ABSTRACT

Phonebloks is an innovative idea created by David Hakkens from Netherlands

that uses modular technology in order to build a cellular device that will be longer lasting in
the hopes of sustaining our technological dependency without producing excessive amounts
of waste. A Phonebloks is an open source project for customers around the world to develop
the sustainable and adaptable technology devices that they need.
A Phoneblok comprised of two terms Phone and Blok. A Blok is the base. A
phone is the combined parts of the machinery required by a customer. So, a phonebloks is
the new generation mobile phone which can be modified to its full extent.
Concept of phonebloks works similar to desktop available in the market i.e., for
instance if we are having low memory on our phone we can simple upgrade the specific
component that holds the memory of the device, if we want heavy graphics then we can
replace an unused component with a graphic card and if we need more computation power
then there is no need to replace entire phone we can straightforward replace the processor
component.
In a nutshell, a Phoneblok is modular, much flexible, provides much functionality
and has the fullest advantage of its features to the user. Multiple companies work on single
product unlike single company working on multiple products and hence deliver the purest
product to the customer.

CONTENTS
Acknowledgement

Abstract

Contents

Chapter- 1. Introduction

1.1 Definition
1.2 Concept of Phonebloks

6
7

1.3 History
Chapter- 2.Need for Phonebloks
2.1 How Phonebloks Are Better

7
8
8

2.2 Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats 8

Chapter- 3.Phonebloks

10

3.1
3.2

Purpose Of Phonebloks
Modular Technology

11
11

3.3

How Modular Technology Is Used In Phonebloks

12

3.4
3.5

Reasons For Replacing The Bloks

Components In Phonebloks

13
14

Chapter- 4.Current Research Work

Chapter- 5. Advantages and Disadvantages

16
19

5.1 Advantages

19

5.2 Disadvantages

20

5.3 Current Setup

21

Chapter-7.Conclusion

22

References

22

CHAPTER-1
INTRODUCTION
Phoneblok is a new generation Smartphone. A Phone is nothing but a phone comprising of
blocks. Today electronic waste is increasing day to day due to many reasons like the device
may be slow, damaged or a new device into the market. By considering this damage to the
world, the concept of Phonebloks was given by a Netherlands innovator David Hakkens. It
is a new generation Smartphone mobile phone which can be modified to its full extent.
1.1 Definition
Phonebloks the name comprises of two words. They are Phone and Block. A Phone
is normal mobile phone that is used to communicate with others using wireless
communication and a Blok is a component which can be used for a specific purpose. The
Blocks are normally used for display, audio, RAM, memory, CPU and on. A Phonebloks is
new generation Smartphone that uses modular technology which is more flexibility and can
be up to date with the latest technology. The unused blocks can be replaced with the useful
resources. Instead, the phone will be made of multiple parts that can be exchanged and
substituted independently instead of as a whole device. By attaching individual third-party
components (called "Bloks") to a main board, a user would create a personalized
Smartphone. These blocks can be replaced at will if they break or the user wishes to
upgrade.
Phonebloks is a revolutionary device employing a smart base that is compatible with
detachable blocks. Allowing the user to easily upgrade hardware and attach those
components that suite their lifestyle and changing daily needs. The company will launch a
free collaborative innovation platform for consumers and developers to engage in creating
new blocks this is the first smart phone company that openly involves consumers in both

hardware and software development.

In the similar way phonebloks aims to turn your phone into a complete different
phone which will always be latest. You can upgrade your phone with any latest or high
capacity part anytime and anywhere. Like the appstore that is available online i.e., over the
internet to download software in our Smartphone, A Blokstore will be available where one
can upgrade his old Blok with the new. All the blocks are available in most desired shape
and structure. The blocks can be manufactured by any manufacturer that means these
blocks are not manufacturer specific.
1.2 Concept of Phonebloks
Phonebloks would consist of a main board onto which Bloks could be snapped on by the
user like Lego bricks. Each Blok is responsible for a unique function of the phone, much as
a desktop computer has a distinct sound card, graphics card, processor, monitor, and power
supply. As a result, instead of replacing the entire phone when it becomes obsolete or
broken, one could simply replace the defective or performance-limiting part. If the
consumer wanted a better camera, for example, he or she could swap their small generic
camera Blok for a larger zoom camera from a manufacturer such as Nikon or Canon instead
of buying a phone with a better camera. In theory, this would lead to fewer people throwing
away their phones and contributing to the ever-increasing problem of electronic waste.
Smartphones based on the Phonebloks system would be sold part by part, as well as in
starter sets. When assembled, the phone would have a screen covering the entirety of the
front, volume buttons and headphone jacks along the outer edge, and Bloks clicked into the
back, forming a rectangular block shape.

