Mobile Technology

Modular Nexpaq case can add battery life, laser pointers and much more to your phone

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Versions are currently available for the iPhone 6, Samsung Galaxy S5 and Galaxy S6 Edge
The case is designed to allow users to add swap-out functionality to their smartphone
The modules themselves are compatible with both iOS and Android
Versions are currently available for the iPhone 6, Samsung Galaxy S5 and Galaxy S6 Edge
The project's creators are hoping that other developers will get on board, building new modules for the case to further increase its functionality
The case is controlled by a companion app that automatically detects and monitors installed add-ons
The case is designed to allow users to add swap-out functionality to their smartphone
The modules themselves are compatible with both iOS and Android
Versions are currently available for the iPhone 6, Samsung Galaxy S5 and Galaxy S6 Edge
The project's creators are hoping that other developers will get on board, building new modules for the case to further increase its functionality
The case is controlled by a companion app that automatically detects and monitors installed add-ons
View gallery - 10 images

Google's Project Ara might be a way off getting a full consumer launch, but a new crowdfunding project hopes to scratch that modular itch in the meantime. Nexpaq is designed for selected iOS and Android handsets, providing users with a choice of add-ons that can be clipped into the back of the case, with options that increase battery life, add an SD card slot and much more.

The Nexpaq case is designed to allow users to easily enhance their smartphone simply by sliding it into a new case. Each case is equipped with a 1,000 mAh battery that the company claims will increase the parent smartphone's battery life by between 30 and 60 percent (depending on the phone as well as the installed modules), alongside six slots for add-ons.

There are currently 12 different modules available, with users picking from an amplified speaker, LED flashlight, laser pointer, breathalyzer, additional battery packs and hotkeys that can be assigned to different smartphone functions. There are also a few storage options available, coming in the form of an SD card reader, USB flash drive and 64 GB backup module. Lastly, a couple of sensors are thrown into the mix – checking air quality, temperature and humidity.

While that's already quite a selection, the project's creators are hoping that other developers will get on board, building new modules for the case to further increase its functionality.

The case is designed to allow users to add swap-out functionality to their smartphone

Versions will be available for the iPhone 6, Samsung Galaxy S5 and Galaxy S6 Edge. Oddly there's no mention of the Galaxy S6, though there are plans to add more compatible devices down the line. The modules themselves are compatible with both iOS and Android, meaning that if you switch phones or upgrade, you can move your add-on modules to a new case whether or not you've stuck to the same platform.

The case connects to its parent smartphone both physically and wirelessly, by means of the lightning or micro-USB connector, and via Bluetooth. A companion app serves as the brains behind the operation, automatically detecting and monitoring installed add-ons.

As the Nexpaq case is a crowdfunding project, it'll have to hit its US$50,000 funding target if its going to make it to market. It's currently 30 percent of the way there with 30 days to go, so things are looking good. If you're interested in owning one, a pledge of $89 will secure an earlybird unit complete with single speaker, battery and card reader add-ons, as well as two hotkey modules.

If all goes to plan, the cases will start shipping in January 2016.

Source: Nexpaq, Kickstarter

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3 comments
VoiceofReason
The case would make more sense if you could 3D printer it for nearly ANY phone, then add the accessories. In today's world on $300 3D printers, there is NO REASON to have it available for just three models of phone out of the hundreds out there.
You can buy our shirt, but you have to be a sized medium.
philopek
how do you know @voiceofreason that these things won't be. this is a start up and they had to decide for which models the build the first working devices which obviously are mainstream and top-notch devices. i think that this will be available for around 50% ( mid and high-end ) of all devices with a certain minimum market penetration. yes as to 3D but there is nothing mentioned that this is not going to happen in the future. wanna know more, i found this thread on xda-developers. perhaps you're interested, there is a Q&A section as well:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/hardware-hacking/hardware/nexpaq-cross-platform-cross-cevice-t3096951/post60450828#post60450828x
ineil052
@Voice of reason how do you print cuicuitry? you would need to add all the connections for the modules how would you print this ?also as cheap as 3d printing it's use is not all that wide spread spending time developing it is not a priority right now. But I agree only a few cases is very limiting and by the time this product ships those phones will be relatively old. But I'm still very excited about this product unless google ara takes all it's thunder.