Blocks might let you assemble a modular smart-watch sometime in the future

posted by Luis D. / Mar 06, 2014, 8:48 AM

Blocks might let you assemble a modular smart-watch sometime in the future

Like Project Ara, but for smart-watches. This is Blocks in a nutshell. It's a concept that will let you, the user, choose what you need in a wearable. The hardware and software platform will be open for developers and manufacturers that wish to come up with their own apps and modules. The selection of blocks will include mobile technology staples, such as GPS chips, modems, microphones, fingerprint sensors, and in the smart-watch's case, different wristband segments. Likewise, the app store will offer apps for email, social networking, sports, notifications, and more.

The modular device concept sounds great on paper and has the potential to be the next truly innovative event in mobile technology evolution, but will it really let users create the exact device they need? It will be a while before we get the chance to see for ourselves. Both Blocks and Moto/Google's Project Ara are in their infant stages, with no release date in sight. However, the leaps in component shrinking which happen on a yearly basis will certainly make such devices possible.