Motorola and Element14 have launched a development kit for creating add-on modules for the new modular Moto Z smartphone, including an adapter for RPi HATs.
We don’t usually cover smartphones here at HackerBoards because most don’t offer much opportunity for hardware hacking. Yet, Lenovo’s Motorola Mobility subsidiary has spiced up the smartphone space this week by announcing a modular, hackable “Moto Mods†backplate expansion system for its new Android-based Moto Z smartphones.
In addition, Motorola has teamed up with Element14 to offer a $125, hardware-based Moto Mods Development Kit for building custom Moto Mods. Using this, developers can build their own Moto Mods add-ons for applications such as infrared cameras, e-ink displays, game controllers and printers to metal detectors, inventory tag readers, blood pressure monitors, and air pollution sensors, says Element14.
It’s a sad comment on society when adding just gadgets to a “modular” phone is more important on a replaceable battery. Planned obsolesce is getting out of hand.
Couldn’t one of those gadgets be a replaceable battery?
Doubtful. An additional battery yes, but a true replacement? I don’t see how. It would be a module more along the lines of a Mophie Juice Pack rather than a genuinely swapable battery and, should the internal battery fail, would most likely be rendered useless. I suppose Motorola could take special precautions and set up the wiring so that the external power source is drawn first rather than as just a supplement to the main battery, however something tells me they won’t set things up this way. iPhones are set up this way, so it’s certainly possible to do it.
Edited 2016-08-16 13:09 UTC
Well, having reusable accessories that are supposed to work with future hardware designs is an improvement. Its not like this is the first phone with a non replaceable battery.
I think the best idea for these add-ons is the important thing they forgot to include on the base phone: a 3.5 mm audio jack. Not sure If I want to pay $700 + $125 + additional parts and labor to get an acceptable phone.
It kind of reminds me of the original Android phone the HTC G1 . Expensive hacker toy without much use and missing a 3.5 mm audio jack.
Maybe a HiFi Module with an actual micro-electronic tube!
Yeah, lots of cool things that could be done with it. Haven’t found a real use case that would be worth it to me. But I’m still thinking. Just disappointed in the price and the lack of the 3.5. Could make for some interesting iot things, if it could be neatly packaged into something I wouldn’t mind having in my pocket. IE not a crazy exposed circuit board with jagged wires poking me every step.
Maybe I’ll wait for the inevitable fire sale and pick on up then.
Is the link broken?
“href” element of link is broken (misses the “r”). Url is http://hackerboards.com/modular-moto-z-android-phone-supports-diy-a…
Maybe They’re serious about giving back the thrill of creation to the User
The User is a lot, lot more than a “consumer”.