ATOTO S8 Installation & Review
Is the Android radio worth it?
The ATOTO S8 has quickly made a name for itself in the world of aftermarket car radios. But what makes this Android radio so special and is it really as good as it seems?
In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about the ATOTO S8 - from the technical details and installation to the advantages and disadvantages. In the end, you will be able to make a clear decision as to whether this radio is right for you.
Why the ATOTO S8?
The ATOTO S8G2A74MS* is not only a versatile Android radio, but also a comprehensive solution for your vehicle, with numerous modern functions. It is ideal for all those who modernize your vehicle would like to, without having to convert the entire car.
With a 7-inch display and a powerful octa-core processor it offers a fast and smooth user experience. Whether you want to stream music, use GPS navigation or integrate your smartphone - the ATOTO S8 makes it all possible.
The special feature of the ATOTO S8: It is Compatible with almost all vehiclesas it is a Aftermarket radio is involved. However, the prerequisite is that you use the suitable mounting kits and cable harnesses. You can find out more in the chapter: "ATOTO S8: Which mounting kit do I need?".
But what makes the ATOTO better than the other Android radios?
Most Android radios on the market come with 2GB RAM and 32GB ROM. The ATOTO S8 can be used with its 4GB RAM better and faster in comparison. It also has countless interfaces that can be used.
Whether you have a reversing camera, a 360° camera, screens, amplifiers, subwoofers, etc. in your equipment, the ATOTO supports them all. In our experience, the ATOTO also has a better audio quality than the other China radios, which is noticeable.
- Introducing the ATOTO S8 Gen2, an efficient Android car radio with a 12nm SoC and an ARM Cortex Octa-Core processor for optimal performance. With 4GB RAM and 32GB ROM, it offers...
- 【DriveChat - your AI driving assistant】Experience AI support and safer driving with the DriveChat app. With advanced voice control, you can operate the car radio effortlessly....
- The S8 Gen2 offers comprehensive internet connectivity so you can stay connected wherever you are. With the integrated 4G LTE module, you can insert a SIM card to enjoy seamless internet access....
- S8 Double DIN Radio includes Speed Compensated Volume Control (SCVC), which adjusts the system volume according to vehicle speed (effectively at 50 mph or more),...
All special functions at a glance
The ATOTO S8G2A74MS is packed with features that make it one of the best Android radios on the market. Here are the most important features that this radio offers:
1) Apple Carplay & Android Auto
The radio supports free of charge both Apple CarPlay as well as Android Autowhich enables seamless integration of your smartphone. You can either Connect by cable or wirelessly and access your apps. The wireless connection is established using the supplied Wireless antenna is achieved. The ATOTO S8 also offers the option of Phone mirroring via the CarbitLink app.
2) CAN bus integration possible
There is a possibility, CAN-BUS signals with a CAN-BUS decoder and display them in the ATOTO S8. If your Steering wheel buttons are connected to the CAN-BUS, you can also integrate them into the Android radio. In most cases, climate control elements, open doors etc. are also intercepted at the same time and displayed on the Android radio.
3) Drive-Chat AI Assistant:
The ATOTO S8 is the first Android radio to have a Artificial intelligence (AI)based on the Open AI product Chat GPTintegrated. After initial commissioning with the app "Swift-Stone" You can also use your cell phone to "Wake-up words" configure and get started right away.
With the AI you can Functions such as switching music, turn down the volume, run apps and much more. In addition, you also have the Possibility to ask questions and communicate with your car. For example, you can ask about toll prices or traffic laws in other countries. The best thing about it all: The drive chat function is Updated throughout and further functions are being sought.
4) 4G SIM card slot:
With the Android Radio it is also possible to Access the Internet from your cell phone without a hotspot. The built-in 4G LTE modem works with almost all frequency bands supported by the most popular providers. The only thing you need is a SIM card with the corresponding tariff.
5) Torque PRO app installed:
The S8MS has the Torque Pro" app already pre-installed. The "Torque Pro" app enables users to, Read out vehicle diagnostic data in real time via an OBD-II adapter. It offers functions such as monitoring sensors, reading and deleting fault codes and analyzing performance data for cars. In this case, you capture all this data directly on the radio display.
6) Line-out converter included in the scope of delivery:
The ATOTO S8MS not only has an integrated subwoofer output with RCA connection, but also Two line-out converters enclosed. With this you can easily Up to three external amplifiers to this car radio, which is really appreciated.
7) Excellent display:
The 7-inch display of the ATOTO S8 has a Resolution of 1024*600 and offers a 178° viewing angle. The IPS panel ensures vivid colors and a high brightness of 600cd/m2, so that you can enjoy the best of both worlds even at have a clear view of the display in direct sunlight.
The capacitive touchscreen responds precisely and without delays, which makes it much easier to operate while driving. What also makes the ATOTO a special feature is the 5-touch capacitive touchscreenwhich enables smooth control such as zooming, swiping and scrolling with high precision and without delays.
8) Advanced audio functions:
With an integrated digital signal processor (DSP), the ATOTO S8 allows you to customize the sound exactly to your liking. There are Nine preset EQ modes and 32 customizable frequency bands. The built-in amplifier delivers a maximum Power of 4x45Wwhich is more than sufficient for most users.
