Facebook is bullish about moving away from just being a social networking platform, which is why they’re working on phones now. Yes, that’s what the newspapers are saying.
Facebook is exploring the development of a 'modular electro-mechanical device' (read smartphone) which will allow users to add different components onto a device. This has been reported after an application filed with the US Patent and Trademark Office has been found.
The modular device can incorporate a speaker, microphone, touch display, GPS and function as a phone, as reported this week. The patent noted that millions of devices connected to a server could be loaded with different software based on components that are swapped out.
Facebook's hardware lab 'Building 8' which is focused on developing cutting-edge camera and machine learning technology is working on the project.
The device could be made using '3D printing' technology to function as a phone or a music speaker, the report added.
Not just a 'modular' device, Facebook is reportedly foraying into consumer hardware products that may involve next-gen cameras, augmented reality (AR) devices, drones and even a brain scanning technology.
At its 'Building 8' facility, the company is working on at least four unannounced consumer hardware products.
We all know that Google has fiddled with the idea of a modular phone for years, with its Project Ara, that finally got shelved last year. Motorola has come closest to offering consumers what can be categorised as modular devices, in the form of its Moto Z series, that work in tandem with Moto Mods.
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