Moto presented two interesting modules at CES 2018. The first is a portable keyboard and turns the smartphone into a kind of hybrid slider, and the second measures the user's basic medical parameters (breathing, pulse, blood pressure). Let's get acquainted with the new products!
Livermorium Keyboard Slider MOD
Remember HTC Desire Z? Yes, the one with the slider keyboard. It was about him that I first remembered when I first saw this module. The same slider mechanism, the same tilt of the display. Although, in fairness, it's worth noting that the Moto themselves had smartphones with a physical keyboard, they just had a different opening mechanism.
So what does Livermorium Slider Keyboard offer us? The module consists of two halves, one is attached to the cover of the smartphone, and the second is the keyboard itself. As a result, the smartphone becomes about three times thicker. It turns out that this is clearly not a module for constant wearing, but rather a kind of portable keyboard for emergency purposes.
The key layout is slightly different from a computer keyboard. First, the columns of letters are straight, there is no slight tilt to the left. Secondly, there is a two above Q, not a one, I think that this arrangement will take some getting used to.
The tilt of the keyboard is adjustable within 60 degrees. By the way, this photo clearly shows how thicker the smartphone becomes. From a certain angle, this module can be used as a stand for watching videos and reading.
And here's another great shot showing the increase in size. On the left is the Moto Z2 Play with TurboPower Battery Pack and on the right is the Livermorium Keyboard Slider MOD.
As I understand it, the module does not have its own battery, but the developers do not exclude the appearance of a special version with a built-in 1700 mAh battery. The module will retail for $ 100, the start of sales is scheduled for April. The key question is how comfortable the keyboard and the design itself will be. If there are no problems with this, then it is quite possible to pay 6,000 rubles for such a keyboard.
Lenovo Vital MOD
A very niche module that measures your body's vital signs. First of all, it should be noted that the module itself is very bulky, that is, it will not be very convenient to carry it constantly on a smartphone.
After connecting the module, you insert your finger into it, and it measures the following data: pulse, respiratory rate, body temperature, oximetry and oxygen level in the blood. He also knows how to measure the upper and lower pressure. As Roman Belykh told me, these are important data (pressure) and it's cool that the accessory is able to measure them. True, Roman also noted that he doubted the accuracy of such measurements. In any case, you need to test.
A small digression: my aunt has diabetes, and she constantly measures her blood sugar with a special glucometer. Since the module takes data from the finger, it seems to me that such a possibility for measurement could be added.
I don't think Lenovo is counting on big sales of this module, rather it is a demonstration of the limitless possibilities that can be acquired using third-party modules. My guess is confirmed by the price of this accessory – as much as $ 400!
Conclusion
How do you like the new modules, dear readers? Personally, I never cease to be amazed at the resourcefulness of engineers and developers. You seem to be looking at the current range of MODS, and it seems that they have already thought of everything, but every year they announce several more new products.
The material used photographs from the article cnet.com.