1.3 History
David Hakkens from Netherlands has created one of the most revolutionary concepts of the
21st century, known as Phonebloks. His idea is that we can reduce a huge amount of
electronic waste by simply upgrading individual components, or Bloks of our phones,
rather than discarding the entire phone if something breaks or becomes obsolete. This in
turn will reduce electronic waste, conserve natural resources, and protect consumers at the
same time. He has made the Phonebloks concept open-source, so any group such as
PhoneBloks.org (thats us) can take the idea to the next level, and produce a working,
viable Phonebloks phone. A user would create a personalized Smartphone. These Bloks can
be replaced at will if they break or the user wishes to upgrade.

CHAPTER-2
NEED FOR PHONEBLOKS
As the electronic market changes every day, it has increased a lot of e-waste. For a single
upgrade, we need to change the whole phone. Precise shape and structure leads to
inconvenience to some customers. Mobile needs to be flexible. It must only have the
customers required features. For all the above needs David Hakkens has given the solution
with his innovative idea Phonebloks.

2.1 How phonebloks are better

A Phonebloks is better compared to the Smartphones available in the market
because

It is green.
A Modular Smartphone.
Customization to its fitness.
Mobile flexibility.
It can be up-to-date.
Easy to upgrade individual components.
Open source platform.

2.2 Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats

2.2.1 Strengths
Customizable - The Phoneblok platform allows the consumer to customize a
Smartphones to suit the highly specific demands of their lifestyle
Strong partners - Strategic partnership with Motorola and Google in modular phone
technology
Green and sustainable product - The open modular platform has the ability to
upgrade with biodegradable Bloks that can reduce e-waste.

2.2.2 Weaknesses
Software compatibility - Necessity to develop cross-functional software that is
compatible to modular hardware components

2.2.3 Opportunities
Always up-to-date technology - Bloks are easily customizable and upgradable.
Friendly to new and upcoming technology - Modular pieces allow integration
between the phone and modular technology devices, allowing hardware to be shared
between devices
Points of difference to Apple and Samsung - Phonebloks is a white box, not only in
regard to software but also hardware; flexible, sustainable, cheaper, innovative, and
customer driven
Open-source - Open-source technology allows for a unique continuous customer
interaction in product development
Blok store and global delivery system - Online access to purchase and exchange
Bloks in the online store.
2.2.4 Threats
Design attractiveness - Customers are holding all the power in regard to design and
therefore this could be an issue whether its physical appearance is appealing to the
majority of customers.
Threat of substitutes - The current smart devices offerings on the market are
substitutes to the modular.
CHAPTER-3
PHONEBLOKS

Phonebloks uses modular technology in order to build a cellular device that will be longer
lasting in the hopes of sustaining our technological dependency without producing
excessive amounts of waste. Instead, the phone will be made of multiple parts that can be
exchanged and substituted independently instead of as a whole device. Consumers will be
able to customize their device and support different brands depending on what they are
looking for in a phone.
Phonebloks aims to turn your phone into a complete different phone which will
always be latest. You can upgrade your phone with any latest or high capacity part anytime
and anywhere. Like the appstore that is available online i.e., over the internet to download
software in our Smartphone, A Blokstore will be available where one can upgrade his old
Blok with the new. All the blocks are available in most desired shape and structure. The
blocks can be manufactured by any manufacturer that means these blocks are not
manufacturer specific.

3.1 Phonebloks
3.6

Purpose of Phonebloks

3.1.1 Stop the Waste

Electronic waste is a growing problem for a world in which the daily dependency
and fascination with electronics is demanding and constant technological progress. When
outdated or broken electronic products (such as phones, computers, VHS players, etc.) are
thrown away, the waste is considered "e-waste". As more products are produced and
distributed, more products are thrown away.

3.1.2 Customizable Mobile Phone

The main purpose of the phonebloks is get upgraded from the block level of a
mobile phone instead of replacing to a new mobile phone. An online Blok Store will be
made available where customers can build their own phone, exchange and review Bloks
with other customers, and purchase accessories. In order to appeal to all budgets, three
distinct models appealing to multiple income segments will be made available during the
selection process. Afterwards, the customer will be able to make adjustments to his baseproduct to modify it according to his/her specific needs. Afterwards, the total price will be
displayed and the purchasing/shipping process will be conducted.

