For a while now, web developers have been mixing and matching web services such as Google Earth and Yahoo Weather to create mash-ups that perform useful new functions. Likewise, programmers have grown adept at tweaking the code used by open-source software programs. The result in both instances has been unique applications the developers of the original technology likely never dreamed of.
US start-up Bug Labs wants to harness some of that same creativity by enabling tech-savvy do-it-yourselfers to create their own mobile devices. The company has designed several basic hardware modules that snap together like building blocks to perform whatever mobile function their owners can think of. “There are so many great gadget ideas that haven't been thought of yet,” the founders note. “We want to unlock and inspire the discovery and creation of as many of these devices as possible.” Besides letting them add whatever they want, the snap-together components also let consumers leave out what they don't want, which is a far cry from many pre-packaged mobile phones and PDAs that come crammed with features their buyers have no use for.
How it works? Would-be product designers start with Bug Labs’ basic module—in essence, a Linux-based mobile computer. Then, they add other modules to give the basic device fresh capabilities. Want a camera that tags photos with a GPS-derived location and then uploads them to the web? All it takes is fitting the necessary components together. The software to run the device is also modular, though customizing it may require some minor coding. Bug Labs aims to start selling both the basic module and the first four add-ons (GPS, digital camera/videocam, colour LCD touchscreen and an accelerometer/motion sensor) by the end of 2007.
Gadgets built with Bug Lab’s block-like components may not satisfy those who lust after branded mobile devices poured into seamlessly sleek designs. It will, however, appeal to people who enjoy making things,* and like having control over elements of a product’s design. Whether or not the component approach succeeds with mobile devices, plenty of other manufactured products would do well to study the concept and see if they can make their own products modular and stackable. Let them build it, and they will come! ;-)
Website: www.buglabs.net
Contact: info@buglabs.net
Spotted by: Trine Plambech
* More on MIY | Make it Yourself in trendwatching.com’s latest briefing, which highlights 8 important consumer trends for 2008.
how can i get a detailed picture of how a mobile phone exactly works. with detailed step by step design. its mainly for the blue tooth i need to know how it works and exactly how big it is
ty
and im trying to design a very small bluetooth device, and if you know of a very small bluetooth device about the size of a (pea) is there any way you can help me find it
tyv much appreciated
i have not played this game but i think it will b good
Hello,
i am planning to do a mobile phone as a project.I want to know the exact things required and how is it designed etc.Can anyone help me.Its my first project and am an engineering student in Telecommunication
yes it is very good idea
i want to make a mobile phone project for BE and i have so many idea but feeling lack of guidence .
crap
I want to by step on how to build mobile phone.The devices that will be needed like the chips and others things
Hi, Can somebody please help me in setting up the complete mobile phone software with any platform/specification.
I dont know how should I start. I mean If I coud get some Open source softwares.
Please help me in this matter and mail me at djwjoshi@yahoo.co.in
i want to make a mobile phone.i want to know thing required and how is it desine?plz anyone help me.
tell me the materials need to make a mobile phone.
Hello
Im doing a mobile phone project and Im wanting to know what materials which will be needed to into making this. I want this project to work and it can if you may email me the materials needed.
Thanks
I am studying mobile phones for a career but i have to prove i know everything about them. if you could email me the materials, you could change my life forever
i am an cell phone enthusiast and i am trying to design a cell phone.can you tell me what do i need to do so .
like, hello, i'm a major phone fan but i would rather buy one than make one, u would have to be really poor to make one, don't u think???? look me up in LA if your ever there
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yasmin i am jsut like you i love love love mobiles they are THE best accessory EVER, i used to have a dolce and gabbana phone which was soooo cute. you should get on i think it was through LG what eva that means.
i live in LA to, how totaly cool is that???? i live in toluca lake look me up hun
xoxo cassy