Are modular phones the shape of things to come?

Motorola and LG are getting on board this emerging smartphone movement, but will it all fit together?

Wander into your local phone shop for an upgrade and you could soon be sold a module rather than a whole new phone. It's a radical new idea. But is the driving force behind modular phones being produced by Motorola, LG and others a response to consumer needs and environmental concerns, or is it simply an over-designed fad?

Such devices came to attention in 2013 when Phonebloks, an open-source modular smartphone startup, was set up to reduce electronic waste. In essence, it was the conceptual introduction of a forever-upgradable phone, one customisable to suit different needs.

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