https://phonebloks.com/
A new smartphone concept design Phonebloks is a multi LEGO-like function blocks that both gives users an ultimate customizing experience and saves the earth. / smartplanet.com
By Ko Dong-hwan
A new smartphone concept that employs LEGO-like “attachable” hardware parts has been introduced via in a video posted on YouTube, Telegraph reported on Friday.
“Phonebloks,” created by Dutch designer Dave Hakkens, comprises a base panel on which various LEGO block-shaped parts with different functions like battery, storage, processor, camera and WiFi reception are attached.
Being built with separate parts, the phone gives users possibly the easiest customizing method: users can replace broken or undesired blocks by simply taking them out from the base panel and attaching in place new ones.
Such method works well in case-by-case situations. For example, those who like to take pictures can take out all the unnecessary blocks and attach a better, bigger-sized camera lens block. For seniors with weak hearing, a bigger speaker block can go in place.
While this saves users money to buy new phones, it is also eco-friendly because it will prevent people from dumping their smartphones that are only partially damaged.
“Every day, we throw away millions of electronic devices because they get old and become worn out. It is usually one of the components that cause the problem. The rest of the device works fine but are needlessly thrown away,” speaks narrator from the video publicizing Phonebloks.
The Phonebloks concept has already drawn a lot of attentions: The video has recorded more than 375 million hits across social networks and 950,000 Thunderclaps supporters.
Phonebloks has yet to be commercialized, and is drawing mixed reactions among companies over whether it will succeed or not.
"Half of the world says it's possible, the other half says it's not possible," Hakkens says.
"I don't think anyone really knows because no one's really tried it. So that's the next thing to do - just figure it out."
