Phonebloks is a modular smartphone concept created by Dave Hakkens from the Netherlands to reduce e-waste. [1] This is not the first attempt to use the modular design in cell phones [2] [3] , but the first one that has received significant public support and is highly modular. By connecting individual components (blocks) to the main board, the user can create a personal smartphone. A separate unit can be easily replaced in case of breakdown, obsolescence or a change in user preferences. Blocks will be sold in their respective stores.
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Content
Concept
Phonebloks will consist of a main board on which you can attach blocks. Each unit is responsible for the unique function of the phone, as is done on personal computers, in which the main units are clearly expressed: video card, sound card, power supply, processor, monitor, etc. As a result, instead of replacing the entire phone in the event of a breakdown or obsolescence, you can simply replace defective or obsolete units. If the user wants to have a better camera, he will not have to buy a new phone, but it will be enough to replace the camera unit. In theory, this will lead to a decrease in the number of phones and garbage thrown away. Phonebloks-based smartphones can be sold in parts or sets.
Media Coverage
Project coverage in various media such as CNN, [1] Forbes and Yahoo! News, caused significant hype on social networks with more than 950,000 supporters as of February 2014 and social reach of more than 380 million people. [four]
Result
Although many support the development of this concept, there are objections to its viability.
Economic feasibility
Creating and releasing a real device will require a huge amount of money, which will affect the final cost of the device and make the smartphone not competitive, compared to other offers on the market.
Technical difficulties
For each component, it is necessary to make a separate connector and housing, which will lead to a significant increase in overall dimensions, compared to existing smartphones. It is also necessary to write software to support the functioning of the system with various sets of blocks.
Potential increase in waste
Critics say that, being put into practice, Phonebloks' ideas (despite the goal of reducing waste [5] ) can increase the production of electronic waste. [1] [6] They argue that with the constant release of new components, the user will replace them more often (and accordingly throw out the old ones) than replace the entire smartphone once every few years.
Implementation
After exceeding 900,000 supporters on Thunderclap, Hackens began working with Motorola and Project Ara . Hackens encourages participation in the creation of a modular smartphone, but nevertheless, this new project faces many problems inherent in the modular design of the smartphone. [7]
Literature
- ↑ 1 2 3 McNicoll, Arion Phonebloks: The smartphone for the rest of your life . CNN.com . Date of treatment October 23, 2013.
- ↑ Oswald, Ed Modu looks to make cell phones 'modular' . betanews . Date of treatment November 10, 2013.
- ↑ Jones; Gregory G .; (Seattle, WA); Hanson; Lisa M .; (Issaquah, WA); Kleist; Thomas; (Redbourn, GB); Hanson; Lisa M & Kleist; Thomas, "MOBILE COMMUNICATION DEVICE HAVING MULTIPLE, INTERCHANGEABLE SECOND DEVICES", US application 20110230178 , published 2011-09-22, issued YYYY-MM-DD
- ↑ Phonebloks mobile phone concept by Dave Hakkens . dezeen magazine. Date of treatment November 10, 2013.
- ↑ Hakkens, David PHONEBLOKS: THE PLAN . Date of treatment November 16, 2013.
- ↑ Why Lego Design Principles Don't Work On Smartphones . Date of treatment November 16, 2013.
- ↑ Ho, Joshua Motorola's Project Ara: Phonebloks from an OEM . AnandTech . Date of treatment November 8, 2013.
Links
- First video idea
- Second video, next step
- phonebloks.com - Phonebloks official website
- thunderclap.it/projects/2931-phonebloks