Motorola Moto Z: accessories, Moto Mods and modularity in detail

  • Moto Mods attach magnetically and are instantly recognized, some with their own battery to avoid reducing battery life.
  • There are projection, sound, energy, game and photo modules, with indicative prices from $79 to $299.
  • Style Shells with Gorilla Glass 5 add protection and extra weight; there are also premium designs.
  • OneCompute enables a desktop mode with HDMI, USB and Keyssa at 60 GHz for light productivity.

Motorola Moto Z accessories and modularity

Everything points to A new range of Android devices will be releasedAnd this is none other than the so-called Motorola Moto Z. It will be the first developed by Lenovo once it has taken full control of the operations of the company that, not long ago, brought the new MAnd, in truth, it aims to offer interesting optionsAn example of this will be their cases.

From the beginning, it has been indicated that the Motorola Moto Z range will arrive with a modularity similar to that offered in the LG G5, according to the Launch and Moto Mods confirmedbut it will be in the housings where this will be part of the game, with options such as the inclusion of a more advanced camera; integrate a pico projectoror use better speakers, for example. Thus, it's clear that Lenovo will focus on offering features not previously available in its product range.

In any case, what we've learned today is the appearance of three of the cases that will be available for the Motorola Moto Z. And the truth is, they don't look bad at all, since, for example, the appearance of the one that includes a higher quality sensor It seems quite appealing to us. However, that said, Dimensions and ergonomics are sacrificed with the use of the accessories we've discussed, but this is a minor detail since the aim is to enhance their use. Incidentally, plastic appears to be the material chosen for each of the three elements, called MotoModswhich can be seen. The magnetic fixation and the rear connectors facilitate instant swapping without restarts.

Covers with accessories for Motorola Moto Z

What to expect from the Motorola Moto Z

At the moment what has been known about this product range is that it will have two variantsOne for the high-end range and the other for the mid-range. The first model will include a processor Snapdragon 820 and 3 GB of RAM (which has led some to believe that the Moto X will not be sold again). The less powerful version will integrate a SoC Snapdragon 625 and a 3.500 mAh battery—which could be shared with the previous variant in terms of charging. The family also included a version with ShatterShield for greater screen resistance.

Moto Z and Moto Mods connected

Possible Motorola Moto Z design

The fact is that when it comes to modularity in accessories, the Motorola Moto Z range will stand up to the LG G5and possibly with a more attractive priceHowever, these models cannot be compared to what will be offered. Project Ara Google's approach involves changing every element of the mobile device, and in the case we're discussing in this article, the focus is entirely on enhancing non-essential components, such as the camera. Furthermore, the Moto Mods are automatically recognized through the system, and some integrate own battery to avoid affecting the phone's battery life.

Motorcycle Mods: types, operation and indicative prices

Amongst the most popular modules are the JBL SoundBoost (external speaker), the Insta-Share Projector (pico-projector with 854 × 480 pixels, 50 lumens and battery of 1.100 mAh), and the Power Pack from TUMI, with and without wireless charging, in addition to designer cases like the Kate SpadeAt launch, its prices in dollars ranged around: Projector (299), JBL Speaker (79,99), Power Pack (89), Power Pack with wireless (99) and some branded cases (79 (approx.). Although the projector is eye-catching, it's worth considering that there are alternatives third-party options with higher brightness or resolution for similar prices; the same goes for traditional external batteries.

There were also modules focused on photography, such as the optical zoom developed with partners, which added ergonomics and dedicated controls. The advantage of the ecosystem is that it is a open platform for developers, with magnetic attachment that allows you to "stick and use", without turning off the phone or navigating through complex menus.

Style Shells with Gorilla Glass and customization

Personalization was added to the Style Shells with new designs and a layer of Gorilla Glass 5 to improve resistance to drops and scratches. Compatible with the entire Moto Z family, they add between 25 and 53 grams due to the weight of the terminal, and its price rose to $29,99 compared to previous versions. Materials such as wood, ballistic nylon or leather coexist with bolder patterns.

Cases and Style Shells for Moto Z

New mods, contests, and concepts in development

The strategy included a Gamepad which turns the Moto Z into a portable console, with a D-pad, action buttons and double stick, in addition to pre-installed games; Power Pack in various colors; a charging adapter to power the Mods directly; a module of wireless charging or with a Turbo charger capable of adding hours of use in just a few minutes. To accelerate the ecosystem, Motorola boosted developer contests with kits and crowdfunding, from which ideas emerged such as a lid with Notification LEDs perimeter, a module Walkie Talkies to communicate without mobile coverage, another with Infrared and Qiand a battery with solar charging 2.200 mAh at a reasonable price.

OneCompute: using the Moto Z as a “PC”

Another notable accessory is OneComputewhich allows you to connect the Moto Z to a monitor or television via HDMI and work with a keyboard and mouse. The dock adds three USB 2.0 and its own food supply, and it relies on technology Keyssa at 60 GHz For high-speed communication. With Android and features like multi-windowIt is feasible to write documents, manage email or networks and cover light productivity tasks, approaching proposals such as Continuum.

With this philosophy, the Moto Z doesn't try to be a phone that can be taken apart piece by piece, but rather a smartphone that expands your experience in seconds with useful accessories. The key is to assess which module best suits your needs (sound, projection, power, gaming, photo) and whether the cost is worthwhile compared to external options, keeping in mind that the cross-generation compatibility and the developer community give continuity to the ecosystem.

Motorola Ara modular phones project
Related article:
Motorola Ara: the modular mobile prototype that sought to reinvent the smartphone