Facebook is working on a modular smartphone

The tech giant submitted a patent for a 'modular electromechanical device'

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In a patent published by the United States Patent and Trademark Office, Facebook describes a modular device that can be used as a phone.

Facebook is working on a modular smartphone 01

The tech giant submitted a patent for a "modular electromechanical device" that can incorporate a speaker, microphone, touch display, GPS, and even function as a phone.

This isn't the first time we have heard about such an idea. Google already tried to do something similar with their ambitious Project Ara, but it didn't make any significant impact. Interestingly, many key members of Google's Project Ara team now work at Facebook's Building 8 group, the team responsible for this patent.

Facebook is working on a modular smartphone 02

It isn't exactly clear how Facebook's device should function, but according to the patent, it should have "millions of devices" connected to a server which could be loaded with different software based on components that are swapped out.

Read also: Razer to build smartphone for gamers?

The device could be used as an Alexa speaker or a phone. Business Insider reports that the Building 8 team is heavily focused on developing cutting-edge camera and machine learning technology so this is also something that we could see in Facebook's device/smartphone.

Facebook is working on a modular smartphone 03

Facebook declined to comment on anything regarding the device so at this point we can't be sure if this patent will ever turn into an actual product.

NEWS SOURCE:businessinsider.in

Lana has a passion for technology and science. She spends her time looking for the latest and most interesting technology and science news. Her passion is in gadgets, wearables, and other cool and interesting applications of technology or science. She also spends her free time gaming in MMOs like World of Warcraft. She has prior experience covering technology for publications and breaking news. If she’s not doing either, you might just find her exploring the metaverse in VR. Lana wants to expand TweakTown’s coverage of mobile, wearables and gadgets while also bringing her experience with science and general tech to TweakTown. Her area of coverage is around science, technology, smartphones, wearables, and general neat gadgets. She hopes to one day be able to drive around in her self-driving car while she schedules an appointment for a SpaceX trip to the moon on her smartwatch.

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