Seed Studio recently launched a Kickstarter campaign to get funding for its next hacker project. The RePhone is a modular smartphone kit that will scratch your DIY itch.
The kit comes with a core module, which is an ultra small System-on-Chip (SoC) that can be used for a variety of communication protocols, including GSM, GPRS, and Bluetooth. It also comes with a 1.54-inch touch screen and a battery pack.
The best part of this module smartphone kit is the case. You’ll get a Kraft paper foldable case to house your parts. If this doesn’t scream DIY, nothing does.
The base RePhone can make and receive phone calls, as well as play music. When connected to IFTT, you can set up a variety of actions to make your life more convenient.
The RePhone modules are compatible with both Arduino and Pebble Time, so you can imagine the uncountable possibilities for these modules.
You can invest in the base RePhone kit for $45. However, there are a variety of pledge levels that include a number of different module options. For only $12, you can pledge for the base core module SoC with GSM + BLE. For $29, pledge the 3G model.
There are different kits that include different modules, like the Geo kit, which includes a GPS module, or the Lumi kit, which includes a GSM Breakout. The Extension pack comes with extra modules, like NFC and LED, plus a couple of FPC cables. You can even pledge for a special Pebble time Strap Kit to bring extra functions to your Pebble Time smartwatch.
The Kickstarter campaign runs through October 29 and expected delivery date for the RePhone is December 2015. However, if you know anything about crowdfunded campaigns, you’ll know that they rarely deliver on time, so this might not be the best idea for a Christmas present.
Where’s the pledge level where I can make a phone that’s actually better than current flag ships?
Hmm, maybe I’m not grasping the concept correctly, this is a cool educational project for my 5 year old daughter that’s already too much hooked on tech gadgets?
Just don’t let her take it to school! 😉
Meh, its gotta be something way more fun than this…
A Novation MiniNova synthesizer with mic and built in vocoder. That’ll get her going…
It needs a real enclosure and a keyboard.
I’m going to wait for the aircraft grade aluminum “premium build” edition.
You could relatively easy build your own.
Meanwhile I’m waiting for Project Ara…
Yeah, I thought I was waiting too, but I need a new phone and there doesn’t seem to be any real information about Ara anywhere, so I’m assuming it isn’t going to happen.
Interesting that they are doing this with the MT2502A
I am not so fond of MT, but its still a great project.
I’m not sure I’d call that making so much as assembling.
And with such a small screen, that’s more of a band-less smartwatch than a phone.