Moto Z Modular Cell Phone Can Be Projector, Miniature Sound System, More



Moto Z Modular Cell Phone Becomes Projector, Miniature Sound System and More

There is no denying the features in smartphones are impressive, but the human brain being what it is, there is always a need for more. As Points-of-Parity (POP) between smartphone manufacturers become more common with the same or very similar hardware and software components, the Points-of-Difference (POD) have to be more dramatic.

Motorola’s (NYSE:MSI) modular Moto Z phone has accomplished this by making some very utilitarian additions available as add-ons. Because, let’s face it, there really isn’t much more any smartphone maker can do to the base that will wow us. So the ability to add on features you want for your particular use is the next logical progression of this technology.

When you think about a smartphone, the most basic features we want more of are larger displays, better sound, longer battery life, better camera and different styles. Granted there are other options that could be improved upon, but give consumers more of these features and most of us will be happy.

Well, Lenovo has managed to makes these features available as add-ons on the Moto Z, and they were great first choices.

The Moto Z phone comes as a standard model and Moto Z Force version.



The standard Z has Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor with 4GB of RAM; 32 or 64GB of storage with SD card expansion; a 5.5-inch, quad HD AMOLED display; 13-megapixel camera with f/1.8 lens and optical image stabilization; fingerprint scanner; a 2600mAh battery; and a very thin 5.2mm.

The Moto Z Force has most of the same features, but the camera is 21-megapixel, the battery has a 3,500mAh cell, the screen has a shatterproof capability and it comes in at 7mm.

As a flagship phone these features are enough to compete with any other brand, but the modular capability of the Moto Z is a true differentiator.



Modular Cell Phone

The process of removing and attaching a module had to be simple and quick, and what is more efficient than magnets when it comes to accomplishing this? So Lenovo used magnets for the modules. The magnets keep the module in place and communicate through nodes on the bottom back of the phone.



Moto Z Modular Cell Phone - How Mods Attach

The Modules

JBL SoundBoost

Moto Z Modular Cell Phone - JBL SoundBoost

This module gives your smartphone a powerful stereo sound that comes with a built in battery to extend the output of the speaker for 10 hours; Lenovo really had their thinking cap on. It also has a built-in kickstand so you can watch a video and getter better output for the sound.



Insta-Share Projector

Moto Z Modular Cell Phone - Insta-Share Projector

Transforming your smartphone into a projector with up to a 70″ display is a definite plus in today’s collaborative workforce, but you can also sneak a movie here and there. All you need is a flat surface and you can share videos, photos, presentations and more. Adjust the angle with the integrated kickstand and you are ready to watch anything.

Incipio offGRID Power Pack

The anxiety of running out of power is ever present with our smartphones. This module adds up to 22 hours of batter life without adding the bulk of similar items in the market, and just like the phone it can be charged wirelessly.



Moto Style Shells

We buy our smartphone with the same generic designs or colors and we quickly get tired of them. The style shells come in many different materials, textures, and fabrics to really customize your phone. There are more designs on the way, so the sky is the limit when it comes to this particular feature.

Moto Z Modular Cell Phone - Moto Style Shells

The Camera and Adventure Mod (rumored)

Lenovo hasn’t confirmed these modules, but enough images have surfaced to validate their existence.

The leaked photo of the Pro Camera Mod basically changes the phone into a compact point and shoot with a 10x optical zoom and an f3.4-5.6/28-25 mm lens attachment.



Moto Z Modular Cell Phone - Pro Camera Mod

Adventure AMP Mod protects the phone so you can go underwater with it.

Moto Z Modular Cell Phone - Adventure AMP Mod

Lenovo hasn’t set the price for the modules, and the company has to be as diligent with setting the price as it was in creating these fantastic modules, let’s hope they get it right.



Images: Motorola 4 Comments ▼



Michael Guta Michael Guta is the Assistant Editor at Small Business Trends and currently manages its East African editorial team. Michael brings with him many years of content experience in the digital ecosystem covering a wide range of industries. He holds a B.S. in Information Communication Technology, with an emphasis in Technology Management.

4 Reactions
  1. Harry Middleton

    Motorola is coming back. I like this model 🙂 It has good characteristics and interesting for me options. I found the prices of this model, and it is normal for all these additional extras – Official Motorola Moto Mod Insta-Share Projector Case – £229.99
    JBL SoundBoost Moto Mod Speaker Case – £60
    Tumi PowerPack Moto Mod Power Case – 2,200mAh – £70
    Tumi Wireless Charging PowerPack Moto Mod Power Case – 2,200mAh – £80

    • I agree that Moto is coming back. Normally I sleep through these press unveilings, but the announcement of Moto Mods is unprecedented. The big seller (I predict) will be the Insta Share Projector Mod because small businesses have “wished for” this type of gadget for a long time but nobody’s been able to bring it to life until now. I’m just slightly puzzled as to why a magnetic attachment method was chosen by the engineers. I can only assume that decision was made to keep the back of the Moto Z phone sleek, and for aesthetic reasons.

      Being that I’m a fan of the Moto X Pure Edition (mainly because of the way it feels), I’m a little sad the Moto Mods won’t work with it. But I’m a fan of Motorola, so it’s all good. Nice summary, Michael.

      Alex

      • Hi Alex,
        Thank you.
        I agree with you regarding the Insta Share Projector Mod. The use cases for individual consumers and businesses are many.
        As to why the company chose magnets, the engineers probably saw the LG 5 and decided they didn’t want to go that route. Exposing the guts of your device every time you want to replace a Mod carries a lot of risks for potential damage. With the Motorola, nothing is exposed. It is beautiful, functional and safe. A lot of thought went into this, and I think Motorola got this right all the way around.

  2. Hi Harry,
    I like the phone too. What Motorola is doing makes a lot of sense, and the price for the additional Mods are reasonable.

    Thanks