3.2

Modular Technology

Modular design in phonebloks hardware is the same as modular design in other things
(e.g. cars, fridges, even furniture). The idea is to build Phonebloks with easily replaceable
parts that use standardized interfaces. This technique allows you to upgrade certain aspects
of the computer easily without having to buy another computer altogether.

A computer is actually one of the best examples of modular design - typical modules
are power supply units, processors, main boards, graphics cards, hard drives, optical drives,
etc. All of these parts should be easily interchangeable as long as you use parts that support
the same standard interface as the part you replaced.

3.3

How Modular Technology is used in Phonebloks

Modular technology is used to get done with a new mobile phone Phonebloks. In
Phonebloks, every hardware component called Blok. The Bloks usually are screen, wifi,
memory, RAM, camera etc. Every Blok consists of four pins which are in connection with
other Bloks by using base as intermediate to transmit signals. All the Bloks are put together
with the help of two screws at the bottom of the mobile phone. The Bloks can be upgraded
with the help of Blokstore available in desired shapes.

3.3.1 Bloks used in Phonebloks

3.3.2 Screws used to put Bloks together

3.4 Reasons for replacing the Bloks

The Bloks in this Smartphones are replaced because of following reasons, if

Bloks are damaged.

Any upgrade is required.

Broken Bloks.

Unused components.

If every is stored is online then there is no need of any internal memory and we require
more battery backup.

3.4.1 Upgrading of Battery

If you are interested in taking photograph then you can upgrade to a better camera without
replacing the entire device.

3.4.2 Upgrading to better camera

3.5 Components in Phonebloks

The main components of Phonebloks are

Base

Blok

3.5.1 Base

The base is like spinal card in human being. It is responsible for connecting one Blok

to all the remaining Bloks. All the Bloks are injected into the base with the help of the pins
present in each Blok. The Blok is connected to the Base and the Base connects to
everything over the Base.

3.5.1.2 The Base

3.5.2 Bloks

Bloks are the hardware required to make entire phone. These are placed over the
Base to communicate with all other hardware with the help of Base.

3.5.2.2 Bloks

CHAPTER-4

CURRENT RESEARCH WORK

Motorola late Monday unveiled Project Ara, a hardware platform that would allow
consumers to build their own Smartphones by snapping modular parts into a frame. The
Libertyville, Ill.-based Company, owned by Google Inc., has been working on Project Ara
for more than a year and is opening the design process to the public.
Project Ara marks Motorola's most ambitious effort yet in customizable mobile
devices, a vision it introduced with this summer's launch of the Moto X. That Smartphone
lets consumers choose from an array of colors for the device's back plate and external
hardware accents.
With Project Ara, the ability to customize the phone extends into the display,
keyboard, camera, battery and processor. A shutterbug might opt for a high-definition

display and a camera with lots of megapixels, while a frequent business traveler might
choose a battery with extended life. A modular design also means a Smartphone owner who
wants to upgrade or replace a single part - a sluggish processor or a cracked screen, for
example - could do so without buying a new device.
Motorola's goal is "to give you the power to decide what your phone does, how it
looks, where and what it's made of, how much it costs, and how long you'll keep it," the
company's Advanced Technology and Projects group said in a blog post. Motorola declined
to comment beyond the post.
Project Ara's modular phones appear far from hitting store shelves; the initiative has
to overcome a number of engineering and design challenges before becoming reality.
Motorola is pushing forward by partnering with Phonebloks, a modular mobile
phone concept created by Netherlands-based designer Dave Hakkens. He posted a YouTube
video last month explaining his idea and generated significant online buzz, with the video
garnering nearly 17 million views.
As Hakkens explained in a follow-up video on the Phonebloks website, he talked
with a number of companies and discovered that Motorola was already working on a
similar concept. The two groups joined forces, though Hakkens said Phonebloks will stay
independently funded.
Motorola said in its blog post that it will tap the Phonebloks community for
feedback. The company also has hired Dscout, a Chicago technology firm, to manage an
ongoing consumer research program.
Volunteers who sign up online to be "research scouts" will be asked to complete a
series of tasks, such as answering questions and snapping photos. Responses are submitted
through a mobile application.

