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Next-Gen Proton Infotainment Adds A Bunch Of Useful Features

ACO Tech is currently also working on an integrated public charging locator and payment app for Proton EVs. 

Proton’s infotainment operating system provider, ACO Tech, has recently previewed a few new features that will be making its way into the next-gen ATLAS OS systems, with the most noteworthy of which being (finally!) a multilingual voice command feature and a system that enables inter-car communication about traffic ahead.  

Showcased during its 5th anniversary celebration, this latest version of ATLAS will soon enable users to speak to their Protons in Bahasa Melayu and Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese). Previously, the only voice activation language supported was English. 

Coming soon to the ATLAS infotainment system too are video apps, including YouTube, MYTV Mana-Mana and TikTok. These slew of new apps are to be made available alongside the recent introduction of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration, which is to first (officially) be seen on a Proton in the recently refreshed X70 SUV.

Other features currently in development by ACO Tech for the ATLAS infotainment system includes a new potentially life-saving bit of kit dubbed eCall emergency response system, which will automatically dial the emergency services immediately after an accident. Another rather cool addition to the new ATLAS system is a cloud-enabled vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication feature that will warn other road users of traffic disruptions or accidents ahead en-route. 

And on the topic of the road ahead, the new ATLAS infotainment system will feature an enhanced built-in navigation system with more accurate route calculation and AI-assisted trip planning with toll cost estimation. The user interface has also since been redesigned with a new minimalist look, and now features drag-and-drop customisation for the widgets.

As for EV users meanwhile, ACO Tech is working on a built-in application that aims to enable users to conveniently locate the nearest charging station, make payments and plan trips with their fully-electric cars. This is likely to be rather similar to the (actually rather good) hello smart app that has been rolled out by PRO-NET since the debut of the smart #1 over here late last year. 

There has thus far not been a firm timeframe has been provided for when exactly all these features will be appearing in future Proton models yet, but it is already known that the upcoming eMAS 7 EV will be eschewing ATLAS OS for Geely’s Flyme Auto system instead. 

Now aside from the all the tech talk here, ACO Tech had also unveiled a new logo as well to ‘mark its vision for the next phase of innovation in smart mobility’. The circular form represents seamless connectivity and the continuity of the company’s journey of innovation and improvement. Within this circle are stylised elements that spell out ACO, with the main component representing the letter A resembling a vehicle that signifies mobility as the core of ACO Tech’s product and services. The new logo symbolises the company’s dynamism, along with its renewed vision, direction and ambition in the highly competitive automotive technology sector. 

ACO Tech Chief Executive Officer Li Pu said, “Our fifth anniversary marks a significant milestone in our journey as we continue to lead in innovative smart mobility solutions. We have combined local and international talents to develop new technologies that meet current and future consumer demands. ATLAS Re:Imagine is a testament to our commitment to advancing technology and delivering exceptional value to the industry, benefiting our customers, partners, and the country. In addition, we are very excited to introduce ACO Tech’s new logo that expresses the company’s renewed vision, direction, and drive towards the future of mobility. We extend our deepest gratitude to PROTON, government agencies, partners, and ACO Tech users for their ongoing support and trust over the past five years, which have been instrumental to our success.”

Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Yang Berhormat Tuan Chang Lih Kang, added, “ACO Tech’s achievements highlight the remarkable capabilities of Malaysian technology companies. ACO Tech’s dedication to advancing smart mobility solutions and developing next-generation technology will undoubtedly benefit the industry. The government remains committed to supporting and collaborating with leading tech companies like ACO Tech to ensure Malaysia stays at the forefront of technological advancements.”

Reflecting on ACO Tech’s journey since 2019, the company has reached several key milestones, including becoming Malaysia’s first dedicated automotive cloud provider to enable smart mobility solutions within the ATLAS ecosystem which encompasses the IHU, application, and watch. Since its establishment, ACO Tech has built a network of over 300,000 connected cars in Malaysia. The company has also formed strategic partnerships across various industries, including banking, education, and vehicle technology solutions, to enhance collaborative expertise and capabilities for the benefit of both current and future generations.

Joshua Chin

Automotive journalist. Professional work on dsf.my and automacha.com. Personal writing found at driveeveryday.me. Instagram: @driveeveryday

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