Long Beach, Calif. - Pioneer launched three new third-party apps for its AppRadio aftermarket head unit, upgraded the device's functionality, and initiated a $50 mail-in installation rebate for consumers.

The three new apps, which join four currently available apps, are the Dash Command vehicle and driving statistics app, the StreamS HiFi Intrernet radio app, and the Aupeo! personalized Internet radio service.

The $50 install rebate will be available on AppRadios purchased through authorized Pioneer retailers through Dec. 31.

The $399-suggested AppRadio, which shipped six months ago, is a double-DIN AM/FM RDS head unit whose primary source of content is a USB-connected iPhone.

AppRadio features a capacitive 6.1-inch WVGA touchscreen that controls and displays iPhone-stored music, video, photos, contacts for use with hands-free Bluetooth calling, calendar items, and Google Maps local search results when a Pioneer AppRadio app is installed on an iPhone.

AppRadio launched with four third-party apps equipped with a Pioneer API to display their user interface and content on the head unit's display.

Those four are Pandora Internet Radio; the Motion X GPS Drive Cloud-based navigation service; Inrix's real-time traffic app; and Rdio, an on-demand music subscription service with social-network functions.

The three new apps that the head unit gets include:

DashCommand: It uses the built-in GPS and accelerometer sensors of the iPhone to display advanced vehicle and driving statistics. When connected to a compatible vehicle's OBD-II data port via optional OBD-II interface, users can view advanced  data  monitoring, logging  and  analysis through the display of up to 27 different virtual dashboards in such styles as digital gauges, analog gauges, and indicator lights on the AppRadio screen.

StreamS HiFi: This Internet radio app accesses more than 4,000 live Internet radio stations worldwide AAC/HE-AACv1/HE-AACv2 at 32kbps.

Aupeo! Personal Radio: The service accesses more than 120 Internet radio stations, and users can search for songs by artists, songs or Aupeo!'s "Mood-Tuner."  Users can also choose to "love" or "ban" songs directly from the AppRadio screen.

To improve system performance and add functions, Pioneer launched a new version of its AppRadio App. The update adds Apple iOS 5 support, multitouch pinch and zoom capability on Google Maps, and support for a return home function on select apps, which have added the ability for users to return directly to the AppRadio app screen simply by pressing the "Home Button" key on the face of the AppRadio. The function delivers easier access when switching apps.

"The ability to continuously improve the system with additional apps and software updates allows us to enhance the system and add features seamlessly," said marketing director Ted Cardenas. "This flexible and growing library of apps makes the Pioneer AppRadio unlike any other aftermarket car radio available today."