Slate Mobile App (UX / UI - My Concept)

[ryan759]

Hi all,

What are peoples expectations for the mobile app?

I've mocked up some different designs based on the features and design language I would like to see on the tablet version.

Obviously some of these features would only be available with specific accessories, but it would be great to see software integration for things like side indicator based cameras.

 

[Monkfruit]

There will need to be some hardware interface to the tablet for more useful integration. I wonder if an OBD interconnect with the app could allow for a lot more useful stuff.

 

[beatle]

I'd also consider what things the cluster display will show. With some people opting to use a phone as their infotainment display, space will be at a premium. SoC and speed will almost surely not be on the app.

AA wirelessly integrates with the SoC on Ford (and other) vehicles. It's feasible to think Slate will also make connections to the truck for things like SoC via a wireless connection. The least expensive thing may be to do very little integration with the app as that creates failure points. They may expect people to use their phone like they do in a car from 15-20 years ago that has almost no connection to the car itself.

I think an AA/CP solution will be what they push people towards as that offloads much (almost all) of the development work. But I'm also kind of new here and I haven't kept up on what Slate's infotainment plans are other than an open space in the dash for you to BYOD. Maybe just charging controls/stats?

 

[Letas]

I'd also consider what things the cluster display will show. With some people opting to use a phone as their infotainment display, space will be at a premium. SoC and speed will almost surely not be on the app.

AA wirelessly integrates with the SoC on Ford (and other) vehicles. It's feasible to think Slate will also make connections to the truck for things like SoC via a wireless connection. The least expensive thing may be to do very little integration with the app as that creates failure points. They may expect people to use their phone like they do in a car from 15-20 years ago that has almost no connection to the car itself.

I think an AA/CP solution will be what they push people towards as that offloads much (almost all) of the development work. But I'm also kind of new here and I haven't kept up on what Slate's infotainment plans are other than an open space in the dash for you to BYOD. Maybe just charging controls/stats?

Integrated Android auto/carplay solutions are far and away a better solution, but Slate has shown no desire to offer reasonable support for that, so we shall see...

BYOD (tablet or phone in a mount) brings heaps of problems that don't need to exist, we've already figured out how to do this.

 

[beatle]

Wow, I had no idea. With software becoming one of the things that trips up so many manufacturers, it's kind of crazy for a new automaker to try to build an app to interface with their vehicle. Seems like the hardware investment saved in the vehicle would be overwhelmed by the cost and complexity of trying to support so many external devices for critical functions.

 

[Letas]

Wow, I had no idea. With software becoming one of the things that trips up so many manufacturers, it's kind of crazy for a new automaker to try to build an app to interface with their vehicle. Seems like the hardware investment saved in the vehicle would be overwhelmed by the cost and complexity of trying to support so many external devices for critical functions.

Agree. There are so many third parties that make great double din Carplay displays. I don't understand why Slate wouldn't at least offered a "preferred vendor" with option for install from the factory. Look at the backlash around Tesla, Rivian, etc. for not including Carplay. It is so obviously something customers care about, and Slate is telling us to "figure it out ourselves". Low labor investment, high customer satisfaction. If their app is anything shy of a gimmick I will be amazed.

 

[beatle]

Exactly. I was just thinking of it being cheap to implement an AA/CP solution since that is one of Slate's top goals. But hey, toss in some free customer satisfaction and you've got a deal.

Similarly, I stopped rolling my own once I tried the smooth taste and rich tobacco flavor of a Laramie cigarette.

 

[ScooterAsheville]

Some of the threads on this forum make my mind wander back to the book "Great Expectations". I suggest "Low Expectations". Right now, I setiously think Slate just wants to ship something that can move under its own power without catching fire (or doing the Cybertruck thing and having bits and pieces falling off). With only $700 million in capital raised (not counting the mysterious Series C), moving without burning down is a solid achievement.

 

[Letas]

Some of the threads on this forum make my mind wander back to the book "Great Expectations". I suggest "Low Expectations". Right now, I setiously think Slate just wants to ship something that can move under its own power without catching fire (or doing the Cybertruck thing and having bits and pieces falling off). With only $700 million in capital raised (not counting the mysterious Series C), moving without burning down is a solid achievement.

Minimizing external funding does not benefit the consumer, only the PE firms invested in the company. I want a good product output. That benefits the consumer.
This is such a softball for the company it’s almost hilarious if they miss on it. Myself and I’m sure many many customers would be happy to pay a premium to have an integrated head unit (and speakers) on delivery day. Obviously an option. Not stock.

 

[RetiredOnPaper]

Not clear on whether the Tablet will be bring your own or sold by Slate with Slate specific features. Before my Model 3, I used my phone for travel directions and entertainment, worked well but I never liked my phone being plugged in that long and getting hot. I am holding off on getting a new phone until I have more detail and/or take possession of my Slate. I'm not really sold on a tablet, and leaving it plugged in that much...not like. Since I already have a phone plan, with unlimited data and hot spot, just need a phone that is "beefy" enough to handle everything I ask it to do. I always get an unlocked phone so I am not beholden to any one plan.

Not clear how much of the camera feed will be accessible, if any. What do I want from the app? That will depend on the Bluetooth range. Since I can't bring myself to let go of things that still work I have a nice collection of very serviceable cell phones, that could give me WiFi connectivity...hmm.

 

[beatle]

Due to NHTSA regulations to reliably show the rear camera view when moving, they'll almost surely tie the camera view into the instrument cluster and not the app. Bluetooth won't have the bandwidth to support a video stream. It sounds like they're trying to make this some kind of proprietary AA/CP solution which just seems like a ridiculous idea to me.

Everything I've seen is that the requirement is to bring your own device.

 

[ElectricShitbox]

Due to NHTSA regulations to reliably show the rear camera view when moving, they'll almost surely tie the camera view into the instrument cluster and not the app. Bluetooth won't have the bandwidth to support a video stream. It sounds like they're trying to make this some kind of proprietary AA/CP solution which just seems like a ridiculous idea to me.

Everything I've seen is that the requirement is to bring your own device.

They've already shown that the backup camera feed will be in the instrument cluster. They've also claimed no onboard wireless connection, no internet, no bluetooth, no gps. When you connect a device, it will be via usb c.

 

[KevinRS]

I think the phone heating up while plugged in and screen on using GPS etc is less of an issue with newer phones, though if it's in the sun it can still be a problem. With my pixel 9a I've made multi hour trips with the phone plugged in, screen on showing directions without noticeable heating. Possibly something like a 3d printed shade to fit over the top of the phone or tablet might solve the sun issue.