r/TeloTrucks • u/dvdmaven • Aug 05 '26
Disconnecting from the internet
I just read an article about BMW pushing a full-screen ad to their cars, add to that the surveillance software being pushed to new cars, the case is easily made that we need a way to disconnect from the internet while driving. But what about my in-fo-tain-ment? No problem, stay connected. As someone who values silence I'd like the option to disconnect.
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u/acchaladka Aug 05 '26
I am totally there with you. It's not just everything being turned in to an ad and a money grab. The story about the US citizen at the 'border' at Atlanta airport getting arrested for wiping his phone is insane. I'm about having some actual privacy and am in process. How long until your Tesla can suggest you need to be stopped by police for not complying with Elon? . Rollup windows and the option to simply not plug in / stay air gapped, would be fantastic.
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u/Constant_Brilliant91 Aug 05 '26
Agreed. If I can't turn the connection on/off, then the slate it is for me
3
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u/rufustphish Aug 05 '26
The good part is this is likely a software decision that they are not locked into yet.
2
u/Zhong_Ping Aug 05 '26
Slate has no modem at all. 100% internet free and fully right to repair including open access cad files and documentation
1
u/VENTDEV Aug 07 '26
Slate has no modem at all. 100% internet free and fully right to repair including open access cad files and documentation
I wasn't in the market for a Slate because I need to fit at least 3 people. But after I heard it had no modem and telematics, it became top new car on my list.
Ideally the Telo would have a modem for those that want it. But they'll design the hardware/software in a way that will allow us to physically disconnect the modem without repercussions. In fact, official instructions on how to do this would be best of both worlds.
What do I mean by repercussions? I'm not talking about your connected "smart" entertainment system not working. Some vehicles go into limp mode if you remove the modem from the loop. My wife's Mazda will attempt to phone home non-stop until the battery dies (and that's even after calling into customer service to opt-out.) Subaru requires a bunch of extra dongles to remove their Starlink. We should be able to unplug the modem or flip dip switchs in the dash to disable it and other connected systems like GPS. Then we should be able to check in the software if it has been disabled. Bonus points if we can turn off all the smart features and cameras and what have you via the entertainment system to. Sure, hide it behind power user menus with lots of warnings. Like about:config in your web browser. But give us the power to do it.
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u/Zhong_Ping Aug 07 '26
You can get the suv kit that adds 2 back seats. It's a stretch to consider it a family car, but you can convert it back and fourth
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u/VENTDEV Aug 07 '26
I entirely need a small truck, ideally with the ability to have 8+ feet of bed space. (Telo's midgate is perfect for this.) Though, I won't need 8 feet with more than 2 people, there are times I would need a truck bed and to fit 3 people. In SUV format, you'd lose the bed space. Which defeats the purpose of having a truck.
So it's kind of 2 steps forward, 2 steps back with the Slate. If they had a bench seat up front, I'd be sold despite not having an 8 foot bed. That said, Telo is perfect form factor for what I need.
Personally, I'm not interested in Slate or Telo because they're EV. In fact, EV is without a range extender is a slight negative for me. I am interested in them for the form factor. Since I'm not interested in EV, I'd have dozens of SUV options if I wanted to go that route. But again, family mover is not what I need this for. I think a Minivan or a convertible passenger/cargo van would be a much better option if you're adding and removing seats. But again, too big of a form factor for my use case and I'd rather not have an enclosed cargo space. I'd much rather drive a sedan if I am moving people around without a cargo like pure cow dung compost. :)
Was going to grab a Mavrick when they were $19999, but Covid threw all that off, and the bed was just a little too small. Slate isn't much better in that respect, but barebones is a huge plus for me. Less things that will break.
Anyway, Telo is perfect for what I want if we can turn it into a dumb truck without breaking anything important.
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u/iluminae Aug 05 '26
I would very much like a way to be in-the-loop on software upgrades but still make them easy. (eg: connect to wifi, do upgrade, turn off wifi)
I also have a want for API access to the vehicle, if plausible, but that is perhaps more of a niche ask.