Phonebloks

Dave Hakkens has previously introduced many modular phone concepts, but his creation of Phonebloks has taken innovation to a whole new level. Phonebloks is more durable as compared to its competitors in the market. The elements that this device comprises of include battery, screen, camera etc. which are conveniently removable from the device. Moreover, this phone is entirely upgradable and is made from Lego-like modules which snap together. 

This best plus point about this device is that it is customizable. Photographers can feasibly upgrade the device by incorporating a better camera to it and also by sacrificing some adequate amount of storage space. This phone is personalized by the addition of the third party components that are “Bloks” to it. These Bloks can be substituted with new Bloks in case of any breakage. Users can easily find them from BlokStore, which is an app store specifically designed for Bloks. On the store, users can purchase new Bloks for their device or purchase used ones. 

In 2013, an announcement was made in which Phonebloks and Google/Motorola declared about their willingness to come up with a modular smartphone. They also declared that Phonebloks website would become a platform for all enthusiasts from across the globe to share their perspective over the possible improvisations that can be made in Project Ara by Google’s ATAP team. The launch date of its modular phone is scheduled in January 2015. Although there are ample of challenges being confronted by this concept, consumption of large amount of money tops the list. To make this phone a strong competitor, great amount of money is required. Not many manufacturers are expected to participate in the making of these Bloks due to which there would be a limited selection of Phonebloks available. 

Besides the economic issues, there are many technical barriers erupting in the creation of this device as well. Since the Bloks are removable, the signals simultaneously are also expected to travel far within the confines of the components. Besides the connection used would also require the insertion of expensive pins along with the sockets. In the end, the final version of the Phonebloks would be very thick as compared to the average smartphone these days. This device also comes with the risk of Bloks getting dislocated from the mainboard. Many critics have also assumed that the replacement of Bloks frequently would escalate the e-waste output.