Modular smartphone

LG G5

A modular smartphone is a smartphone made using different components that can be independently upgraded or replaced. This aims to reduce electronic waste, lower repair costs and increase user comfort.[1]

The most important component is the main board, to which others (such as cameras or batteries) are attached. These are packaged in easy-to-remove modules which can be replaced as needed without having to rework the soldering.[2] Components could be obtained from open-source hardware stores.[3]

History

In 2013, Phonebloks was the first modular smartphone concept to attract widespread attention.[4][5] Later that year Google/Motorola partnered with Phonebloks and announced "Project Ara". The first market pilot is scheduled for release in early 2015.[6]

In late 2014, the Finnish tech startup Circular Devices Oy announced the Puzzlephone project, with phones that can be personalized at both operating system and hardware levels. It has received the support of Fraunhofer IZM and is scheduled for release in 2015.[7]

During 2015, the Dutch social enterprise Fairphone developed the Fairphone 2, the first publicly available modular smartphone which will be released to sale in December of that year.[8]

Components

Some example components:[9]

Some example modules: [10]

Modular platforms

On sale:

In development:

Canceled :

See also

References

  1. ↑ McNicoll, Arion. "Phonebloks: The smartphone for the rest of your life". CNN.com. Retrieved 23 October 2013.
  2. ↑ Leather, Antony. "Phonebloks - A Customizable Smartphone That Could Revolutionize The Industry". Forbes.com. Retrieved 24 October 2013.
  3. ↑ Hakkens, David. "Phonebloks: A Phone Worth Keeping (Idea)". Retrieved 10 November 2013.
  4. ↑ Oswald, Ed. "Modu looks to make cell phones 'modular'". betanews. Retrieved 10 November 2013.
  5. ↑ US application 20110230178, Jones; Gregory G.; (Seattle, WA) ; Hanson; Lisa M.; (Issaquah, WA) ; Kleist; Thomas; (Redbourn, GB); Hanson; Lisa M & Kleist; Thomas, "Mobile Communication Device Having Multiple, Interchangeable Second Devices", published 2011-09-22, issued YYYY-MM-DD, assigned to Microsoft Corporation
  6. ↑ "Frequently asked questions". Project Ara. Retrieved 1 January 2014.
  7. ↑ http://www.puzzlephone.com/when
  8. ↑ Jo Best (27 May 2014). "The gadget with a conscience: How Fairphone crowdfunded its way to an industry-changing smartphone". TechRepublic.
  9. ↑ Google isn't the only one making a modular smartphone, Engadget, December 1st 2014.
  10. ↑ "Phonebloks – The ultimate phone Concept". WIA-Developers.
  11. ↑ Lynn La (10 January 2014). "ZTE Eco-Mobius modular concept phone Release Date, Price and Specs - CNET". CNET. CBS Interactive.
  12. ↑ "PuzzlePhone". PuzzlePhone.
  13. ↑ "Project Ara gets a competitor in modular phone startup 'Vsenn'". Android Central.
  14. ↑ "Vsenn". Archived from the original on 21 April 2015.
  15. ↑ "Vsenn".

External links

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