Summary
The Proton Atlas Operating System (Atlas OS) is an advanced automotive infotainment platform developed by Malaysian technology company ACO Tech in collaboration with automaker Proton. Designed to power Proton’s future vehicles, particularly those built on the upcoming Advanced Modular Architecture (AMA), Atlas OS integrates a minimalist, customizable user interface with enhanced connectivity and entertainment features tailored for both traditional and electric vehicles (EVs). Its development marks a significant step forward in Malaysia’s automotive technology landscape, emphasizing smart mobility through innovations in 5G, artificial intelligence (AI), and big data analytics.
Central to Atlas OS’s performance are the newly announced E02 Ultra and E06 eight-core processors, which leverage ARM’s latest architecture and Qualcomm Kryo Prime cores to deliver lightning-fast processing speeds, ultra-low latency, and superior graphical capabilities. These chips enable the operating system to support demanding applications, including advanced driver assistance systems, complex 3D rendering, and competitive gaming environments requiring instantaneous response times. Proton plans to introduce these processors and the next-generation Atlas OS in its vehicles around 2026, starting with models developed on the AMA platform rather than imminent releases.
Atlas OS offers seamless integration with popular multimedia and streaming services such as Spotify, YouTube, MYTV Mana-Mana, and TikTok, although usage of video applications is restricted while driving to ensure safety. The system also incorporates EV-specific functionalities, including one-touch access to locate and pay at charging stations and AI-assisted route planning with integrated charging stops, aligning with Proton’s electrification strategy exemplified by upcoming models like the eMas 7. Additionally, the “Hi Proton” voice assistant expands language support to Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin, and Cantonese, reflecting Malaysia’s multicultural user base.
While the announcement of Atlas OS and its underlying hardware has been met with enthusiasm for its potential to elevate Proton’s infotainment experience and position the brand at the forefront of connected vehicle technology, experts advise a measured approach to early adoption. Initial iterations may face performance refinement challenges, with full benefits expected in later models as Proton continues to accelerate innovation under new leadership. Overall, Atlas OS represents a strategic integration of cutting-edge software and hardware, aiming to deliver a fast, secure, and feature-rich infotainment environment that supports Proton’s vision for a smart, connected automotive future.
Overview
The Proton Atlas Operating System (Atlas OS), developed by ACO Tech, represents a significant advancement in automotive infotainment technology, especially as Proton prepares to expand its electric vehicle (EV) lineup. Unveiled during ACO Tech’s fifth-anniversary celebrations, the next-generation Atlas OS features a minimalist user interface with enhanced drag-and-drop customization capabilities for widgets, aiming to deliver a more intuitive and personalized user experience.
A key highlight of Atlas OS is its integration with streaming platforms such as Spotify, enabling native app access directly through the vehicle’s head unit. This development stems from a new partnership between ACO Tech and Spotify, enhancing in-car entertainment for Proton drivers. Additionally, popular video applications including YouTube, MYTV Mana-Mana, and TikTok are set to be incorporated, although their use will likely be restricted to when the vehicle is stationary to ensure safety.
The operating system’s performance is bolstered by the incorporation of cutting-edge hardware, including the E02 Ultra and E06 8-core chips, which promise lightning-fast processing speeds and ultra-stable, low-latency environments. This technological edge is particularly crucial for applications requiring instantaneous response times, such as competitive gaming scenarios, but also benefits general system stability and responsiveness within the vehicle.
Furthermore, the Atlas OS development aligns with broader trends in connected vehicle technology, emphasizing advancements in 5G connectivity, artificial intelligence, and big data analytics. ACO Tech’s white paper on connected vehicles in Malaysia outlines these innovations, highlighting how Atlas OS will support smart mobility initiatives by leveraging these technologies. As Proton prepares to launch new EV models like the eMas 7, equipped with the Atlas OS, this platform will play a central role in delivering a seamless, intelligent, and entertainment-rich driving experience.
