Slate Website / Configurator Update + New Accessories and Parts

[AZFox]

Some will see a 'whole audio package' as a form of technology that isn't necessary to make the Slate Truck a truck, and can do without an audio package.

An audio system, like AWD, is something people believe is necessary. Whether it's actually necessary or not., buyers will consider it a must-have feature.

I get it and understand where you draw your conclusions. You are under no obligation to belabor your points.

I'll do it anyway.

It boils down to this:

• People want an audio system in their vehicle.
• The Slate "doesn't come with a radio".
• Preferences around audio system vary widely.
• Slate will offer a variety of audio systems to suit individual preferences.
• My original suggestion was to provide a DIY kit for a DIN stereo.
• @KevinRS's suggestion of a DIN radio and speakers (whole audio package) is also something people will want, so Slate should make that available.

I perceive part of Radical Simplicity to be stripping away unnecessary complexities and focusing on essential elements. It also means other refinements of various sorts, hence Slate only needs to assemble ~600 parts instead of the usual thousands and they don't need to paint the car at the factory. Are we together on that?

Providing an easy (relatively simple) way to to add the "missing" radio is completely consistent with Slate's Radical Simplicity ethos because the the Blank Slate can be made simpler AND someone can easily add the stereo of their choice -- possibly a kit of matched components that's an easy-to-install "whole audio package" -- if they desire..

IMHO leaving out that choice would be an oversight because that choice overcomes the "but it needs a radio" objection.

 

[motorolas]

My thought was, going by what Slate mentioned about repair, wraps and accessories.
have Slate focus on the safety accessories in house.
But leave the fun stuff to other companies and manufactures.
Slate is working with a wrap company for wraps and install.
Slate is working with a repair company “RepairPal” that has service centers across America.
Maybe Slate can just offer the DIN to place what you want in there, and partner up with companies like Best Buy and Crutchfield for audio installs.
Slate could even have RepairPal do basic audio installs.
We still are waiting to see how Slate builds out the SUV kits, maybe at that part of the build, basic audio can be part of the package.

 

[AZFox]

Maybe Slate can just offer the DIN to place what you want in there, and partner up with companies like Best Buy and Crutchfield for audio installs.

There's a certain simplicity to that. Engineer just what's necessary to allow off-the-shelf components to be turned into a complete solution. That's the general idea I was thinking of when I originally wrote "Maybe they'll offer a "DIN Radio Kit that provides everything you need except the radio unit and your choice of speakers."

Pre-configured solutions will be available one way or another.

The new CEO is an Amazon Marketplace veteran, so it's reasonable to assume third-party pre-configured audio systems will offered on a Slate website with instructions for installation on the the Slate University website.

 

[ElectricShitbox]

A well designed bluetooth speaker setup is the "radically simple" version of an infotainment system. The infotainment system you carry in your pocket anyway + good speakers = everything most people need.

 

[AZFox]

A well designed bluetooth speaker setup is the "radically simple" version of an infotainment system. The infotainment system you carry in your pocket anyway + good speakers = everything most people need.

If you're alone and like Bluetooth a bone conduction headset works magnificently.

Bone conduction headsets transmit sound through vibrations in the skull bones directly to the inner ear, bypassing the eardrum and outer ear. This allows users to hear audio while keeping their ears open to surrounding sounds, enhancing situational awareness.​