Questions & answers
FAQs.
What is SLEKE.?
SLEKE. is a company which makes a smartphone operating system (we call it OdysseyOS) designed to give people a phone curated for everyday life. The device excludes games, web browsing, and multimedia apps, focusing instead on communication and daily utility tools.
Who is this for?
Those looking for a solution which purposefully limits the functionality of the smartphone without overdoing the restrictions.
What makes us different from other smartphones?
We identify the optimal feature set — the Goldilocks zone — balancing sufficient functionality against the excess found in conventional smartphones.
How much does the phone cost?
$333 — available only for the first 100 beta testers, using our operating system pre-loaded onto an upcycled Google Pixel 5.
Can't I just delete distracting apps from my smartphone?
Studies show users often re-download deleted apps during moments of boredom, or access them through web browsers.
What would I do with all my free time?
Users save an average of 4 hours per day. That's about 120 hours a month!
What is our return policy?
Return within 30 days for a full refund unless physically damaged (assessed case-by-case). Customers cover return shipping.
Do we ship outside the US?
Not yet, but our partner dumbwireless.com does.
How do I report a problem or send feedback?
Take a screenshot or video of the issue, tap the sandwich icon on the top left of the home screen, then Report / Recommend.
What carriers are supported?
Phones are carrier unlocked and will work on most US networks.
What is the average airspeed velocity of an unladen swallow?
European swallows: around 11 meters per second, or 24 miles per hour. African swallows: 20–40 mph, with potential for higher speeds.
What is an unladen swallow?
An otherwise normal swallow that is not weighed down with a load.
What phones do we support?
Currently, we support upcycled Google Pixel 6s and Pixel 7s. Medium term, we plan on adding support for Pixel 8, Pixel 9, and their derivatives. Long term, we will support a greater variety of upcycled Android devices and offer both pre-loaded as well as software-only products.
How do we source our phones?
We work with phone refurbishers who must pass rigorous quality standards, ensuring we source only from the most reliable suppliers.\nWe use upcycled phones to reduce the carbon footprint of the smartphone industry overall — by using our upcycled devices, you help keep these phones out of the landfill.
Will we be supported on iOS?
Not as a full operating system. More limited offerings may be provided as an app down the line.
How often do we push updates?
We aim for at least once a month. The amount we update depends on the rate of feedback we receive from people using the phone. If people aren't requesting new features, we only push updates relevant to usability, privacy, and security. The experiences of the people using our phone are at the core of our building philosophy.
How do we determine what apps to support?
Before adding an app to our curated store, we do our best to avoid including apps that don't serve an explicit communication or utility function. Qualifying apps must primarily enable communication between people or support a real-life function or behavior.\nApps are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. For more information or to request an app, visit our App Store.
What's with the design?
Short answer: we designed it ourselves (so be nice!).\nLong answer: we're currently prioritizing function over form. This is a short-term principle as we work with beta testers to resolve edge cases and better serve the people using the phone. Once we address a majority of these edge cases, we'll revisit our overall design.
What is an answer engine?
An answer engine responds to your internet searches with a clear, concise, text-based answer rather than a list of links (many of them sponsored) that you have to filter through.
Can I open links?
Yes. In our increasingly technological world, those using our phone need access to links for forms, restaurant menus, paying for parking, and more. Please be advised that certain links leading to websites that fall outside our feature philosophy are blocked. That list currently includes around 300,000 websites.
Can I scan QR codes?
Yes. There are currently two options for scanning QR codes: one in the app drawer under the tab labeled 'QR Code Scanner', and one within the phone camera.