What if you could swap out your phone battery for a bigger one? Or, you could swap out the camera for an improved version? This is a concept that Chinese phone maker Tecno is playing around with.
Ahead of the yearly Mobile World Congress, Tecno announced what it calls Modular Magnetic Interconnection Technology. As the name suggests, this concept allows you to add and take off modules for a smartphone based on what you need in the moment.
For example, you can use a telephoto module to take a picture of something in the distance. You can also use a power bank module to add more battery life for more smartphone use during the day.
This is possible through the use of pogo pins and “a precision-engineer rectangular magnetic array.” It also helps that the smartphone itself is an incredibly thin 4.9mm, preventing it from being too unwieldy when using modules.
Tecno said there are 10 modules, including the aforementioned Telephoto Lens and Power Bank modules. Based on the image Tecno provided, there are also action camera and wallet modules.
Because Modular Magnetic Interconnection Technology is currently a concept, there’s no telling if or when this will make it to market. Even if it does, Tecno would have quite a hill to climb. Several other companies, such as Google, Motorola, and LG have attempted, and failed at, some version of a modular smartphone.
Tecno’s take looks way sleeker and more modern than previous attempts, but that doesn’t mean it’s a slam dunk. Still, at least someone is still trying to innovate at the hardware level.
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