modu hands-on with the set, jackets, and some far out visions
By Sean Cooper 
posted Feb 16th 2009 10:02PM
posted Feb 16th 2009 10:02PM
True to our word, we popped in to visit Modu day one to get some one on one time with some of the recently announced kit. So we checked out the jackets, the new reworked set, and like last year, we're happy with the whole ecosystem. Sure, you have to approach this with the understanding that for now, Modu is aiming at the middle of the road -- and price point -- and not to take on the iPhone, Palm Pre, and others. But what they have done and done quite well is offer up a really small set, a pile of fun jackets that actually change the phone's functions and kick in a wee bit of color and style. The biggest standout in the collection was a bike snap on with a thumb controller that connects wirelessly -- or dangerously, your call -- to the handset for "while cycling" control of your calls. Lots new is going on with the Israeli startup, a pilot project with Telefonica in Mexico, Argentina, and Chile, plus it has secured a $38 million first offer with Lynk Communication in the Philippines, here's hoping 3G is just around the bend. Take a peek at the gallery for more of the madness and nice video guided by Dov Moran himself.
Interesting concept
yes, interesting idea but it all comes down to cost.
how much will it cost to buy these jackets? If I had the choice between Iphone and buying modu with 2 or 3 "jackets", I'd still buy the Iphone or some other high end phone.
Concerning the price, it will be around 280$ with two jackets (that you can choose) and one jacket will be sold for 20 to 60$ or 100$ for the more "special" (wishing I don't tell something wrong). and excuse me for my english but I am French
The question is, is there really a market for this technology? It seems cool how each jacket completely changes the functionality of the phone as well as the style, but my impression is that most people would either go for the high end smartphone like an iphone or pre or something similar, or they go strictly for functionality and anything else is a bonus.
Also in reply to Kenrenn, I wonder if there is a substantial amount of people who would pay more for one of these than most smartphones. I mean an iphone is only $200 for the 8GB version.