Israeli startup to launch tiny phone that slips into gadgets
An Israeli startup has convinced wireless carriers in three countries to try a new concept: a tiny cell phone that pops into interchangeable "jackets" to become a bigger, smarter phone or into other gadgets to connect them to the internet.
By PTI |
NEW YORK: An Israeli startup has convinced wireless carriers in three countries to try a new concept: a tiny cell phone that pops into interchangeable "jackets" to become a bigger, smarter phone or into other gadgets to connect them to the internet.
The company, Modu, is set to announce today that it will launch the phone, also called Modu, on October 1 with Telecom Italia SpA in Italy, OAA Vimpel Communications in Russia and Cellcom Israel Ltd.
Telecom Italia Mobile and Cellcom are the largest carriers in their respective countries, while VimpelCom is the second-largest in Russia.
The Modu is slightly smaller than the current iPod Nano and weighs 1.5 ounces. It has a small colour screen and a limited keypad, which allows it to work as a rudimentary cell phone on its own.
The jackets that will come with the Modu look like cell phones, with standard numeric keypads and other features like cameras. But they lack the antenna and chips that communicate with a wireless network, and this is where the Modu comes in it pops into a slot, turning the jacket into a fully functional phone.
Modu founder Dov Moran said in an interview that the Italian carrier is excited about the concept because it can make cell phones more like fashion, tempting consumer to update their looks every few months.
"This allows you to make a summer collection and a winter collection," Moran said.
The company, Modu, is set to announce today that it will launch the phone, also called Modu, on October 1 with Telecom Italia SpA in Italy, OAA Vimpel Communications in Russia and Cellcom Israel Ltd.
Telecom Italia Mobile and Cellcom are the largest carriers in their respective countries, while VimpelCom is the second-largest in Russia.
The Modu is slightly smaller than the current iPod Nano and weighs 1.5 ounces. It has a small colour screen and a limited keypad, which allows it to work as a rudimentary cell phone on its own.
The jackets that will come with the Modu look like cell phones, with standard numeric keypads and other features like cameras. But they lack the antenna and chips that communicate with a wireless network, and this is where the Modu comes in it pops into a slot, turning the jacket into a fully functional phone.
Modu founder Dov Moran said in an interview that the Italian carrier is excited about the concept because it can make cell phones more like fashion, tempting consumer to update their looks every few months.
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"This allows you to make a summer collection and a winter collection," Moran said.
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