Last week there was a lot of talk about Motorola’s plans when it comes to its Moto Mods accessories – add-ons for the Moto Z that give the phone extra functionality.
After Motorola President Aymar de Lencquesaing revealed the company is working on a module that uses Google’s Project Tango augmented reality platform, we learned there were also ambitions for a possible new 5G Mod.
And now, in case that wasn’t enough, the company has committed to providing 12 new Moto Mods per year (via CNET).
Related: Moto Z review
According to the site, Motorola executives told a small group of journalists that the company would be churning out the new add-ons, with John Touvannas, Lenovo’s Moto Mods director, adding: “Our goal is to get more Mods out this year than we did last year, no question.”
While no further details about upcoming add-ons are available, the executives reportedly suggested the company will investigate bringing more camera-based mods to market, as well as second screen add-ons.
The Moto Z allows users to attach new modules via magnets on the rear
Among the other ideas apparently on the table are a game controller, an e-reader concept, and a remote control.
Lenovo, which owns Motorola, is also set to launch an Indiegogo campaign in January which will allow developers to pitch ideas for new Mods.
The best ideas will earn the developers a Mods kit that comes with hardware and software to create a prototype of their mod – which could eventually make it to market.
Related: CES 2017
Motorola’s continued focus on the modular design is somewhat suprising given the failure of such designs to take off in recent years.
Google has already cancelled its Project Ara modular phone, while LG’s modular G5 failed to become the hit the company had hoped for earlier this year.
And while the Moto Z itself is a neat little device, the poor battery life and lack of a headphone jack prevent it from being the kind of must-have product that we would expect a company would use to launch a real modular push.
Still, it seems Motorola is intent upon bringing modules into the mainstream, so make sure you check back in the coming months for the latest developments on that front.
WATCH: Moto G and G Plus
Let us know what you think of Motorola’s plans in the comments.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
