Motorola’s Moto Z line of smartphones support swappable add-ons called “Moto Mods” that you can attach to the back of the phone to add functionality.
Right now, the list of Moto Mods you can buy includes a JBL speaker, a camera with a zoom lens, several battery packs, and a projector, as well as a vehicle dock or just a “style shell” that changes the look of your device.
But Motorola is encouraging developers to come up with their own Moto Mods, and the maker of an interesting one is running a crowdfunding campaign on Indieogogo.
The “Ultimate Moto Z Mod with Wireless Charging” has a kind of ambitious name. But it’s basically a slim cover that you can add to the back of a Moto Z phone to add Qi wireless charging support.
That’s what you get for a pledge of $35. Spend $45 and you get an infrared port as well as wireless charging, allowing you to use your phone as a remote control for your TV or other gadgets.
If the project raises at least $5,000 in funding, the plan is to begin shipping the Mods in November… which feels like an eternity from now when you consider how quickly new products come out in the smartphone space. But even if you decide to upgrade to a new phone later this year, Motorola has pledged that it’s sticking with the Moto Mod design for now, which means the company’s 2017 Moto Z phones will likely support Mods designed for the 2016 lineup.
The Ultimate Mod is also an entry into Motorola’s “Transform the Smartphone challenge,” which means the developer is also competing for a chance to pitch the idea to Motorola executives and partner with the company.
via 9to5Google