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A company backed by Jeff Bezos, Slate Auto, just came out of stealth mode to unveil its first EV, and it's incredibly interesting. The Slate Pickup is a tiny and boxy, almost Kei-like truck that will be sold in a barebones configuration for as little as $27,500, or $20,000 with the Federal US tax credit. That would make it one of the cheapest EVs available, but there is a catch: it doesn't come with a stereo, touchscreen or even paint options, and the 150 mile range makes it more of an urban runner than a cross country machine. A good analogy to the Slate Pickup is a home-built PC that comes with the basics but can then be infinitely customized. For the entry-level model (the "Blank Slate"), you get two seats, a bed large enough to hold a sheet of plywood, plastic composite body panels and any paint color you like, as long as it's grey. Curb weight is 3,500 pounds and it's 25-inches shorter than a Ford Maverick. There's no infotainment system, just a universal phone mount and USB power. Power windows? Heck no, it comes standard with crank opening (it does have AC though). And with just a 52.7 kWh battery, range is limited to 150 miles, though it does support 150kW fast charging. With that as a base, you can start expanding into DIY territory with more than 100 available accessories. Want more passengers? Choose from two SUV options and you'll be able to seat up to five, or go for the open air kit. Those are delivered in a flat pack and designed to be user-installed. If you want a color scheme that better reflects your personality, get a wrap and decals. There are a number of exterior options, like a spare tire carrier, rear and front bumper upgrades, fender flares, running boards, a lift kit and tower rack lighting. Inside, you can add small or large screens, speakers and yes, a power window kit. The pickup also comes with "Slate access points" that will support future and even homemade accessories. The battery pack can also be expanded to 84.3 kWh for a target range of 240 miles. With the standard battery, the company says you'll be able to charge to 80 percent in 30 minutes at 120kW using the fast charger. Power is limited compared to other EVs at 201 HP and 195 pound feet of torque, giving the Slate Pickup a 0-60 MPH time of 8.0 seconds and top speed of 90 mph (estimated). Slate Auto Where most automakers try to max out a vehicle's features, Slate is banking on a subset of buyers that don't care about, say, self-driving but do enjoy DIY personalization. In its video, the company points out that it took out everything "that wasn't a car" like "a fancy screen, colored lighting, cooled seats, self driving, self parking and automated cup holders." However, it will still comply with Federal safety standards for 2027 as it will be equipped with features like automatic emergency braking and a standard backup camera (with view displayed on the dash since there's no touchscreen). It remains to be seen if there's a big enough market for such buyers, but the Slate Pickup is certainly affordable. The company is promising you'll pay under $20,000 for the base model if you include federal tax credits (which Trump could kill at any time, by the way) thanks to its direct, Tesla-like sales model. If you're interested, refundable vehicle reservations are now open at $50 at slate.auto. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/evs/slate-auto-unveils-its-us-made-barebones-electric-pickup-costing-just-20000-120029155.html?src=rss
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4chan, one of the trolliest places on the internet, could be gone for good following last week's hack. In this episode, Devindra and Cherlynn break down what 4chan was and why it's influence can be found practically everywhere now. It's like we're living in a poster's paradise. Also, we discuss YouTube's 20th birthday and all of the memories (and frustrations) it's given us over the years. Subscribe! iTunes Spotify Pocket Casts Stitcher Google Podcasts Topics 4chan is dead, RIP? 2:08 Youtube turns 20 15:59 Nintendos Switch 2 is finally available for preorder at the same price 33:03 Apple and Meta fined a combined 800m under Europes New Digital Markets Act 34:44 OpenAI might be interested in Chrome if Google was compelled to sell 35:30 Google pays Samsung an enormous amount to put Gemini on phones 37:50 The Washington Post partners with OpenAI to bring its content to ChatGPT 38:43 Around Engadget 41:52 Listener Mail: Transitioning from Windows to Mac for CAD / 3D design 47:01 Pop culture picks 54:55 Credits Hosts: Devindra Hardawar and Cherlynn LowProducer: Ben EllmanMusic: Dale North and Terrence O'Brien This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/engadget-podcast-the-death-of-4chan-for-now-113033187.html?src=rss
