The Modu, combines futuristic cues from the robot-morphing "Transformers" show with the snappy appeal of Legos.
Modu announced a fundamental shift in the mobile handset industry by launching the world's first modular mobile phone, supported by variety of ecosystem partners. At the heart of the ecosystem is modu - a tiny, sleek mobile phone that is fully functional and easy to use. The modu can be slipped into a wide variety of modu jackets - stylishly designed phone enclosures - and modu mates -- modu-enabled consumer electronics devices. modu's ecosystem offers boundless possibilities in a simple and affordable way.
Leading mobile network operators (MNOs) with a total of tens of millions of subscribers have already committed to modu, signing strategic partnerships that will see the first modu products available in the fourth quarter of 2008. The MNOs are Telecom Italia's mobile division TIM, BeeLine (VimpelCom) of Russia and Cellcom in Israel.
modu ecosystem partners also include mainstream consumer electronics manufacturers who have signed up to develop modu mates such as MP4 players, digital photo frames, cameras and DECT phones, enabling best of breed functionality coupled with modu's personal communication experience. One of the first such partners is car multimedia and navigation leader Blaupunkt.
Lifestyle, entertainment and fashion brands - including the world's largest music company Universal Music Group - are also part of the modu ecosystem, partnering with modu to design stylish and customized modu jackets.
modu is already attracting widespread support from leading players in the mobile and consumer electronics markets.
You can completely change the way the phone looks that a QWERTY keyboard could be an option for business users.
Operators think the concept will allow them to keep subscribers longer. Modu said on Thursday it has struck deals with Telecom Italia and VimpelCom, Russia's second-largest operator, which are expected to start selling the device by October.
But much bigger plans for Modu are in the works. The company is encouraging other manufacturers to create compatible devices -- or "mates" -- that can use Modu's data and applications. In turn, the devices can use Modu's cellular connectivity.
For example, GPS could display maps for addresses that a user has saved on Modu. A home cordless phone could display numbers and other address book information when a Modu is plugged into its base. A car's speaker system could be used to amplify phone calls while someone is driving.
So far Modu says it is working with Magellan Navigation and stereo maker Blaupunkt, part of Bosch. The first mates should come out in 2009.
Modu has attracted others interested in marketing opportunities centered around the jackets. Music Group will develop jackets with preloaded content from its artists and music-themed designs.
The Modu is a GSM quad-band phone that weighs 1.5 ounces and is 0.3 inch thick without a jacket.
The first-generation Modu will have 1GB of flash memory, roughly enough for 240 songs. So far, Modu does not have any agreements with music download services.
Modu has a GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) radio, Sherman said. In the first half of 2009, a 3G model should be available, which would allow faster download speeds.
