The Modu phone can take many avatars--GPS device, digital camera, business phone, MP3 player


The GSMA Mobile World Conference 2008 in Barcelona saw loads of action, including product launches, new concepts, and prototypes of products on the anvil. One of these products was the Modu phone.

The Moduis an ultra-light, ultra-small "basic" phone, which can make and receive calls. The skeletal phone can be given any number of manifestations by slipping it into various "jackets" or "mates," which turn the phone into different devices, such as a GPS device, an MP3 player, or a digital camera, all of which are mobile telephony enabled.

The company has announced the availability of 10 such jackets, some of which will come bundled with the phone. Consumers can buy the other jackets separately as needed. There is also a possibility that Modu will tie up with third-party manufacturers to expand the range of jackets.

These jackets enable you to do different things with your Modu or to metamorphose it to suit your various connectivity needs. You can slip it into a jacket with a full-fledged QWERTY keypad to use it on a typical workday. For a night out with friends, you can use a cool jacket that has MP3 player functionality. You can slip it into a digital camera jacket to share your photos with friends in your contacts list. You will also be able to slip it into devices such as GPS systems or car stereos. The company claims that the jackets will be “custom branded” and will contain “exclusive content” related to fashion, movies, or music.

The advantage is that you buy one basic phone and several add-ons, which would be cheaper than buying each of those as standalone gadgets. You also get a lot of variety in looks and functionality. Moreover, the jackets are interchangeable, so you can swap with your friends to get even more out of the Modu.

The phone is slated to be available by October this year in Israel, Italy and Russia, and subsequently in other parts of the world. Modu has also tied up with Sandisk, Magellan, and Blaupunkt to incorporate slots for Modu in their devices.
Source:http://computing.in.msn.com/Articles/Article.aspx?cp-documentid=1247920