Modular smartphones could be a reality as early as Q1 2015 thanks to Google’s Project Ara. Inspired at least in part by the Phonebloks concept, the ide of modularity is now spreading to other mobile devices. The latest is the Blocks modular smartwatch.
The concept is very much the same as it is for modular smartphones. A range of modules would allow you to build the smartwatch that you want with only the features that you would need. When looking to upgrade, you would only need to replace the appropriate module rather than the entire watch.
Most of the modules are links in the wristband. Called blocks, they support a range of functions including, GPS, gesture-sensing, heartbeat and other sensors, SIM card, camera and more. The blocks interlock to form the wristband. Throw in a display of your choice (OLED, e-ink, square, round, etc), a few dummy links if you need them and you have your very own smartwatch.
On the software side, things are still up in the air. Android Wear is one option. The team is also considering its own open source platform. Whatever the final choice, apps supported by an app store will be a further way to customize your smartwatch.
While the Blocks smartwatch is only a concept at this point, the team behind the project is looking to turn to crowdfunding to turn the project into reality later this year. The team expects at this point that a basic configuration could cost between US$200 and US$250 with more expensive configurations selling for up to US$350.
The Blocks modular smartwatch could eventually look something like this:
Source : Blocks