Microsoft patents lego-like modular GPS Navigator, camera, phone thingy
It seems that these days mobile phone is becoming a hub to any any other electronic device/function. You know – digital camera, TV, media player, GPS navigator, perfume dispenser…
But not everyone may be happy that it is a phone first. Maybe they would like their device to be something else first, and the phone only second or third? (Although for us, phone junkies that may sound crazy a bit …)
Still, it seems that even Microsoft might be thinking along these lines. And has a patent app for a modular lego-like GPS Navigator with attachable phone, camera and other functions to prove it:
The basic idea is pretty simple: Create a slim and efficient base for a GPS navigator to carry easily around. With big touchscreen, battery, GPS, CPU, memory and other necessary chips and software. Add some connection ports to the sides of the device. And then create external modules for additional functionality (e.g. phone, modem, camera, card reader, additional power pack, etc;) for users to buy and attach to the base unit.
I guess it’s not a really new idea. And it is not even necessary to have GPS Navigator at the base – Modu already has a similar working phone.
But it may be a pretty interesting and useful idea to some. And I have yet to see a such a device in the retail store near me.
So, if Microsoft decides adapt their mobile OS and/or make a reference design for such a thingy, maybe someone will get busy making one eventually?
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