modular smartphone

modular smartphone

A smartphone built with snap-in building blocks. Rather than requiring a new phone when only one or two components need to be fixed or enhanced, only those affected modules have to be replaced. In 2013, Dutch designer David Hakkens developed the Phonebloks concept, and via online news and social media reached a huge audience. Hakkens developed the prototype device and collaborates with Motorola on Google's Project Ara to bring his idea to fruition.

Dave Hakkens' Phonebloks
Although achieving a working product means overcoming many technical hurdles, the concept is simple: all modules snap onto a base unit. (Images courtesy of Phonebloks, www.phonebloks.com)