9) Two Bluetooth devices at the same time
The ATOTO S8 Supports both Bluetooth 5.0 and 4.1which enables a stable and fast connection to your smartphone. You can answer calls, stream music or search your phone book - all without taking your hands off the wheel. Furthermore, the device can connect to several Bluetooth devices at the same time.
10) Powerful GPS receiver
The Android radio comes with a GPS receiver and a pre-installed Google Maps app. You can download offline maps to navigate even without an internet connection. In addition, the radio also supports other Navigation apps such as "Waze" or "HereWeGo", which you can download directly from the Google Play Store.
11) Live rear view (LRV)
Another highlight is the live rear view, which allows you to see the BThe image from the reversing camera can also be seen while driving forwards. This increases safety considerably as you have a better view of blind spots. Of course, a reversing camera is a prerequisite.
12) Fast system & fast start
A particularly practical function of the ATOTO S8 is the Fast system start. Within just two seconds after starting the vehicle the radio is ready for use. Due to its compactness and more powerful processor, the Android device can also be used with 4GB RAM Memory surprisingly fast and agile.
Technical details
The ATOTO S8G2A74MS is equipped with powerful hardware that ensures smooth performance. Here you will find an overview of the most important technical data:
Pros & Cons of the CRP919E BT
The advantages and disadvantages of the ATOTO S8G2A74MS compared to original radios and some Android radios on the market:
Pros:
Cons:
ATOTO S8: Which mounting kit do you need?
Although the ATOTO S8 comes with a wide range of accessories, you may not be able to find the right one for your vehicle. Buy additional adapters and mounting accessories must. Unfortunately, there is not yet a list of which kits are suitable for which vehicles. Here is mainly Research The market makes it relatively easy for you to find out what you need.
These kits usually contain Aperturesthat fit the radio perfectly into the center console of your car, and Adapter cable. However, the contents of the kits vary depending on the vehicle in question.
1) Steering wheel buttons & CAN-BUS
Before installation, you must find out whether your vehicle meets the Steering wheel buttons controlled via CAN-BUS or analog. All European vehicles from around 2011 onwards most likely already have CAN bus integrated. Here you need a CAN-BUS decoderso that you can display the steering wheel buttons, the climate control unit displays and other vehicle information on the ATOTO S8.
How do you find out whether your old radio received CAN-BUS signals?
If one of these three points applies to your situation, you can be pretty sure that you have a CAN bus decoder and a Quadlock to ISO pin 16 adapter are required.
Are the Steering wheel buttons Directly wired (executed analogously) you can also without the CAN bus decoder and program it in the ATOTO using the "SWC" app.
2) Antenna adapter
Most of the newer cars, especially VAG models, have a Double-Fakra connection for the antenna. However, the ATOTO S8 (like most other Android radios) comes with a DIN connection. To connect the original antenna to the radio, you will need a Double-Fakra to DIN adapter.
Cars with a Antenna amplifier also need a Power supply for this one. Here you need a double-Fakra to DIN adapter with a Phantom feedto supply the antenna amplifier with power.
3) RGB-to-AV converter (for original rear view camera):
Should you have a Original reversing camera from VW, to get the camera signal to the Android radio, you will need a RGB to AV converter.
4) Faces & brackets:
The ATOTO S8 comes with universal metal brackets all the way to Two panels in different thicknesses supplied. Nevertheless, it is not uncommon for you to have to buy additional frames or mounting brackets. Fortunately, these are not too expensive (depending on the vehicle brand) and are also very well represented on the market.
Required accessories for the Passat B7
As we will show you here how to ATOTO S8G2A74MS easily into a Passat B7 year of construction 2014 we link you here the Required accessories. You need these special mounting accessories and adapters to switch from the original RNS510 VW radio (with CAN-BUS connection) to the ATOTO S8 to be able to convert.
Quadlock adapter to 16-pin ISO adapter + CAN-BUS decoder *
Integration of CAN-BUS connection and main wiring harness for the ATOTO S8 in the Passat B7.
Instructions: Installing the ATOTO S8
The Installation of the ATOTO S8 may look a little complicated at first, but with the right accessories and a little patience, it is easy to install. relatively easy and quick to do. These instructions should also be used as a Operating instructions in German serve. We will show you here how to use the Android Radio Step-by-step into a 2014 Passat B7 can install:
Step 1: Prepare the ATOTO S8
First of all, you should make sure that you have the above mentioned accessories for the VW Passat.
Plug all the cables you need into the Radio rear side in. The plugs only fit into the socket provided for this purpose, i.e, you can't put anything wrong.
If you do not have any special amplifiers or screens and do not want to use a SIM card, it is sufficient to use the GConnect the PS antenna, the WLAN antenna, the Quadlock adapter and the radio antenna adapter.
You can also skip the preparation of the two USB ports if necessary, as the cables in the glove compartment have to be relocated.
Step 2: Remove the old radio
Carefully remove the Aperture around the old radio and release the Four fastening screws. Pull out the radio and Disconnect the quadlock connector and the antenna connection. The Quadlock connector is locked with a lever that you simply have to push upwards.
