The modular smartphone market is already heating up. While most of the attention has been focused on Google’s Project Ara, it is not alone to be working on the concept of a smartphone with interchangeable components. Finland is quickly becoming a hot bed of modular development. Vsenn recently announced plans to offer an Android-powered modular smartphone and now comes word that Circular Devices is also looking to bring its take on the concept to market in 2015. Called the Puzzlephone, we featured it on Concept Sunday earlier this year.
The PuzzlePhone takes a simpler approach to customization. It consists of only three modules. The largest, also known as the spine, is the display module which also includes stereo speakers and volume buttons. Options ranging from a 4.3-inch to a 5-inch model are planned. The main module, the Brain, comes with the processor and rear camera. The third, known as teh Heart, contains the battery module and additional sensors. The phone and its components are held together using neodymium magnets and mechanical latches.
In keeping with the modular concept, the Puzzlephone will support a range of operating systems. At launch though, it will be powered by a forked version of Google Android but the company with alternatives to follow later.
Circular Devices is also thinking about the disposal of older components. Materials currently under consideration are either recyclable or have a low environmental impact.
Since it was presented as a concept earlier this year, development has continued and Circular Devices now expects to have a prototype ready by the end of the year. Up next will be to line up the funds necessary to continue development. The first Puzzlephone could launch in the second half of 2015 as a mid-range device.
Do you think that you might pick up a modular phone in 2015? Let us know below.
Sources : Puzzlephone // ZDNet