NEXPAQ– MODULAR SMARTPHONE CASES

As a long-time fan of custom computers, I've always wished for a similar level of customisability on smartphones. And while we wait for Google's Project Ara to deliver the first truly customisable smartphones, a similar experience is on its way.

Incepted in January of 2013, nexpaq introduces the revolutionary concept of customisable smartphone cases. Unlike existing cases, nexpaq cases allow for addition of modules to the case to facilitate enhanced functions. The modules can be controlled via an app installed in an Android or iOS-based device, thus allowing the device to make use of the functions of the installed modules. The six slots available on the case can utilize various modules which will take up either one, two or three slots. Modules can be connected and removed as easily as a flash drive and don't require turning the phone off.

Initially, twelve modules will be available to users. These modules will have nifty features like extra battery power, an amplified speaker, a powerful LED flashlight, an SD card reader, a temperature and humidity reader, hotkeys, extra USB flash storage, an air quality reader, a breath analyzer, a laser pointer, a hard drive, and last but not least, a dummy module for unused slots. All of these modules will take up one slot, with the exception of the battery and speaker modules, each of which will require three and two slots respectively. Fortunately, the cases come with an integrated 1000mAh battery module so most users will be able to make do without the extra three-slot battery module.

nexpaq cases are primarily being made for iPhone 6, Samsung Galaxy S6 edge and Samsung Galaxy S5. The modules are made to be compatible with any nexpaq case regardless of the smartphone or the operating system it is being used with. So the same modules can be reused and hence won't require the user to buy the same modules again should he choose to switch or upgrade to a different handset. Moreover, the case and its modules can be remotely controlled via Bluetooth even when it is disconnected from the handset.

The creators of nexpaq want to build it up as an open platform and thus have introduced a developer kit, giving access to other developers to innovate and expand on their ground-breaking concept and develop new modules. Furthermore, nexpaq wishes to introduce a hardware app store that will enable transaction of modules between developers and users, which will essentially act like Android's Google Play or iOS's App Store but for nexpaq case modules.

Whether modular cases will be a successful venture in the long run remains to be seen. But nexpaq has been successfully funded by multiple backers as a project on Kickstarter and is well on its way to seeing full-scale availability by January 2016. Head on over to www.nexpaq.com to delve deeper into the project's details.