The Modular Phone

Samsung and Apple are the company to beat in the smartphone arena, creating trendsetter phone models that can force fold other mobile makers on their path. How could they possibly be beaten on the smartphone market? I can not think of any factor as long as consumers still like what they offer, and I think they will live as long as they introduce something different everytime they make a sequel to their soap opera like top models!

Now, other mobile phone players are venturing into a more imaginative product rather than the solid one piece flat form. It's hard for me to explain in simple words, because I think this new flat form of mobiles is a bit complicated, but the concept is simple. Welcome the modular phone!

The Modular Phone

They called it that way, as the new form will be like lego pieces joined together to make a working mobile phone. The screen, processor, ram, battery, camera and other pieces can be put together like a puzzle. This will be a highly customizable product that a user can build according to his needs. For example, if multitasking is what you require, you can buy a faster processor module, take off the old one and put the new one in place. Or if you are a budding photographer, you can opt for a better quality camera module. This is without the need of buying a new phone model to keep up with the on going tech trend.

Google and Motorolla's Project ARA 

This concept is a good news to those who would like to experiment and have a strong sense of creativity. This could also be a money saver to those who are keeping track of new products, as they will just be buying component modules to do the upgrade. And in a way, can make it simpler to use as users are involved in building the handset. The most significant advantage is, you do not pay for a component you do not use!

As this concept is very good, manufacturers are already racing on making their own versions. The worst then that could happen is the incompatibility of modules from different makers. This would produce more electronic waste as time goes. I just hope that there would be a standard module for every component and can be used cross brands, like the lego!