Modu Pioneers Modular Mobile Phones

Modu today announced a fundamental shift in the mobile handset industry by launching the world’s first modular mobile phone, supported by variety of ecosystem partners. Along with the handset, the company will also make available a variety of modu jackets and modu mates. The jackets are nothing but ‘shells’ that phones fit into, giving them a completely different look.

The first modu products will be available sometime in Q4 2008. Modu has tied up with mobile network operators (MNOs) such as Telecom Italia’s mobile division TIM, BeeLine (VimpelCom) of Russia and Cellcom in Israel, along with mainstream consumer electronics manufacturers who will develop modu mates such as MP4 players, digital photo frames, cameras and DECT phones.

One of the first such partners is car multimedia and navigation leader Blaupunkt. Lifestyle, entertainment and fashion brands – including the Universal Music Group – are also part of the modu ecosystem, partnering with modu to design stylish and customized modu jackets.

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Dov Moran, modu’s CEO and founder, said, “The mobile phone industry is ready for a revamp. There are hundreds of handset models on the market: the trouble is that as a consumer you can only have one at a time and you are usually tied to a long and expensive contract. modu is challenging that with a solution that offers freedom, boundless possibilities and the opportunity to change your phone without it costing a fortune.”