Modular Smartphones: The Future?

In September 2013, Phonebloks posted their campaign to Kickstarter:

      The idea for a modular smartphone was well received. With this modular design, you could easily replace broken parts of your phone, only upgrade parts of the phone instead of buying an entirely new one, and customize your phone to have only the features you want. Phonebloks' campaign was so well received, they got many offers from companies to work with them and/or acquire them. They are now working with Motorola, who happened to have a similar project in the works. The two forces are now joined together as Project Ara. 

     In this recent update, Project Ara shared a new technological breakthrough that they call electro-permanent magnetics. This technology allows the user to lock the phone's module to the housing using the software. The modules will be permanently attached until the user disconnects them through the user interface, allowing replacement or upgrade of parts. Such a great solution to an early concern is a good sign for the project and its team.

      An idea as powerful as a modular smartphone paired with a powerful company like Motorola/Google is poised to make some waves.