Background
Proton’s current range of vehicles, including the X50, X90, and S70 models, are equipped with the Atlas infotainment operating system powered by the quad-core E02 chip. This processor was developed by ECARX, a company linked to Geely, and was first introduced in 2019. The Atlas OS, showcased with a Proton X50, represents Proton’s ongoing effort to enhance in-car technology and user experience.
Looking ahead, Proton plans to introduce two new processors, the E02 Ultra and the E06, which are expected to power the Atlas OS starting in 2026. These 8-core chips will likely debut in Proton’s future indigenously-designed vehicles built on the Advanced Modular Architecture (AMA), marking a significant step forward in processing power and system responsiveness. Alongside these processors, Proton is also previewing new accessories such as physical air-conditioning and audio controls, as well as a range of cameras that attach magnetically, indicating a broader push toward more advanced and user-friendly in-car technology.
This technological advancement aligns with Proton’s broader strategy of updating its engine lineup and vehicle platforms, as evidenced by the integration of the i-GT 1.5 litre engine into upcoming models like the facelifted X50 and the 2026 Saga MC3, with plans to extend this engine family to the X70, X90, and S70 models. Overall, the introduction of the E02 Ultra and E06 chips signals Proton’s commitment to delivering lightning-fast processing capabilities and enhanced infotainment experiences in its next generation of vehicles.
Processor Technologies
Proton’s upcoming Atlas operating system will be powered by advanced processor technologies centered around the E02 Ultra and E06 8-core chips, expected to debut in Proton’s future indigenously-designed vehicles built on the Advanced Modular Architecture (AMA). These processors emphasize high-performance computing, combining powerful CPU and GPU capabilities with efficient memory and storage solutions tailored for automotive applications.
The E02 Ultra chip is built on ARM’s latest v9 architecture and delivers up to 180,000 DMIPs, integrating LPDDR5 RAM and UFS3.1 storage to provide class-leading performance and security. This processor is designed to support end-to-end computing for modern driver assistance systems, allowing enhanced real-time processing and responsiveness. Meanwhile, the E06 utilizes Qualcomm Kryo Prime cores, bearing similarities to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Automotive 8255P, and also incorporates LPDDR5 RAM, with GPU performance reaching up to 2,000 GFLOPS—more than double that of its predecessor, the E04—enabling advanced 3D rendering with high-quality lighting and shading effects.
The combination of these chips with the Atlas OS aims to deliver an ultra-stable, low-latency environment critical for demanding applications, such as gaming and professional use, where milliseconds can determine success. Proton’s partnership with ACO Tech in developing this system is intended to ensure lightning-fast processing and robust software compatibility, providing an optimized experience for both infotainment and driver assistance features.
Production integration of these processors is projected to occur approximately a year after their announcement, indicating their introduction in Proton models beyond the immediate future releases such as the eMas 7 PHEV, X90 facelift, or revised S70 and X70. Instead, they will likely feature in next-generation vehicles built on the AMA platform, marking a significant technological leap for Proton’s in-car computing capabilities.
Proton Atlas OS Architecture and Design
Proton’s Atlas operating system (OS), developed by ACO Tech, represents the next generation of infotainment software tailored for Proton vehicles. The OS is designed with a minimalist user interface that supports drag-and-drop customization of widgets, enhancing user experience through greater personalization and intuitive controls. The software also integrates advanced features specific to electric vehicles (EVs), such as built-in applications that enable one-touch access to locate charging stations, pay for charging, and plan routes inclusive of charging stops—functionalities crucial for upcoming Proton EV models like the e.MAS 7.
Underpinning the Atlas OS are two new eight-core processors, the E02 Ultra and the E06, which are set to power the system starting from 2026. Both chips bring substantial improvements in computing power and efficiency over the previous quad-core E02 chip used in current Proton models such as the X50, X90, and S70. The E02 Ultra is built on ARM’s latest v9 architecture and delivers up to 180,000 DMIPs alongside UFS3.1 storage, providing class-leading performance, enhanced security, and comprehensive computing capabilities to support advanced driver assistance systems. The E06 chip employs Qualcomm Kryo Prime cores and bears resemblance to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Automotive 8255P, further emphasizing its high-performance credentials.
