The ATOTO S8 Gen2 car stereo packs powerful performance, 4G LTE, wireless CarPlay/Android Auto, and AI driving assistant features—all in a sleek, customizable package!
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When it comes to modern car stereo systems, the ATOTO S8 MS 7" Double Din Android Car Stereo offers an impressive array of features, making it a standout choice in the market. With its cutting-edge technology, customizable options, and superior connectivity, this device offers both convenience and functionality.
This unit has landed safely in one of my generation 2 Toyota Prius cars, which I use daily for testing and other purposes.
In this blog post, I’ll explore what sets this unit apart, discuss its pros and cons, and give you my honest review after using it for a while.
Key Features:
Powerful Performance with Android 4G+32
The ATOTO S8 Gen2 is packed with a 12nm SoC and an ARM Cortex Octa-Core processor, ensuring quick performance and smooth multitasking. With 4GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage, it’s designed to handle multiple applications at once without lagging. Whether you’re streaming music, using navigation, or running apps, it runs smoothly, offering a seamless experience. The customizable ATOTO AICE UI 11.0 based on Android Q gives users plenty of room to tailor the interface to their preferences—though more on that later.
One of the coolest features of the S8 Gen2 is its built-in 4G LTE module, which allows you to insert a SIM card. This means your car stereo can function as a standalone device with its own internet connection, perfect for those who want access to music streaming services or navigation apps without relying on their phone. In addition, you can share internet via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and USB tethering, giving you multiple ways to stay connected on the go. For long drives or road trips, this feature really stands out.
DriveChat AI Driving Assistant:
An innovative feature that enhances the driving experience is the DriveChat AI Assistant, powered by ChatGPT. This AI-based assistant allows you to control various functions using voice commands, helping you focus on the road while managing calls, music, and navigation. The ability to switch between different DriveBots depending on your needs makes this feature versatile. You can even customize the wake-up words to make the interaction more personalized.
Speed Compensated Volume Control (SCVC):
One of the more practical features of the S8 Gen2 is the SCVC, which adjusts the system’s volume based on the vehicle’s speed. Whether you’re driving through a noisy city or cruising down the highway, this ensures that road and wind noise won’t drown out your audio experience. Plus, with six touch gestures for quick access to settings like brightness and multitasking menus, the system is designed to be user-friendly (although I found the UI a bit cumbersome at times).
Dual Bluetooth for Seamless Connectivity:
The Dual Bluetooth feature allows you to connect two devices simultaneously, which is a huge convenience. You can pair one device for hands-free calling or music streaming while the second can be used for vehicle diagnostics through an OBD2 scanner. The flexibility to run multiple Bluetooth connections is a strong point, making it easier to integrate into your digital ecosystem.
Wireless CarPlay & Android Auto:
The Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto functionality works like a charm, automatically connecting your phone via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi as soon as you start your car. This allows for instant access to your favorite apps, music, and navigation without needing to plug in your phone, reducing the hassle of cables cluttering your dashboard.
MirrorLink and HD Camera Support:
With MirrorLink, you can easily mirror your smartphone screen onto the stereo’s 7-inch display. This is ideal for apps or visuals you prefer to see on a larger screen. Additionally, it supports HD Virtual Surround-View (VSV) and Live RearView (LRV) when integrated with ATOTO’s AC-HD02LR or AC-HD03LR cameras. The unit’s IPS display provides a crisp 178° viewing angle, ensuring the screen remains clear regardless of lighting conditions or viewing position.
What I Love About It
One of the features I find most impressive is the ability to insert a SIM card into the unit, transforming the car stereo into a fully functional phone. This is a unique and convenient feature, especially for those who want to stay connected without having to use their smartphone for everything. The wireless CarPlay and Android Auto integration also eliminates the annoyance of constantly plugging and unplugging your phone, adding to the overall ease of use.
The AI Driving Assistant is another highlight for me. I love being able to control key functions with voice commands, making driving much safer and more intuitive. Whether I’m adjusting the music or navigating through a busy city, the AI keeps me focused on the road.
Room for Improvement
While the unit offers a lot of cool features, the user interface (UI) can feel a bit clunky. Navigating through menus and customizing the layout takes some time to get used to, and it’s not as intuitive as I would have liked. The ATOTO AICE UI 11.0 has great potential for customization, but it’s not always the smoothest experience, which can be frustrating when you're on the road and need to make quick adjustments.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the ATOTO S8 MS 7" Double Din Android Car Stereo is a fantastic choice for those looking for a high-tech, feature-packed head unit. It excels in connectivity, performance, and offers a truly smart driving experience. While the UI could use some refinement, the pros far outweigh the cons, especially at its price point.
If you’re someone who values internet connectivity, ease of access through wireless CarPlay/Android Auto, and AI-powered driving assistance, this unit is a great investment. Plus, the ability to insert a SIM card and let the stereo function independently from your phone is a game-changer for long drives.
Rating: 4.5/5 – Great value for the features, just needs a little more polish in the UI.
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Peter Neilson is an automotive consultant specializing in electric cars and hybrid battery technologies. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Automotive Service Technology from Weber State University. Peter can be reached on Linkedin and you can tweet him at The_hybrid_guy on Twitter. Find his page on Facebook at Certified Auto Consulting. Read more of Peter's stories at Toyota news coverage on Torque News. Search Toyota Prius Torque News for more in-depth Prius coverage from our reporter.
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