Tens of thousands of participants have already signed up - about twice the number of
volunteers that typically complete projects with Dscout, said Chief Executive Michael
Winnick. The Ara program is expected to run for about a year, and Dscout volunteers might
get first crack at early prototypes of the modular phone.
Dscout has worked with Motorola before, but the Ara project stands out in its "level
of ambition and scale," said Winnick, adding that it also is "very rare for a large
organization to be out there and open" about new product development.
Chris Jansen, a Chicagoan who works in information security and saw the
Phonebloks YouTube video, signed up to be a research scout for Ara. He was drawn to
"designing a phone in an entirely new way based on community feedback, especially
because it takes the idea of 'you can upgrade what's important to you' out of the control of
the carriers."
The Ara project also attracted Alex Pedenko, co-founder of Chicago-based startup
Swingbyte. He used to build his own PCs and is intrigued by the potential to customize a
mobile phone with components such as an air-quality sensor or barometer.
"It opens the door for third-party accessories that people haven't even thought of
right now," said Pedenko, whose company makes a gadget that clips onto a golf club and
collects data on a player's swing.
Technology companies have experimented with modular mobile devices in the past.
Handspring, the maker of the Palm Pilot personal digital assistant, offered modules such as
an MP3 player or GPS unit that plugged into the gadget like a video game cartridge.
Project Ara envisions components fitting into a frame called the endoskeleton,
Motorola said in its blog post.
The concept faces hurdles in consumer adoption and engineering. For starters, the

ability to choose a battery or processor might appeal only to a narrow technical crowd.

CHAPTER-5
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
5.1

ADVANTAGES:
Customer Empowerment

o Phonebloks allows the consumer to interact and give feedback on the mobile
phone they want through our integrated online customer platform

Customizable -

o online platform allows the consumer to customize a Smartphone to suit the

highly

o Specic demands of their lifestyle

Flexibility in price

o The modularity of the product allows it to compete in the lower- and higherpriced
o Smartphone segments

Strong partners

o Strategic partnership with Motorola and Google in modular phone technology

Innovative Product

o Creative collaboration between Smartphones producers and customers

o continuity of unlimited creative input

Green and sustainable product

o The open modular platform has the ability to upgrade with biodegradable ,

o Bloks that can reduce e-waste

5.2 DISADVANTAGES

 Partner-reliant business model

o Product development is reliant on current partners and probability to attract

o new ones

Software compatibility

o Necessity to develop cross-functional software that is compatible to modular

o hardware components

Low brand awareness

o Many smart phone users are not aware of Phonebloks and its benets due to
little

o advertising

Financial and legal stability

o Reliant on crowd-funding and Motorola as well as intellectual property

o protection hurdles with existing patents

Economies of scale and scope

o Phonebloks is a start-up company starting in a highly competitive industry

o which gives the company the disadvantage of economies of scale and -scope
5.3

CURRENT SETUP
Speed
:
Intel Quad Core 4
Battery
:
2000mAh
Storage
:
8GB
Network
:
4G
Camera
:
12MP Canon HD
Audio
:
Bose 4.0
Weight
:
130 Gram

CHAPTER-6
CONCLUSION

Phonebloks is a good way to prevent e-waste. It provides much functionality in a compact

manner. Phonebloks are much flexible as compared to the legacy phones has the fullest
advantage of its features to the user. Multiple companies work on single product unlike
single company working on multiple products and hence deliver the purest product to the
customer. Multiple companies work on single product unlike single company.

REFERENCES

o McNicoll, Arion. "Phonebloks: The Smartphone for the rest of your life". CNN.com.

Retrieved 23 October 2013.

o Oswald, Ed. "Modu looks to make cell phones 'modular'". betanews. Retrieved 10

November 2013.
o US application 20110230178, Jones; Gregory G.; (Seattle, WA) ; Hanson; Lisa M.;

(Issaquah, WA) ; Kleist; Thomas; (Redbourn, GB); Hanson; Lisa M & Kleist; Thomas,
"MOBILE

COMMUNICATION

DEVICE

HAVING

MULTIPLE,

INTERCHANGEABLE SECOND DEVICES", published 2011-09-22, issued, assigned

to Microsoft Corporation
o Hakkens, David. "Phonebloks: A Phone Worth Keeping (Idea)". Retrieved 10 November

2013.