Google Project Ara hasn't been marketed globally, but its
competitors have been aggressively promoting themselves. Now a new idol in the
modular smartphone segment comes from Indiegogo crowdfunding website, born in
Austria, Fonkraft Technologies introduces their first modular smartphone.
Starting from the CPU, GPU, RAM, storage, cameras, battery,
and also the screen of Fonkraft can be changed using gold pins as the latch mechanism.
As we know, the concept of modular smartphone is interesting because we don't
need to buy a new smartphone just to upgrade its specifications.
Just the same when there is a broken part, for example the
screen that's broken because of falling from height. With modular smartphone as
Fonkraft, you only need to order a new screen, and then slide it into the
smartphone’s body you already have.
Because this is a modular smartphone, Fonkraft configuration
can be vary. To facilitate the consumers, the Fonkraft developer offers three
different variants: Pilot, Resolution and HiFi.
Fonkraft Pilot is the most standard variant that's offered
for $ 99. This variant packs 5-inch HD screen, 1.3 GHz dual-core processor, 1
GB RAM, 8 GB storage, 8-megapixel rear camera and 2 megapixel front camera. This
variant is powered by a 4100mAh lithium-ion battery. With this big battery,
Fonkraft Pilot talk time can reach up to 30 hours, 550 hours standby time, and
90 hours of listening to music.
Secondly, Fonkraft Resolution is intended for photo and
video purposes. This variant brings full-HD screen, 20MP rear camera, 64GB storage,
2.5 GHz quad-core processor, and 2GB RAM. Because the camera module is large
enough and takes place, this variant should compromise by providing smaller
battery, i.e. 2800mAh battery. This variant is offered at $ 199.
The last one is Fonkraft HiFi,
this variant is intended for audiophile enthusiasts. Its specification is quite
identical with Fonkraft Resolution, with the difference in rear camera (8
megapixels) and battery (2,100mAh). This variant has DAC module
(digital-to-analogue converter) which is made of wood to process the lossless
audio file with a resolution of 24-bit/192kHz. Fonkraft HiFi is offered at a price
of $ 199.
Without forgetting the real modular concept, Fonkraft also
presents the fourth variant, called Fonkraft Elements which is offered for $
299. This variant is intended for those who wish to compile their own
configuration, using all modules carried by the Pilot, Resolution and HiFi.
All variants of Fonkraft are running with Android Lollipop
operating system and support the LTE mobile network. The charging can be done
via a standard microUSB connection - but there's no information whether
Fonkraft is compatible with Qi wireless charger or not.
Besides through Indiegogo, Fonkraft developer also plans to
set up an online shop as a platform for indie developers and third-party brands
to develop modules and sell them to consumers. Not only crowdfunded, Fonkraft
apparently also becomes crowdsourced.