These processors benefit from modern architectural advancements including multi-core designs and hybrid performance efficiency, which leverage both performance and efficiency cores to optimize power consumption and processing speed. This architecture enables the Atlas OS to maintain an ultra-stable, low-latency environment essential for responsive infotainment and driver assistance functionalities. Although the new chips are anticipated to debut in Proton’s future indigenously designed vehicles built on the Advanced Modular Architecture (AMA), they are not expected to be installed in imminent models like the e.MAS 7 PHEV, X90 facelift, or revised S70 and X70 variants.
Features and Functional Enhancements Enabled by New Chips
The introduction of the E02 Ultra and E06 eight-core processors will bring significant improvements to Proton’s Atlas OS, enhancing both performance and user experience. Built on ARM’s latest v9 architecture, the E02 Ultra delivers up to 180,000 DMIPs and is equipped with UFS3.1 storage, providing class-leading performance and security that supports advanced driver assistance systems with end-to-end computing capabilities. The E06, which utilizes Qualcomm Kryo Prime cores and closely resembles the Snapdragon Automotive 8255P, is expected to power higher-end models with even greater computational and graphical prowess.
These new chips will enable Atlas OS to better handle complex 3D rendering tasks, such as detailed vehicle models with improved lighting and shading effects, offering a visually richer interface comparable to newer Chinese automotive infotainment systems. The enhanced GPU performance, reaching up to 2,000 GFLOPS, represents more than double that of the previous E04 chip, allowing for smoother graphics and multimedia processing.
Functionality-wise, the next-generation Atlas OS will support a wider range of multimedia and connectivity features. Users can expect seamless integration of popular video applications like YouTube, MYTV Mana-Mana, and TikTok, although these apps will likely only be accessible when the vehicle is stationary for safety reasons. The operating system will also feature an upgraded navigation system that incorporates AI-assisted trip planning, more accurate route calculations, and a Waze-style map reporting function. This allows users to share real-time updates about traffic, accidents, police presence, speed cameras, and road hazards, enhancing overall journey safety and efficiency.
Moreover, the Atlas OS’s voice control system, branded “Hi Proton,” will be expanded beyond English to support Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin, and Cantonese. This multilingual capability caters to Malaysia’s diverse population, enabling more natural and accessible voice interactions with the vehicle. Intelligent notifications will alert drivers about critical situations such as extreme weather or tire punctures, increasing awareness and safety on the road.
As Proton prepares to launch its electric vehicles like the eMas 7, Atlas OS will include EV-specific features that facilitate electric vehicle usage. A built-in application will offer one-touch access to locate and pay at charging stations, as well as plan routes with charging stops integrated, enhancing convenience for EV owners. Over-the-air update scheduling will also be available, ensuring the system remains current without requiring manual intervention.
Together, these hardware and software advancements enabled by the E02 Ultra and E06 chips promise a faster, more secure, and feature-rich infotainment experience for Proton’s future vehicles, aligning with the brand’s vision of smart, connected mobility.
Software Development Ecosystem
ACO Tech, the supplier behind Proton’s infotainment system, has been actively advancing the software ecosystem surrounding the Atlas operating system, reflecting its vision for innovation in smart mobility. Celebrating its fifth anniversary, ACO Tech introduced a new logo and published a white paper detailing the application scenarios and data governance of connected vehicles in Malaysia. This white paper highlights key technological advancements in 5G, artificial intelligence (AI), and big data that underpin the Atlas OS development.
The next-generation Atlas OS is designed to offer a comprehensive suite of features beyond traditional infotainment. These include integrated entertainment options, social networking capabilities, brand promotion, e-wallet payments, smart wearable device connectivity, and even access to shopping malls and vehicle maintenance services. Such an ecosystem aims to enhance user experience by integrating diverse functionalities into a single platform.
