Pioneer Announces Availability of Zypr: A Multi-Platform, Voice-Powered Cloud-Based API to Connected Device Mashups

Pioneer has announced the availability of Zypr™: a new voice-powered, unified Web API (Application Programming Interface) available at no charge to developers. Zypr bridges the disparate worlds of mobile devices, Web apps, consumer electronics and automotive infotainment by bringing normalized Web services mashups to all of these platforms, with the added functionality of unique, conversational voice-control commands.

“Zypr has the most ambitious connected vehicle vision, ‘mashing up’ multiple social networking resources for a seamlessly integrated connected experience”

The Zypr API provides a consistent way for developers to access voice UI, maps and routing, local search, social networking, music and radio, contacts, calendars and weather from multiple content providers. Zypr is a set of RESTful cloud APIs organized by content service category – device makers and app developers can access the API directly via HTTPS calls and potentially implement client applications using common languages and operating system platforms.

Web services currently supported by Zypr that can be mashed up and applied in new ways using voice control include Facebook®, Twitter®, Google®, Yelp®, AccuWeather®, INRIX® real-time and predictive traffic information, Slacker® Radio, Tuner2™ Radio, Wcities™, xAd™ and VoiceBox® with other services coming soon. As a Web-based API, Zypr works on all platforms supporting HTTPS access, including HTML5, iOS®, Android™ and Java®.

By creating a normalized, stable and voice-enhanced method for accessing a wide array of constantly changing Internet services, Zypr reduces the impact of service-specific API changes. Zypr-powered applications also allow data to “follow” a user across multiple devices found in daily life due to Zypr’s centralized, cloud-based architecture. As a free, ad-supported service, Zypr offers developers the opportunity for a share of revenue earned based on users accessing Zypr through their products.

To assist developers in creating Zypr-enhanced applications, Pioneer is open-sourcing a reference Java application powered by Zypr. This reference source code and the Zypr API itself are immediately available as a no-charge license for developers. Developer keys, reference code, documentation and all developer tools are available at www.zypr.net or by emailing developer@zypr.net. Once a client application is ready, it may be submitted to Pioneer for review – upon approval, a key will be issued to enable the app to access Zypr services.

“Pioneer created Zypr so that any type of developer or device maker on any platform can easily offer compelling new services to enhance their own technology and brand equity,” said Susumu Kotani, the president of Pioneer Corporation. “We have also changed the rules by allowing developers and device makers alike the opportunity to share in revenue when they deploy Zypr.”

“Zypr has the most ambitious connected vehicle vision, ‘mashing up’ multiple social networking resources for a seamlessly integrated connected experience,” said Roger C. Lanctot, senior analyst at Strategy Analytics. “The product represents the kind of solution consumers don’t even realize they want until they see it – consumers are definitely seeking services that bridge mobile & non-mobile experiences the way Zypr does.”

“Programming with Zypr is intuitive, easy and incredibly powerful – I was able to integrate Zypr into our application in less than an afternoon," said Bob Anderson, the chief technology officer of near2there, Inc. and a winner of the October 27 AppDev Hackathon. “Zypr is the ‘lubrication’ that makes all other APIs work smoothly together – I am impressed and looking forward to incorporating Zypr into our product offerings.”

Pioneer Corporation, headquartered in Kawasaki, Japan, is a leading global manufacturer of consumer and business-use electronics products such as audio, video and car electronics. Its shares are traded on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE: 6773). For more information please visit http://pioneer.jp. Details on Zypr may be found at www.zypr.net as well as by following @Zyprnet on Twitter.

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