Dashboard Speakers come standard, and more audio options in the works [confirmed]

[cvollers]

We'll see I guess. I'm sure things are very much in flux behind the scenes still. I'm honestly surprised how much the Slate agents are willing to share in one-on-one emails. Typically most companies would simply respond to every inquiry with some form of "we're not ready to announce anything new at this time."

I am equally surprised. Definitely not typical Big Auto (or Big Anything) behavior.

 

[Saint Alban]

The optional controls for the speakers are above the AC controls.

That accessory is described as auxiliary buttons. I don’t see where they mention that they are controls for speakers. The speakers would be controlled by the device you’re playing audio from and/or the steering wheel Bluetooth controls.

“Every time you add an electronic accessory (like exterior lights), you can program its auxiliary button to control it. Plug-and-play functionality and modern convenience: now you’ve got the best of both worlds.”

 

[Saint Alban]

That looks like a terrible Photoshop job.

It definitely doesn’t look like a final product.

 

[cvollers]

That accessory is described as auxiliary buttons. I don’t see where they mention that they are controls for speakers. The speakers would be controlled by the device you’re playing audio from and/or the steering wheel Bluetooth controls.

“Every time you add an electronic accessory (like exterior lights), you can program its auxiliary button to control it. Plug-and-play functionality and modern convenience: now you’ve got the best of both worlds.”

I’m guessing those round things on the ends are volume control and some other type of control knobs. Very kluge, but also very preliminary.

 

[Luxrage]

I'm hoping there's at least cutouts for 6'' speakers in the doors. I just want something more substantial than removable speaker pods. I don't want to take out speakers and things like that, just let me drill 'em into the door and be done with it!

Honda Elements have their speakers mounted to the door cards instead of the doors. The grill just goes over the top, that'd be the ideal solution. If the door cards just had a panel that covered 6'' holes and you could put a mesh 'grill' panel on top it'd be perfect.

 

[zipn]

Maybe the included speaker that is mentioned is just a mono speaker for door chimes, Seatbelt alerts, turn signals, etc?

 

[cadblu]

That looks like a terrible Photoshop job.

That bank of switches looks like it came right out of the 3D printer. They either used a very low resolution STL file, or the part is half baked.

 

[Swinefuzz]

I hope this is all a mistake. Is SA adding "standard" features in reaction to requests from prospective customers expressing curiosity on whether a truck a year and a half away from production will have what they want? I don't want to pay for something I'm going to replace. SA has already confirmed the dash accepts double-DIN head units. I just want to know if the dash will accept standard 6.5" and 5.25" aftermarket speakers. And a sub. And an amp. And a karaoke microphone. And a turntable. And a brass section. Some pyrotechnics. Dance troupe. An elf on a shelf.

 

[SichuanHot]

That's great news Slate is considering provisions for more speakers, but they shouldn't get too carried away. If the moulds for the dash mounted speakers have already gone through the prototyping stages and is nearing production, best to keep it KISS.

 

[Saint Alban]

Maybe the included speaker that is mentioned is just a mono speaker for door chimes, Seatbelt alerts, turn signals, etc?

I would think they meant regular dashboard speakers. They did write “speakers”. I doubt it’s a single mono speaker.