One of the hallmark innovations within the Atlas OS ecosystem is a built-in application that provides seamless access to EV-related services. Users can locate the nearest charging stations, make payments for charging, and plan routes with charging stops included — features that align with Proton’s strategic entry into the electric vehicle market with models like the eMas 7, scheduled for launch in December. This integration of EV-centric features exemplifies how Atlas OS supports emerging automotive technologies and evolving user needs.
Furthermore, the software ecosystem plans to incorporate popular video applications such as YouTube, MYTV Mana-Mana, and TikTok. These apps will likely be operable only when the vehicle is stationary, ensuring safety while expanding multimedia options for users. Over-the-air updates will enable users to schedule system improvements conveniently via their smartphones, ensuring the software remains current and secure.
Performance and Efficiency
The Proton Atlas OS is engineered to leverage the advanced capabilities of the E02 Ultra and E06 8-core chips, delivering significantly enhanced performance and efficiency for upcoming vehicle models. Both chipsets feature LPDDR5 RAM and exhibit GPU performance reaching up to 2,000 GFLOPS, more than double the 900 GFLOPS offered by the earlier E04 chip. This substantial increase in graphical power facilitates superior rendering of 3D models, including more realistic lighting and shading effects, aligning Proton vehicles with the visual standards of newer automotive technologies.
In addition to hardware improvements, the Atlas OS itself is optimized for ultra-stable, low-latency operation, which is critical for both everyday use and performance-driven applications. By removing much of Microsoft Windows’ telemetry, pre-installed applications, and bloatware, Atlas OS provides a lightweight yet functional environment focused on privacy and responsiveness. This reduction in background processes and data collection results in a system that responds instantly, minimizing lag and system hitches—attributes essential for real-time automotive infotainment and connected services.
The integration of Atlas OS with the powerful E02 Ultra and E06 chips is expected to result in a smoother, more responsive in-vehicle experience, with the OS maximizing the potential of the hardware while maintaining compatibility and system stability. These efficiencies in processing and graphics will support advanced features such as real-time route planning with charging station integration and media applications, enhancing overall user convenience and connectivity.
Given the chipsets’ release timeline and the typical lag between chip announcement and vehicle implementation, Proton enthusiasts are advised to anticipate the arrival of these advanced systems in production models around 2026. Early adopters are cautioned to wait for these refined iterations to ensure optimal performance and avoid the pitfalls of initial releases.
Use Cases and Applications
The Proton Atlas OS, developed by Malaysian software company ACO Tech, aims to enhance the in-vehicle infotainment experience by integrating multiple functionalities into a single platform. It is designed to offer users one-touch access to essential services such as locating the nearest charging stations, paying for charging, and planning routes that include charging stops—features that are particularly relevant as Proton prepares to enter the electric vehicle (EV) market with models like the eMas 7.
Beyond navigation, the Atlas OS supports the integration of popular video applications such as YouTube, MYTV Mana-Mana, and TikTok. These apps are expected to be accessible primarily when the vehicle is stationary to ensure safety. The system also includes a Waze-style map report feature, enabling users to report real-time traffic conditions, accidents, police presence, speed cameras, and road hazards, thereby improving
Release and Deployment
The release timeline for the ATLAS operating system (OS) in Proton vehicles remains unspecified, with neither Proton nor its infotainment partner ACO Tech providing an exact date or the specific models slated to feature the OS initially. While the rollout is expected to begin with future Proton vehicles beyond the current lineup, it is unlikely that imminent models such as the eMas 7 PHEV, X90 facelift, revised S70, or X70 will be equipped with the latest processors or ATLAS OS at launch.
Instead, the debut of the new E02 Ultra and E06 8-core processors—integral to the next-generation ATLAS OS—is projected for Proton’s forthcoming indigenously-designed cars built on the Advanced Modular Architecture (AMA). These future models are anticipated to leverage the enhanced processing power of the chips to deliver a more responsive and feature-rich infotainment experience.
