Google's Project Ara might have sparked the concept of a modular phone. Its promise of a more efficient way to upgrade and interchange parts as users would has on a PC has proven to be a monumental turn in the world of mobile devices. However, the project has been pushed back, and seems to be still no release date in sight. A Kickstarter campaign has another take on the modular concept, and it comes in the form of an open source phone kit that will lets its users make their very own cellphone - the RePhone.
From Seeed Studio, the RePhone is the first open source, modular phone kit that will let its users create their very own phones in just minutes using slim modules, accessible software, and customizable enclosures.
The RePhone will allow its users to hack everything in their surroundings, giving objects the ability to communicate through cellular signals. It's a set or tool that can be used by those interested in learning to hack and develop the phone.
The RePhone will also be available in three variants - RePhone Core Module GSM + BLE, RePhone Core Module 3G, and RePhone Kit Create. The RePhone Kit Create provides the basic set -a RePhone Core Module GSM + BLE, an audio module, a touchscreen module, a battery with a 520mAh rating, and two precut Kraft paper for customizing cases. The RePhone Core Module GSM + BLE Kit is built for wearables and Internet of Things (IoT). And the RePhone Core Module 3G adds 3G connectivity to the kit.
The Kickstarter goal of $50,000.00 has already been surpassed with 1719 backers pledging $124,281 at the time of writing. There are still 31 days before the campaign ends. For those interested to have a unit for themselves, pledging $12 or more will give them one when it arrives. The RePhone costs about $19 in retail, and backers of the campaign can get their own device as early as next month.