You can simply pull out the hazard warning button and disconnect the cable.
Step 3: Screw on the metal brackets
Next, you need to set the two metal plates supplied from ATOTO to the radio. The two hangersthat you have purchased separately must be vdrilled to size before assembly be used. The holes to be used are marked in the photo.
Once you have enlarged the hole on each bracket, you can mount them on the metal plates you screwed on earlier. The radio is now Ready for installation.
Step 4: Wiring
If you have prepared the radio correctly according to step 1, there is not much left to do in this step. First, connect the factory-fitted Quadlock plug to your adapter and the Factory-fitted antenna connection to your Fakra to DIN adapter to.
On the Quadlock adapter you must, if you are using a CAN-BUS decoder, disconnect the plug with the red-orange cables. This plug should only be connected if your multimedia unit is not controlled via CAN-BUS.
Next, connect the Blue cable of the antenna adapter (phantom feed) with the blue cable from your Quadlock adapter (remote connection). This also supplies the antenna amplifier with power.
If you still have a Original reversing camera from VW, you will need an external adapter as mentioned above. Here you also need the yellow and red cables of the external RGB-to-AV converter with the Connect the blue cable from the antenna adapter and the Quadlock adapter. Then connect the supplied cinch cable to the cinch connection of the external adapter. The reversing camera is now fully installed.
Of course, all plugs should also be plugged into the designated positions on the Android radio. The plugs cannot be plugged into the wrong position, as they all have a special size have.
Step 5: Installing the ATOTO S8
Slide the mounted radio together with the covers & brackets into the center console slot and secure the entire package with the original four screws. We recommend that you use the supplied frame from ATOTO with double-sided adhesive tape to the radio so that it does not fall out while you are driving.
Step 6: Change CAN-BUS interface
As everything in the Passat B7 is CAN-BUS is running, you still need the Select the correct protocol. To enter the ATOTO S8 "Secret menu" or "Factory settings", go to Settings and click on 4x on the tab system. The password to access the secret menu is "3368".
In these settings, go to the tab "Model selection" and set the interface "Hiworld" in. Afterwards just follow the path and choose your Vehicle data off. If the correct interface is selected, the steering wheel buttons and other vehicle information should now be shown on the display. If it still does not work, you simply have to delete all Try out the interfaces once. One of them certainly works.
Step 7: Switching on the radar parking sensors
If the radar is activated when reverse gear is engaged or when the parking sensors are activated not be visibleyou have to go to the secret menu under the tab "Vehicle Agreement" the switch "Radar switch" set to on. The parking sensor radar should now be displayed again.
Step 8: Set drive chat (AI assistant)
The Drive Chat" app" should already be pre-installed on the device. If this is not the case, you must install a Firmware update make. Once Drive Chat is finally available, all that remains is to install the Swiftstone" app on your cell phone left. Log in there and then scan the QR code which is shown on the display of the device.
The next step is to Two wake-up words set: A wake-up call should be issued for the Operation in the vehicle be responsible and a wake-up call for the intelligent conversations. We have opted for "ATOTO" and "Gustav", for example.
You can see how well Drive Chat works on our Youtube channel.
Conclusion
The ATOTO S8G2A74MS is an impressive Android radio that offers an amazing level of compatibility and features. Technology enthusiasts as well as everyday drivers can get a lot of use out of this device. With its brilliant display, powerful hardware and versatile connectivity options, it is an excellent choice for anyone looking to modernize their vehicle.
It's true. The correct mounting kit for your vehicle may be something Take your time. Nevertheless outweigh the advantages in our opinion clearly.
The Android device is also surprisingly fast and agile for its size. 4GB RAM and 32GB ROM. If you are a 2GB RAM Android Radio you'll definitely notice a difference with this one, even though it only has one gigabyte more RAM.
For our taste, this could be Display could also be slightly largerbut we also understand why this is not the case. The FlexibilityThe fact that the device could be installed anywhere would disappear.
The AI tool "Drive Chat" is also like a Above-average improved voice assistantwhich is based on the artificial intelligence of Chat GPT based.
To summarize: If you're looking for a high-quality Android radio that will take your driving experience to the next level, then in our experience the ATOTO S8 is the one for you. While it costs more than some other radios on the market, it delivers on its promise in terms of features and, most importantly, it's not: It's not slow!
- Introducing the ATOTO S8 Gen2, an efficient Android car radio with a 12nm SoC and an ARM Cortex Octa-Core processor for optimal performance. With 4GB RAM and 32GB ROM, it offers...
- 【DriveChat - your AI driving assistant】Experience AI support and safer driving with the DriveChat app. With advanced voice control, you can operate the car radio effortlessly....
- The S8 Gen2 offers comprehensive internet connectivity so you can stay connected wherever you are. With the integrated 4G LTE module, you can insert a SIM card to enjoy seamless internet access....
- S8 Double DIN Radio includes Speed Compensated Volume Control (SCVC), which adjusts the system volume according to vehicle speed (effectively at 50 mph or more),...
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