Google recently announced the end of Project Ara smartphone project, LG tried to be modular with the LG G5 and now Motorola. So why is the modular LEGO-style smartphones the next big thing? The ultimate plan is an attempt to bring down the device’s cost and solve technical hurdles. Let’s imagine an ecosystem having access to hardware that is constantly evolving and allows you the choice of upgrading only those specific features that you particularly care about. Motorola took some serious step towards modularity of smartphones by launching the Moto Mods. These are snap on accessories that stick to the back of the Moto Z and embed a new life in the smartphone. 16 gold pin connectors at the back of the Moto Z and the Moto Z Play are key factors in enabling the new Moto Mods ecosystem.
Style Shells
These are simple covers called the Style Shells. So when you order a Moto Z through Moto Maker (not available in India) you’ll be able to choose which finish you’d like. You can choose between a number of different wood types as well as different color leather and nylon finishes.
Moto Insta-Share Projector
The Moto Insta-Share Projector uses the DLP (Digital Light Processing) Projector Technology and can project Image size Up to 70″ (diagonal) in 16:9 ratio. It’s essentially a pico projector you attach to the phone which can beam an image or video. The Insta-Share projector simply projects whatever you see on your Moto Z display at 854×480 WVGA (480p) and the projected image has 50 lumens nominal brightness, Contrast ratio 400:1 and Throw ratio: 1.2. The projector also offers automatic keystone correction to iron out distortion. It’s impressively slim at 11mm and has its own 1100mAh battery to supplement.
JBL SoundBoost Speaker
This is for the music lovers and is the biggest (13mm thick) and heaviest (145 grams) mod. It has dual 27mm 3W (each) drivers, having loudness of 80dBSPL at 0.5m. The SoundBoost speaker comes with a 1000mAh battery that can be charged through the USB-C port. And Motorola claims that the speaker can go on for up to 10 hours. It’s definitely a better option over a standalone Bluetooth speaker that works with any smartphone. But it’s hard not to like having such a convenient way of upping the sound game. The front facing speaker on the Moto Z phones is already decent, but when you slap on the JBL at the back and it all changes.
Inicipio OffGrid Power Pack
The Inicipio OffGrid power packs adds a extra 2,200mAh battery to the phone almost doubling the built-in battery’s capacity of Moto Z. Power Pack has wireless charging built-in that also adds wireless charging feature to Moto Z and Moto Z Play. The Power Pack works in a couple different ways – it can straight charge the phone or work in an efficiency mode that will only work to keep the phone at 80%. Motorola claims up to 22 hours of extra usage with it, but actual real world performance will vary.
Hasselblad True Zoom
Lenovo joined forces with famed camera brand Hasselblad to create the True Zoom mod. With Hasselblad True Zoom you can attach a full digital camera to the back of your Moto Z phone which offers a number of added benefits. The hasselblad features a 12MP BSI CMOS 1/2.3-inch sensor with f/3.5-6.5 aperture lens, OIS for still shots, EIS for video, 2 microphones, Xenon flash, and up to 1080p video recording. But the main highlight of the mod is its 10x optical zoom. But honeslty, its useful if you’re trying to capture something in the distance, but not so much if you’re trying for a macro shot.
Pricing for Moto Mods
| Moto Mods | Pricing | Bundle pricing: |
| JBL SoundBoost Speaker | INR 6999 | INR 5999 |
| Hasselblad True Zoom Camera | NR 19999 | NR 14999 |
| Instashare Projector | INR 19999 | INR 15999 |
| Incipio offGRID Power Pack | INR 5999 | INR 4999 |
| Style Shells:Wood and ballistic nylon Leather | INR 1099 INR 1599 | INR 899 INR 1299 |
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