Otocast P3 CarPlay AI box in test

Use apps like Netflix and YouTube in the car? The Ottocast P3 CarPlay retrofits an infotainment system with Android via CarPlay. Testing shows how it works.

If you want to make your car smart without using a smartphone, you should take a look at the Otocast P3 AI Box. The adapter offers a self-contained operating system with Android 12 that includes apps and a slot for a SIM card. Android apps then become available that can be run on the infotainment system’s screen.

However, the basic requirement is that the vehicle has an interface for Apple CarPlay. The device also acts as an adapter for wireless connections through CarPlay or Android Auto if the vehicle doesn’t automatically offer it.

What is the P3 CarPlay AI box for? 192 euros (code: ts20) beats in practice, we show in this test.

The Otocast P3 AI box is circular and looks like a slightly oversized adapter for wireless CarPlay or Android Auto. With a diameter of about 8 cm, it is somewhat bulky and significantly larger than ordinary adapters for connecting a smartphone to a car wirelessly. In theory, it is a self-contained computer with Android. The shiny top is modeled after the analog watch style, with the Ottocast logo in the middle. The LEDs at the bottom provide lighting effects when the device is plugged into the car.

USB-C is available as a connection as well as mini-HDMI (Type C) as an output. A USB-C to USB-A and USB-C to USB-C cable is available to connect to the vehicle. There is also a bypass power cable with a USB-A port that can be plugged into an adapter for a 12-volt plug if the power connection through the existing USB port is not sufficient.

The Otocast AI Box is basically a real computer with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 as its processor. It also has 128 GB internal memory and 8 GB RAM. The software runs a customized Android 12 called Ottodrive OS 2.0. The device supports Wi-Fi 5 and dual Bluetooth to connect two devices at the same time.

You plug the device into the car using a cable and start the ignition. Depending on the vehicle, the connection with the device is initiated automatically. In our case, we had to select the AI ​​box via CarPlay on the VW T-Roc via “Phone”. The operating system then starts with an Otocast logo and immediately shows a home screen with widgets and apps. There are icons on the left to navigate through the system, access the app drawer, or access settings. You can also make some personal settings for the home screen there. To connect to the Internet, the Otocast AI Box can use a SIM card, making the device self-sufficient. If you don’t have one, you can create a WiFi hotspot with your smartphone and log into it using the box.

It stands like a tablet now Google Play Store Available. All you need to do is log in with your Google account. Apart from this there is also an App Store apk pure Available. like some apps youtube, spotify, google maps Or Disney+ And Netflix are already installed. Some applications can also be displayed in split-screen mode. How useful this is overall remains to be seen. Many infotainment systems have low resolution, making videos appear very pixelated. Even most tablets starting at 100 euros are in better shape here. Important: Under no circumstances should you watch videos while driving!

As a kind of secondary function, the device also offers wireless connection for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Using these interfaces, certain content and apps are mirrored onto the car’s infotainment system in a form suitable for travel, such as Maps or Spotify. You can access the option through the app multiplay But. You can quickly and easily switch from CarPlay and Android Auto view back to Android in the box, while CarPlay or Android Auto continues running in the background.

The Ottocast P3 is currently priced at 240 euros from the manufacturer. with code ts20 the price falls 192 euros,

The Ottocast P3 CarPlay AI box is an exciting solution for those who want to bring real Android to their infotainment system. Thanks to the SIM card slot, the system can also be used independently of the smartphone and, unlike CarPlay and Android Auto, allows almost all Android apps to be run in the car. For example, you can watch YouTube or Netflix on the car display during your lunch break. Drivers should definitely stay away from such jokes – especially while driving.

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Very unusual: CarPlay is a mandatory interface in the car to display the device with Android. If the vehicle does not support CarPlay, you cannot use the AI ​​Box. It also has the option to use both Apple Carplay and Android Auto wirelessly. However, the price is quite high. If you’re looking for an adapter for Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, you can find cheaper options. But if you want to equip your vehicle with full Android and, if necessary, connect to your smartphone with an independent SIM card, Otocast offers a very exciting solution with a full range of apps.