S8 Ultra Plus provides 4 Methods for Internet Access - Wi-Fi/BT/USB Tethering & built-in 4G Cellular Modem:
1). Phone's cellular data
- S8 allows users to connect to the phone's hotspot via 2.4Ghz & 5Ghz WiFi or Bluetooth tethering for internet access.
- Running online maps or streaming music online on Android car stereo do not need high bandwidth(less than 200kb/s), Bluetooth tethering connection is capable of dealing with such demands.
- Compared with WiFi connection, Bluetooth tethering has lower power consumption, so the phone battery will last much longer while Bluetooth tethering is enabled;
- WiFi connection is easier as it requires only one step - enable your phone's WLAN hotspot, then WiFi connection can be finished within 2-4s; Bluetooth connection requires 2 to 3 steps;
- USB network tethering is a newly introduced option by ATOTO, it allows users to share phone data with S8 via the USB connection. This could help save the phone battery, or even increase your phone battery level slightly; You only need to run the specific EasyConnect application in the background;
2). Built-in 4G Cellular Modem
- There is a SIM card slot with the unit, and it only takes Micro size. SIM with Data Plan is not included in the product package.
- The built-in 4G LTE modem module works with frequency bands supported by most carriers. Frequency Bands Supported are - 2G (GSM 850, GSM900, GSM1900); 3G WCDMA (B1, B2, B4, B5, B8); 4G LTE (B1, B2, B4, B5, B7, B8, B12, B13, B17, B19, B25, B26, B38, B41);
- Only carriers who support bands listed above can allow S8 to access the network. Even if the frequency bands in the above list are supported, the operator's communication base station does not cover the places your vehicle stays, S8 will not be able to access it.
- You can visit Wikipedia to learn more about LTE bands supported by local carriers. International buyers need to check the frequency bands compatibility with your local carriers/operators before placing order.
Install countless Android apps from Google Play Store
- More than 1000 apps from Google Play Store have been tested installable on ATOTO S8 Series, especially media/entertainment apps and navigation apps in the category of "Auto & Vehicles". Very few app developers may specify devices/system environments that are allowed to install or run their apps, which results in the inability to install or run on any Android car stereos. Netflix is the case;
Versatile Connectivity - The ATOTO S8 Ultra Plus has lots of inputs & outputs customized for working better in a vehicle
- Connect to a specific USB On dash 1080P DVR camera for video preview & playback;
- Connect to a specific ATOTO USB TPMS tire pressure monitor system. When one or more tires are under-inflated, it will pop up a prompt warning on the S8 screen, and even emit a prompt tone as a reminder;
- Connect to a rearview camera with CVBS & HD video signal out for safe parking;
- Connect to your Android / iOS smartphone via USB/ WiFi and using EasyConnection to cast what's displayed on the phone to S8's screen;
- Connect to your Android / iOS smartphone via USB for running iPhone CarPlay/ Android Auto feature, which seamlessly integrates your smartphone (iPhone & Android) with the S8's built-in display and allows you to make phone calls, access your music, send and receive messages, get directions; The wireless CarPlay connection is available on S8 Pro, Ultra and Ultra Plus versions.
- Connect to an OBD II Diagnostic Scanner / Engine Code Reader via Bluetooth; Compared with single Bluetooth, dual Bluetooth makes communication tasks between multiple Bluetooth connections much more balanced and stable.
- Plug the phone into the dedicated QC 3.0 interface, S8 will charge the phone battery quickly.
- Connect to headrest monitors by using ATOTO USB Video Output Adaptors (USB to HDMI adaptor;USB To RCA adaptor; Both are sold separately), and what is displayed on the S8 screen can be synchronized to headrest monitors.