Modular mobile case could extend smartphone lifespan
Wednesday, January 24, 2018 - 09:07:59
At this month’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas the latest smartphones were revealed by major manufacturers including Sony and Samsung. But some of the more interesting innovations to hit the industry this year actually came from lesser known companies, including up and coming accessory brand, i-BLADES.
During the event it showcased what it calls the first ever ‘smartcase’ for modern mobiles, essentially taking the concept of modular handset design and reimagining it as an add-on rather than a core feature of a device.
The Fairphone 2 is one of the most effective examples of a modular mobile, giving users the option to upgrade individual components over time, rather than having to ditch the entire mobile when it becomes too long in the tooth. The i-BLADES Smartcase is instead a protective cover which also adds expandable features, meaning that things like battery life, storage space and even camera capabilities can be enhanced through modular attachments, according to Yahoo! Finance.
Users can even add wireless charging to their smartphone without having to wait for the manufacturer to jump onboard with this convenient technology.
Because people are encouraged to upgrade their mobile once every 12 to 24 months, e-waste is becoming a major global issue. A modular approach to add-ons means that regular device changes will be less essential and people can sell their old mobile phones or individual accessories to get a new user experience at a lower price.
Of course, not every user will be willing to turn their handset into a kind of Frankenstein’s monster of third party adaptations, unless this integration can be carried out as seamlessly as possible. There is certainly much to recommend about i-BLADES, especially if its ecological credentials extend the lifespan of the average handset and make it easier to recycle components over time.
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