Carlinkit S2 Android 13 Car TV Box Instruction Manual

Introduction

The Carlinkit S2 Android 13 Car TV Box is designed to seamlessly upgrade your in-vehicle infotainment system to Android 13.0. This device allows you to access a wide range of applications, including popular streaming services, navigation tools, and games, directly on your car's display. It supports both Wireless CarPlay and Wireless Android Auto, enhancing your driving experience with intelligent interconnection and entertainment options.

Important Notices & Compatibility

• Not compatible with cars that only have Wireless CarPlay/Android Auto (e.g., BMW series).
• This product only supports cars with factory-wired CarPlay or wired Android Auto.
• The Carlinkit S2 is available in EAU, NA, and JP versions. These models share the same core functions but differ in supported local operators for SIM cards. Please ensure you select the correct version for your region.

Package Contents

Upon opening your Carlinkit S2 package, you should find the following items:

• 1 x Carlinkit S2 Android 13 Car TV Box
• 1 x Packing Box
• 2 x Data Cables (USB-A to USB-C, USB-C to USB-C)
• 1 x Product Manual

Setup Guide

1. Connecting the Device

Before connecting, ensure your car's wired CarPlay or Android Auto is active. Locate your car's in-vehicle connectivity port (typically a USB-A or USB-C port).

Connect the Carlinkit S2 to your car's USB port using one of the provided data cables. Ensure the connection is secure. The device will power on automatically, and its LED ambient lighting will activate.

This video demonstrates the physical connection of the Carlinkit S2 to your car's USB port and the initial boot-up sequence.

2. Initial System Expansion

Upon successful connection, your car's display will show an 'Intelligent interconnection system powered by Android' message. The system will then seamlessly expand to Android 13.0, providing access to the new interface and applications.

The main Carlinkit S2 device, shown here, integrates with your car's display to bring the Android 13.0 experience.

Operating Instructions

1. Switching Between CarPlay and Android Auto

To switch between Wireless CarPlay (default mode) and Wireless Android Auto, press and hold the adjustment button on the Carlinkit S2 device for 2-3 seconds. The system will then switch to the alternative mode.

2. App Installation and Usage

The Carlinkit S2 runs on a full Android 13.0 system, providing access to the Google Play Store. You can download and install a wide variety of third-party applications directly onto the device. This includes popular streaming services like YouTube, Netflix, IPTV, Spotify, and TikTok, as well as navigation apps and games.

3. Internet Connectivity

The Carlinkit S2 offers two primary methods for internet access:

• SIM Card: Insert a Nano SIM card into the designated slot on the device for direct network data access.
• Cellular Hotspot: Connect the device to your mobile phone's personal hotspot via Wi-Fi. The device can also function as a mobile hotspot hub itself when a SIM card is inserted.

4. Control Methods

The Carlinkit S2 maintains high compatibility with your car's native control functions, allowing for intuitive interaction:

• Steering Wheel Control: Use your car's existing steering wheel buttons.
• OEM Knob Control: Operate the system using the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) knob.
• Voice Control: Utilize voice commands for navigation, music, and other functions.
• Touch Panel Control: Interact directly with the car's touch-sensitive display.
• Touch Screen Control: For vehicles with touchscreens, direct touch input is supported.

5. Bluetooth Connectivity

The device features dual Bluetooth (4.2BLE + 5.0BLE) for versatile connectivity. You can connect various Bluetooth devices such as remote controllers, gaming peripherals, or other accessories to enhance your in-car entertainment and control options.

Features

• Processor: Qualcomm SM6115 8-Core CPU (Quad-core ARM Cortex™-A73 @2.0GHz + Quad-core ARM Cortex™-A53 @1.8GHz, 11 nm N6 process) with Adreno™ 610 GPU.
• Memory: Available in 4GB LPDDR4 RAM + 64GB UFS ROM or 8GB LPDDR4 RAM + 128GB UFS ROM configurations. Expandable memory up to 512GB via Micro SD card.
• Operating System: Android 13.0.
• Wireless Connectivity: Supports Wireless CarPlay (iOS 10.0 and above) and Wireless Android Auto (Android 11.0 and above).
• GNSS: Built-in GPS/Glonass/Beidou Satellite Positioning.
• Wi-Fi: 2.4GHz + 5.8GHz (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac).
• Resolution: Adaptive (maintains the original protocol resolution of the car display).
• LED Ambient Lighting: Features colorful LED ambient lighting to enhance the in-car atmosphere. The lighting can be customized via a built-in app. Blue light indicates connecting, while fading lights signify a successful connection.

Maintenance & Updates

Firmware Over-The-Air (FOTA) Updates

The Carlinkit S2 supports FOTA updates, allowing for convenient firmware upgrades and debugging. Follow these steps to update your device:

1. Go to 'Settings' on the device interface and locate the 'Feedback' option.
2. Fill in the required information, including the log, device model, and current firmware version. Upload the log file.
3. Take a picture of the generated Case ID and send it to customer service for assistance.
4. Navigate to 'System Update' within the settings, check for new versions, and confirm to initiate the upgrade process.

Micro SD Card / Nano SIM Card Handling

When inserting a Micro SD card or Nano SIM card, ensure it is oriented correctly. Do not insert the cards backward, as incorrect insertion may damage the product's card slot and the cards themselves.

Troubleshooting

• Device not powering on: Ensure the USB cable is securely connected to both the Carlinkit S2 and the car's USB port. Verify that the car's USB port is active and providing power.
• No CarPlay/Android Auto connection: Confirm that your car supports factory-wired CarPlay or Android Auto. Make sure the device is switched to the correct mode (CarPlay or Android Auto) by holding the adjustment button for 2-3 seconds. Check your phone's operating system version (iOS 10.0+ for CarPlay, Android 11.0+ for Android Auto).
• No internet access: If using a SIM card, ensure it is correctly inserted and has an active data plan. If using a mobile hotspot, verify that your phone's hotspot is enabled and the Carlinkit S2 is connected to it via Wi-Fi.
• Lag or performance issues: Close any unnecessary background applications running on the Carlinkit S2. Check for and install any available firmware updates via the FOTA update process.
• Compatibility with specific car models: Refer to the "Important Notices & Compatibility" section. If you encounter issues with a specific car model, please contact customer support with your car's make, model, and year for further assistance.

Specifications

User Tips

• Optimal Performance: For the best experience and to ensure smooth operation, always keep your Carlinkit S2 device's firmware up to date using the FOTA update feature.
• Storage Expansion: If you plan to download many applications or store media, consider utilizing a Micro SD card (up to 512GB) to expand the device's storage capacity.
• SIM Card Usage: When using a SIM card for internet connectivity, ensure it is correctly inserted and has an active data plan to avoid service interruptions.
• Car Compatibility Check: Before purchasing, double-check that your car is equipped with factory-wired CarPlay or Android Auto, as this is a prerequisite for the Carlinkit S2 to function.

Warranty & Support

For any technical assistance, warranty claims, or further inquiries regarding your Carlinkit S2 Android 13 Car TV Box, please refer to the official Carlinkit support channels or contact the seller directly. Ensure you have your product model and any relevant error messages or case IDs ready when seeking support.