Phone or Tablet as your interface device?

[cvollers]

Phone. Tablet looks like a theft magnet. I plan on a double din stereo with wireless CarPlay and wired speakers as part of the diy design. Phone stays in my pocket, stereo screen for CarPlay and tunes

Has Slate announced double din support? Single din support?

 

[zipn]

Has Slate announced double din support? Single din support?

No but it’s a common ask. The center dash panel appears removable. If they don’t offer it I’m sure someone (crutchfield) will.

 

[cvollers]

No but it’s a common ask. The center dash panel appears removable. If they don’t offer it I’m sure someone (crutchfield) will.

I think what you are talking about is a mounting adapter. What’s also needed is a wiring harness for power, speakers, radio antenna, and GPS antenna. Crutchfield does a great job offering head units and harnesses specific to car wiring, but the wiring needs to be there in the first place. And the mounting adapter needs to be either already installed (double din) or be easily installed DIY. We know Slate will have USB power for a device and most likely a powered BT speaker option. Beyond that is anyone’s guess. Could be a good opportunity for companies like Alpine and Kenwood to create plug and play solutions.

 

[Deleted member 8740]

I have no intention of using a phone or a tablet. I know really old school.

 

[zipn]

I think what you are talking about is a mounting adapter. What’s also needed is a wiring harness for power, speakers, radio antenna, and GPS antenna. Crutchfield does a great job offering head units and harnesses specific to car wiring, but the wiring needs to be there in the first place. And the mounting adapter needs to be either already installed (double din) or be easily installed DIY. We know Slate will have USB power for a device and most likely a powered BT speaker option. Beyond that is anyone’s guess. Could be a good opportunity for companies like Alpine and Kenwood to create plug and play solutions.

Actually assuming there’s a nearby fuse block somewhere it’s easy enough to install power and speaker wiring other than an am fm antenna would have to be installed somewhere if you care about radio

 

[cvollers]

Actually assuming there’s a nearby fuse block somewhere it’s easy enough to install power and speaker wiring other than an am fm antenna would have to be installed somewhere if you care about radio

Any number of things can be done given an accessible power source (or fuse block). The question is: will it be an easy DIY project? After hearing everything Slate has said so far, it has to be more than just DIY, it has to be easy…and teachable in their University. Oh yeah, it can’t void the warranty either.

 

[cadblu]

Phone. Tablet looks like a theft magnet. I plan on a double din stereo with wireless CarPlay and wired speakers as part of the diy design. Phone stays in my pocket, stereo screen for CarPlay and tunes

The tablet can be removed from the holder and hidden within the vehicle. Or taken with you. I would probably just remove it and place under the driver’s seat when parked.

 

[greencatdude]

I’m wondering how one of the many wireless CarPlay/android auto units would work with the Slate Bluetooth speakers, and whether the Slate app can be ran on the device directly, or via CarPlay? Something like : https://a.co/d/4tUxmMe

Less theftworthy than a tablet, more car usage friendly, and most include wireless dashcam and reverse cameras, all for an affordable price. Could be a nice option for a Slate. Thoughts?

 

[cvollers]

I’m wondering how one of the many wireless CarPlay/android auto units would work with the Slate Bluetooth speakers, and whether the Slate app can be ran on the device directly, or via CarPlay? Something like : https://a.co/d/4tUxmMe

Less theftworthy than a tablet, more car usage friendly, and most include wireless dashcam and reverse cameras, all for an affordable price. Could be a nice option for a Slate. Thoughts?

Something like this could be very interesting, assuming it can be mounted to the Slate dash and the backup camera feed can be connected to it. For me, I am most likely just going with my phone as that is what I am using now and have been for the last two years...completely weaned off CarPlay.

 

[MontesDesigns]

I would prefer a tablet sized screen. I don't think a tablet permanent attached to the dash is a good idea with the battery in it. I don't want to be taking it out every time I get in and out of the truck. I just want a screen I can see android auto on that's all I need I can use Bluetooth to the speaker. A place to charge my phone wirelessly or wired would be great. I prefer all these to be add on options either OEM or 3rd party. I mainly use android auto for traffic and navigation, of course it has music controls but that's also on the steering wheel.

 

[SparkYellow]

I am slowly transitioning into Slate/minimalist mode in my daily driver CX-3. Earlier last week I decided to turn the infotainment center display off. It stays off and only comes back on when I shift into reverse for the backup camera. I can push the knob to bring it back on. I haven't had to yet. When the display is off, the music/speakers are off too. I also removed the CD from the slot. I am really surprised that after having the display on for 9 years and 184K miles, it wasn't that hard to drive without it.

Currently it's just the typical dashboard display and my phone in front of me. Music comes from a cylinder Bluetooth speaker hanging from the passenger headrest posts. It's not the best quality, but good enough if I have keep the volume low.

When the pilot light went out on the gas water heater in my home, I trained myself to tolerate cold showers. 😳

 

[EVfun]

Interface device? It doesn't sound like the Slate interfaces unless you are plugging in and running the Slate app. My phone needs a Lightning connector, not USBC, so the dash holder isn't particularly useful.

I was thinking perhaps a hidden Bluetooth receiver connected to some minimally visible speakers. Something like Out Of Sight Audio controlled by my phone. The truck doesn't need to know or care. Strangers don't need to see things in my truck to steal.

 

[sodamo]

Interface device? It doesn't sound like the Slate interfaces unless you are plugging in and running the Slate app. My phone needs a Lightning connector, not USBC, so the dash holder isn't particularly useful.

I was thinking perhaps a hidden Bluetooth receiver connected to some minimally visible speakers. Something like Out Of Sight Audio controlled by my phone. The truck doesn't need to know or care. Strangers don't need to see things in my truck to steal.

https://www.google.com/search?q=lightning+to+usb+c+adapter&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en-us&client=safari

 

[jmason]

Probably just pick up a wireless CarPlay unit and use it. iPhone stays on me, instant on when I get in, along with access to nav/tunes/etc…through CP. Of course, not sure where the power source is - USB plug? If not I have battery chargers I can stick on whatever I end up with.

 

[E90400K]

I would prefer a tablet sized screen. I don't think a tablet permanent attached to the dash is a good idea with the battery in it. I don't want to be taking it out every time I get in and out of the truck. I just want a screen I can see android auto on that's all I need I can use Bluetooth to the speaker. A place to charge my phone wirelessly or wired would be great. I prefer all these to be add on options either OEM or 3rd party. I mainly use android auto for traffic and navigation, of course it has music controls but that's also on the steering wheel.

So, what are you saying? You want a permanent tablet attached to the dashboard?