On this blog, we've begun to discover many solutions for making our cars smarter in terms of multimedia, but the product I'm talking about today is truly interesting in many ways, starting with its price. A solution we might call standalone, it not only offers Android Auto and CarPlay wirelessly, but also streams content from Netflix, Prime Video, YouTube, and more directly to your car's screen. Without further ado, it's time to tell you about the new Ottocast Play2Video Ultra, a small dongle that connects to your car's USB port, runs Android 12, and will bring a world of multimedia to your four-wheeled vehicle.
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unboxing
As usual, let's start with the contents of the package, which is very well-designed and attractive. Inside, in addition to our box, well-protected by high-density foam, we'll also find a Type-C adapter, as a sort of USB-A extension cable protrudes from one end of the product. This makes it compatible with all cars on the road. Finally, we'll find an instruction manual and quick start guide, as well as a special cable with dual USB-A heads, in case your vehicle isn't able to provide sufficient power to the product.
DESIGN AND MATERIALS
The Ottocast Play2Video Ultra has a rectangular shape with rounded corners, like a stone carefully polished by water. Its dimensions are in line with the market for similar products. On one side, it features a sort of slot that hides a USB-A port for connecting flash drives, allowing you to enjoy movies, music, and more offline. There's no micro SD or nano-SIM slot, so your smartphone will act as a hotspot for multimedia content, connecting the Ottocast gadget via Wi-Fi. Finally, there are a series of vents to dissipate any heat that might be generated, although I've never personally noticed any risk of overheating.
HARDWARE
In terms of hardware, the Ottocast Play2Video Ultra is powered by a quad-core processor. I don't know the model or brand, but I can tell you that this component powers the Android 12 operating system, alongside 32 GB of internal storage and 4 GB of RAM. This is undoubtedly basic hardware, but it allows for smooth operation. Compared to similar solutions, I've never noticed any lag with the Ottocast box, either in the interface or during video playback, whether streaming or locally. It's worth noting that the 32 GB of internal storage allows you to install apps, but not from the Play Store, rather from the AppHUB, a sort of alternative store that only offers certain apps like RaiPlay, Mediaset Infinity, and even KODI, which is useful if you want to use it for watching IPTV in your car.
In practice, the 32 GB of memory, of course not all available since part of it is used by the operating system (as is the case with smartphones), also allows you to store videos locally, for example from a USB stick. The in-car gadget also features an integrated dual-band Wi-Fi module, through which you can connect to your phone's hotspot but also enable wireless connectivity for Android Auto or CarPlay. The onboard Bluetooth is the latest generation, 5.4, and video support is 1080p (1920×1080 pixels).
COMPATIBILITY, CONFIGURATION AND FUNCTIONS
A prerequisite for using Ottocast Play2Video Ultra is that your car's infotainment system is compatible with Apple CarPlay. This is generally true for all cars from 2016 onwards, except for BMWs. Furthermore, having a USB port in your car isn't enough; it must also allow data exchange with the car's native system, as this box will bypass the system by making it appear as if an iOS device is connected via cable. Using Ottocast Play2Video Ultra is simple, requiring just a few steps, as the basic experience is plug-and-play. Simply insert the device into your car's USB port and wait a few seconds before the Ottocast home screen appears on your infotainment system's display. Once inside the interface, the manufacturer's pre-installed apps, such as YouTube, Netflix, Prime Video, Spotify, and an IPTV app, are clearly visible. No Play Store to download applications and this in my opinion is an advantage, as you will not have the opportunity to clog the system with heavy apps that would negatively affect the fluidity of the system.
As for video streaming apps—YouTube, Prime Video, and Netflix, as well as DAZN and Disney+ (downloadable from the AppHUB)—once you log in with your credentials, you can take advantage of all the features these apps offer and enjoy watching videos, movies, and TV series with excellent quality in terms of resolution and fluidity. If you want to watch your son's play, you can import videos from a USB stick or play them directly from it using the integrated app, which also includes a file manager. As for TikTok Lite and the IPTV app, I personally wasn't able to use them: the former returned an error when logging in, while the latter didn't recognize m3u lists. It's a real shame, because it would have been great to be able to watch free-to-air Italian TV channels, but as mentioned, you can install KODI, which, by installing add-ons, solves the problem for IPTV viewing.
I won't go into detail about the wireless Android Auto or CarPlay experience, as I wouldn't add anything new to what any device that allows a wireless smartphone connection offers. However, I will say that you'll be forced to use these features if you need GPS navigation, which is absent on the Ottocast device, as is the maps app. In this mode, however, you'll need to disconnect your smartphone's hotspot. Beyond the basics, the Play2Video Ultra system also allows you to manage calls by importing your phonebook and listen to music via Bluetooth. Naturally, if you're connected to the box, not via CarPlay or Android Auto, the steering wheel controls won't work except for volume control. You can also customize the home screen somewhat, managing widgets or apps you want immediately available.
CONCLUSIONS AND PRICE
The Ottocast Play2Video Ultra is priced at just €79,99 by redeeming the coupon EITECH20, which can be used on the manufacturer's website, but for a limited time. Alternatively, you can find it on Amazon at an equally advantageous price, considering the guarantees of the e-commerce giant. In fact, by redeeming a discount code on the purchase page, you can purchase this extraordinary gadget for your car's multimedia system for the super price of €109,99.
Ideal for long journeys and for entertaining children and/or passengers, the Ottocast Play2Video Ultra isn't for everyone. If you're one of those people who wants to be in control of everything in the car, such as controlling home automation, email, etc., you won't find any of that here, as you can't install any apps despite the presence of an Android 12-based system. But if you're looking for a multimedia box that allows you to enjoy a TV series while parked (but never while driving, mind you), then this product is the best you can find in terms of fluidity, reliability, and price. It's a no-frills product that does what it promises, without too many problems or the need for complex setup procedures.
