simulate additional speakers or sound directions without adding physical drivers.
- Head unit: The primary in‑dash control device for a vehicle’s audio, display, and connectivity functions.
- Single‑DIN / Double‑DIN: Standardized sizes for car stereo mounting openings; single‑DIN is shorter, double‑DIN is roughly twice as tall.
- Apple CarPlay: An in‑car platform that mirrors selected iPhone apps and functions on a vehicle’s display for media, navigation, and communication.
Reader FAQ
What is the Pioneer Sphera?
An aftermarket in‑dash receiver with a 10.1‑inch touchscreen that enables Dolby Atmos playback via Apple CarPlay.
How many speakers does it need to create Atmos?
Pioneer says the Sphera can virtualize an Atmos soundfield using as few as four speakers (plus optional subwoofer).
How do you set it up in a car?
Install the head unit in a single‑ or double‑DIN slot, place the supplied mic at the driver’s headrest, and allow about five minutes for automatic calibration; then choose a listening sweet spot on the screen.
What is the price and when will it be available?
not confirmed in the source.
Does it support Android Auto?
not confirmed in the source.
TECH TRANSPORTATION AUDIO Pioneer Sphera is bringing Dolby Atmos in cars to the people The in-dash Sphera receiver uses virtualization to create convincing Atmos without needing to purchase a Cadillac….
Sources
- Pioneer Sphera is bringing Dolby Atmos in cars to the people
- Pioneer Sphera with Dolby Atmos
- World's First Aftermarket Dolby Atmos In-Dash Receiver / Head Unit For Cars
- Pioneer Launches SPHERA, the World's First Aftermarket …
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