In preparation for Proton’s entry into the electric vehicle (EV) market, the ATLAS OS will support applications such as YouTube, MYTV Mana-Mana, and TikTok, although their usage will be restricted to when the vehicle is stationary for safety reasons. The ATLAS ecosystem also includes a companion mobile app, ATLAS Auto, aimed at enhancing user mobility, convenience, and control by integrating a humanised connected lifestyle into the Malaysian automotive experience.
Given industry patterns, new processor chips like the E02 Ultra and E06 generally take approximately a year from announcement to integration into production models. Consequently, the 2026 timeline aligns with expectations for the arrival of vehicles equipped with these advanced chips and the next-generation ATLAS OS, enabling lightning-fast processing and enriched connectivity features.
Reception and Industry Impact
The announcement of Proton’s Atlas OS, powered by the new E02 Ultra and E06 8-core chips, has generated significant anticipation within both the automotive and technology sectors. Industry experts have highlighted the system’s potential to deliver an ultra-stable, low-latency environment crucial for high-performance applications, paralleling its praised use in competitive gaming where milliseconds determine outcomes. This stability is expected to translate into enhanced vehicle responsiveness and user experience.
ACO Tech’s unveiling of Atlas OS as part of its fifth-anniversary celebration signaled a strategic push towards smart mobility innovation, emphasizing advancements in 5G, AI, and big data integration within connected vehicle technology. The collaboration with Proton to integrate Atlas OS into future models marks a notable step in Malaysia’s automotive industry, aiming to elevate the country’s position in the global connected vehicle landscape.
Despite the excitement, industry insiders advise caution regarding early adoption, as initial chip versions may not meet optimal performance standards. The consensus suggests that Proton’s subsequent models, likely built on the Advanced Modular Architecture (AMA), will better harness the full capabilities of the new chips. This advice reflects Proton’s ongoing rapid progress, attributed in part to recent leadership changes that have accelerated innovation within the company.
One of the standout features contributing to Atlas OS’s positive reception is the expansion of the “Hi Proton” voice control system to support multiple languages, including Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin, and Cantonese. This multilingual capability addresses Malaysia’s diverse linguistic landscape and is expected to enhance user interaction significantly. Such advancements underscore the OS’s role not only as a technological upgrade but also as a culturally attuned platform that aligns with local user needs.
Future Developments
Proton is set to integrate the E02 Ultra and E06 8-core chips into its future vehicles, marking a significant technological advancement in its lineup. These chips, anticipated to debut in models built on Proton’s upcoming Advanced Modular Architecture (AMA), are expected to deliver lightning-fast processing capabilities and enhanced AI functionalities. However, their introduction is not immediate; production models such as the eMas 7 PHEV, X90 facelift, and revised S70 and X70 are unlikely to feature these chips initially. Instead, a timeline of at least one year is projected before the new processors are incorporated into Proton’s next-generation vehicles.
The E02 Ultra and E06 chips will underpin the next iteration of Proton’s infotainment system, the Atlas OS, which was recently previewed by ACO Tech during its fifth anniversary. The updated Atlas OS will offer a suite of new features designed to elevate user experience, including seamless one-touch access to locate charging stations, payment functionalities, and intelligent route planning with integrated charging stops—capabilities essential for Proton’s imminent entry into the electric vehicle (EV) market with models such as the eMas 7 launching in December.
In addition to these practical enhancements, the Atlas OS will support multimedia applications like YouTube, MYTV Mana-Mana, and TikTok, though these are likely to be operable only when the vehicle is stationary, ensuring driver safety. Over-the-air (OTA) update scheduling will also be introduced, allowing users to maintain their system software conveniently and efficiently.
Complementing these advancements, the E02 Ultra and E06 chips embody Intel’s latest Core Ultra 200S series processors, notable for their extensive AI capabilities, strong performance across CPU, integrated GPU, and neural processing units (NPU), and broad software compatibility. These attributes position them as Intel’s most modern desktop-class processors for enthusiasts, promising Proton users a highly responsive and intelligent in-car computing experience.
