The first-ever smartphone with modular design is about to be smarter. LG impressed everyone at the MWC by introducing the LG G5 and its many Friends. We’ve seen the phone in action and at PLAY with the accessories. The idea of customizable and replaceable parts has been attractive since Google and Motorola introduced the Project Ara. Sadly, the concept is still considered a concept after a failed drop test and the program being pushed to this year.
We won’t ask what happened to it because we still want to be surprised but the LG was quick to use the same idea. The LG G5 isn’t a fully modular phone but the “modular design” makes a huge difference. You can snap an add-on module to the base phone unit to improve mobile photography experience, enjoy virtual reality or 360-degree videos, or simply listen to your favorite songs with excellent audio quality.
LG has worked with several partners to produce the Friends so we know the company isn’t giving an air of exclusivity. In fact, LG wants more developers to join in the game by creating new apps. LG wants third-party devs and manufacturers to build their own accessories.
LG only introduced five gadgets at launch:
• LG Cam Plus
• LG Hi-Fi Plus with B&O PPLAY
• LG 360 VR
• LG 360 CAM
• LG Rolling Bot
The most basic accessory is the LG Cam Plus that allows not only a better camera grip, zoom, and capture but also extra battery life. The G5 becomes a bit bulky but it offers a more ergonomic grip. We’ve also seen the 360 Cam and 360 VR headset. Sadly, the Hi-Fi Plus with B&O PPLAY may not be ready yet in the US or could only be delayed.
To make PLAY more fun and exciting, LG is rolling out SDKs and HDKs. The software development kit and hardware development kit will be available to third-party developers and accessory makers so you can make more interesting apps and modules. LG wants to “see innovations ranging from toys to medical tools to things” they haven’t thought of creating.
In a special event happening this Friday, April 15 in San Francisco, LG will be showing off the new platform. New HDK and SDK will be available on the LG Friends site. The latter will serve as a portal for all the LG G5 developers. LG’s plans to launch a new platform and developer community of LG G5 builders are clear but they don’t know yet the “longevity” of the program. We’re crossing our fingers that this will be a successful.
VIA: SlashGear
