Ottocast has quickly become one of our top picks for seamlessly integrating wireless CarPlay or Android Auto into your vehicle. This company offers a wide range of devices designed to help you ditch the cables next time you hop into your car. Among its latest innovations is the Picasou 2, which brings a full Android UI into the mix, elevating the in-car experience.
Design
Right out of the box, the Ottocast Picasou 2 presents a sleek, disc-style appearance. It features a circular design topped with an LED ring that can be customized to display different colors, adding a touch of personalization. On one side, there’s a convenient slot for an ejectable SIM and TF card combo. This feature proves to be quite beneficial for accessing certain software functionalities we’ll delve into shortly.
Connectivity is robust with the Picasou 2. At the base of the device, there’s a USB-C input that connects to your car’s existing infotainment system. This setup facilitates a Bluetooth connection, allowing for the adapter’s interface to be wirelessly projected. Additionally, there’s a mini HDMI port capable of delivering full 1080p output, ensuring high-quality visuals for your media content.
Internally, the Picasou 2 is equipped with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage, ensuring smooth operation and ample room for apps and media. The storage can be expanded via the TF card slot, supporting up to 2TB of additional space. This capacity offers more than enough storage and performance for virtually any use case.
Software
The device offers three main options for wirelessly projecting content onto your car’s screen. The first two options are fairly standard: depending on your smartphone, you can use either Android Auto or iOS CarPlay. If you’ve previously relied on a wired connection, simply establishing a Bluetooth link to the Picasou 2 will provide you with the same functionality, but without the hassle of cables.
The third option is where the Ottocast Picasou 2 stands out—and also where it might cause some confusion. Dubbed the OttoDrive UI, it essentially runs a custom version of Android 10 directly within your vehicle. This innovative approach offers a robust and user-friendly interface, granting access to all your favorite mobile apps, even those not natively supported by Android Auto or CarPlay. This feature significantly broadens the scope of accessible applications and services while on the move.
Despite the innovative approach Ottocast takes with the car infotainment system, I’ve encountered what I perceive to be a significant drawback for most users. To access the internet, the device requires either an additional SIM card equipped with a data plan or necessitates sharing your phone’s internet connection via a hotspot. This workaround for connectivity feels cumbersome, especially when compared to the more stable and straightforward options provided by Android Auto or CarPlay.
The scenarios where this expanded functionality might surpass the default offerings from Apple and Google seem limited, perhaps most applicable in an RV entertainment setup or for screens mounted on the back of headrests for passenger entertainment. However, these use cases still demand a secondary internet connection, complicating the setup further. Yet, for passengers, the allure of accessing additional apps such as YouTube or other video streaming services might justify the extra effort.
One redeeming feature is the ease of switching between interfaces. Users can seamlessly transition between operating systems or from CarPlay/Android Auto to the OttoDrive UI with just a button press. This flexibility allows for a quick swap to the preferred interface as needed, whether for CarPlay/Android Auto users or those wanting to dive into the OttoDrive experience.
Performance
Despite the aforementioned drawbacks, the Picasou 2 delivers impressive performance. Each interface operates smoothly, aligning with its promises, and I encountered minimal issues. Notably, the Ottocast’s connection and launch times are among the quickest I’ve experienced, facilitating swift access to your preferred interface. The device also excels in latency, with negligible delay between commands and their execution, ensuring a responsive user experience.
Conclusion
Earned for achieving an overage average star rating of at least 3.75 stars, this product is an AndroidGuys Smart Pick, signifying a perfect blend of quality, performance, and value. It excels in key areas like design, innovation, and user experience, offering top-notch functionality at a great price.
The Ottocast Picasou 2 AI box ambitiously aims to enhance in-car entertainment options for travelers. Though the concept is compelling, in practice, it might complicate the straightforward appeal of Android Auto or CarPlay.
However, for those with specific needs that align with the Picasou 2’s capabilities—such as requiring all three projection options—this device proves to be an excellent choice. The ability to effortlessly integrate Auto or CarPlay with a full Android system could be the perfect addition for your next journey, offering a tailored entertainment experience.
Available through the company’s official store ($245), the Ottocast Picasou 2 positions itself in a distinct market niche. While it may seem costly, its unique offering justifies the investment for users seeking a versatile infotainment solution.