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Nintendo may not have enough Switch 2 consoles for everyone, it seems. Its struggling to meet demand both in Japan and the US, where pre-orders were already delayed due to the tariff fiasco. The official release date for the console, June 5, remains unchanged. However, if you signed up ahead of time on Nintendos site, you may have received an email granting you access to place your order through Nintendo. The company recently emailed users to inform them it has noted very high demand for the console, so your invitation email may arrive after the Nintendo Switch 2 launch, scheduled for June 5. Yeah, your chance to pre-order might happen after the console has already gone on sale. In Japan, when Nintendo offered the chance to register your interest in purchasing a Switch 2, 2.2 million people applied. Thats almost two percent of the countrys population. You dont have to buy your console direct from Nintendo, of course, but getting the Switch 2 elsewhere has also been challenging. Best Buy, Walmart and Target pre-orders opened at midnight yesterday, while GameStop in-person and online pre-orders started at 11am. And all of those retailers have either already sold out, or list the console as coming soon. Did you manage to get an order in? And did you get the Piranha Plant camera? Mat Smith The biggest stories you might have missed MasterClass subscriptions are 40 percent off right now Motorola made a foldable Razr with a wooden body Remedys co-op shooter FBC: Firebreak comes out June 17 Netflix subtitles are now available in a dialogue-only format Duolingo will help you learn chess Fetch my red bob! After adding music and math to its app, Duolingo is now introducing lessons for the true love language: chess. Lessons for beginners and intermediate players will initially be in beta in its iOS app. The app will start by asking you how much you know about chess, then tailor lessons based on your level I assume it asks you what the horsey piece is called. If you already know how each piece moves, youll face Duolingos Oscar in mini -puzzles, where you have to capture certain pieces using a specified piece. You can also play full level-appropriate games against Oscar but no other humans for now. Continue reading. Clair Obscur Expedition 33 review An original hit RPG. Engadget Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has many excited. Maybe its the dreamy Belle Époque aesthetic and design. Maybe its the gloriously pulpy concept of an all-powerful Paintress dooming humankind to an ever-shortening mortal clock. Maybe its the characters, bolstered by a starry voice-artist roster, and nuanced animation and story. (Maybe, at this point in gaming, its the $50 price tag.) The surprise boss, however, might be the remake of The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion, which stealth-launched the day before Expedition 33. Our lives can only take one RPG at a time this compelling, gorgeous RPG is worth your time. And its already on Xbox Game Pass. Continue reading. Razer has a vertical mouse now Yes, there's RGB lighting. Razer Razers Pro Click V2 Vertical Edition is the companys first vertical mouse. Vertical designs can be a more ergonomic mouse options, particularly if you experience discomfort when spending long stretches at a computer. Like me, hi. The Pro Click V2 Vertical Edition has eight programmable buttons and promises a battery life of up to six months. It has a 71.7-degree tilt, so you hold it in a handshake-like grip, which can reduce strain in long-use sessions. Theres also a support on the base that aims to cut down on wrist friction. The cost of ergonomic comfort? $120. Continue reading. Motorolas new wireless headphones are worn like jewelry Dangle dangle. Moto Motorola is introducing the Moto Buds Loop, the companys first take on wireless open-ear earbuds. Instead of completely covering your ear, the Moto Buds Loops cuff the outside, almos like a piercing, blocking out less of the world around you, while still letting you hear your music. Motorola says the earbuds have 12mm drivers and Sound by Bose technology, which means theyre tuned for clarity and balance. They also use a combination of AI and dual microphones to minimize background noise. Continue reading. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/general/the-morning-after-engadget-newsletter-112054646.html?src=rss
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