By today’s standards the little modular phone was pretty lacking in features, but for the day they were very cool. Modu has gone under leaving nothing behind but some patents that the firm held. Google has reportedly received the OK to purchase those left over patents. Modu never successfully found a market for its small devices with only a few carriers ever risking the sale of the phones. Modu went into bankruptcy when it ran out of cash ahead of its planned IPO.

Google is reportedly paying $4.9 million for the purchase of the Modu IP. That cash won’t go to the firm owners, rather it will go to creditors and former workers for Modu that went unpaid when the company folded. Right now, there is no clear indication of what Google will do with this tech. I could certainly see the tech being worked into a core device that could be slipped into a sleeve for a smartphone, one for a tablet, and one for a netbook. That would be an interesting device indeed.

[via BGR]

There’s also 2GB of onboard storage, a microSD card slot, Bluetooth 2.1 and GPS (though there’s no GPS app installed).  As with previous Modu devices, there are various “jackets” which can be used to expand the handset’s capabilities.

The “camerafy” jacket adds a 5-megapixel camera, while the “textify” jacket gives it a full QWERTY keyboard.  Meanwhile the “sportfy” jacket adds route-tracking for exercise, and the “boostify” jacket has a speakerphone system.

Modu do have an Android handset in the works – the Modu W – which the company describes as a wi-phone.  The same size as the Modu T, and with a 2.2-inch display, it’s unclear whether this will also have a 3G radio or rely solely on VoIP.

[via Gadgety and via TGSpot]

Press Release:

modu Introduces modu T

Kfar-Saba, Israel – October 10th, 2010 modu introduces modu T, a 3.5G touch phone which was awarded a Guinness World Record for being the lightest touch phone in the world. The modu T is a thin phone, it has a 2.2 inch touch screen and a memory card with 2GB memory capacity which can be extended up to 32GB. The phone includes extensive functionality which includes web access, Instant Messaging, direct links to different social networks, a built in FM radio, GPS, music player and more.

In addition, modu, in its new phone, has put an emphasis on voice quality and an easy to use and friendly User Interface, at an attractive price. modu T is being introduced today for the first time, and is expected to be launched soon in various countries.

modu T includes a wide variety of applications such as: YouTube™, Google™ Search, Twitter, Facebook, Flickr, TuneWiki, eBuddy and Snaptu. modu T operates on Qualcomm’s Brew operating system.

Dov Moran, CEO and founder of modu, comments: “we are pleased and proud to introduce today our brand new products. We have undergone a difficult time in which we have learned, innovated and grew stronger and I truly believe that we are on the right track to becoming a leading company in its field. The mobile industry is considerable in size and is currently undergoing changes which would allow for companies like modu to enter the market and be worthy players in this industry.

modu T is unique in its modularity, enabling connectivity with the different “fy” devices, which allow it to have additional features and functionalities which extend the user experience to higher levels. This modularity allows each user to enjoy advanced functionalities which are specifically relevant to each such user, while enabling specific compatibility to such user’s changing needs and preferences. The connectivity to the “fy” devices is done through a unique technology developed by modu.

The modu T “fy” family of devices, which enhances and complete the user experience, includes:

• camerafy your modu T phone and capture moments while staying super compact. simply slide your modu T phone into the compact and intuitive 5MP camerafy and start capturing and sharing your most memorable moments.
• sportfy your modu T and instantly turn it into your exercise companion. You can listen to your favorite music, get training information during and after your workout and track your route and performance online.
• boostify your modu T phone and enjoy hands-free calls, your favorite songs & intuitive single key operations, all while staying connected.
• textify your modu T phone and instantly give it a full QWERTY keyboard makeover. So whether you want to answer your emails or type your funniest text messages, you can do it with ease. It also has a built in 5MP camera, for those moments when even a thousand words won’t do (the texitfy is scheduled for launch at the beginning of 2011).

In addition modu is scheduled to launch in the near future its modu W – a Wi-Fi based device with a touch screen operating on the Android operating system.

About modu:
modu was established in 2007 by Dov Moran, inventor of the USB Flash Drive (DiskOnKey™) and other innovative flash data storage devices. modu manufactures modular communication devices. With over 130 employees, modu has assembled a team with unparalleled competencies and experience in the consumer electronics and wireless / mobile world. Current and future products will include cellular and Wi-Fi devices that interface with range of supporting devices. modu is headquartered in Kfar-Saba, Israel, for more information visit our website at: www.modumobile.com

Definitive hardware specifications are in short supply, but Modu’s own T Phone teaser does say that the core handset will have 2GB of memory, some sort of memory card slot and come in both 3.5G and 2.75G versions.  It’s also said to be the lightest touchscreen phone in the world.

The company’s initial modular offering failed to pick up momentum outside of Israel, and Modu quickly announced plans for a touchscreen 3.5G version with the same docking connector.  No word on pricing at this stage, nor whether it will be a GSM or CDMA device.

[via Android Community]

A new Modu phone has been revealed called the Modu T-Phone. This is the first Modu device to support 3G networks. Other features of the device are sparse, but we do know it has a touch screen and the interface looks very slick.

Exactly when the handset will launch is unknown and the price is pegged at as much as $500. The device has 2GB of storage inside for your data.

Moran also reconfirmed Modu’s intent to release a touchscreen second-gen product, which will include 3.5G connectivity rather than the current handset’s 2.5G.  Modu devices – which consist of a core cellular unit and then various fashion and functional “jackets” into which the core unit slots – are already on sale in Israel, but Moran says UK carriers aren’t interested in offering a non-3G device.

Still, the next-gen devices won’t see a UK launch until Q4 2010, leaving plenty of time not only for Modu to polish their Android and 3.5G jackets but work on their tablet/MID project.  ”We’re also looking at other form factors, with a larger display, something like a netbook,” Moran explained, “it would have a 5-inch display or larger. It would have a specific processor, with the Modu unit wholly integrated inside, and a full keyboard too.”

[via IntoMobile]

Speaking to Pocket-lint, the honest CEO confirmed that the first-gen Modu would see a release in 2009 across Russia, India, the Philippines, Greece, Romania and parts of South America.  Meanwhile the Modu 2 would get a launch in different markets, with the two remaining on sale at the same time; the company have tipped the US, Japan, UK and Western Europe as prime targets for the reworked handset.

While no timescale for the new device – nor the carriers it may be offered on – has been given, Moran did confirm that the company expects to announce a new product at Mobile World Congress in February 2010.  The only confirmed specifications are 3.5G HSPA and the touchscreen, as well as the same dock connector – but a very different form-factor – to the Modu 1.

Early sales of that first phone have apparently reached around 1,000 handsets, with a full launch taking place in Israel come October 2009.  The most popular accessory jacket has been a digital picture frame, for displaying images.

Since the jackets add bulk, there are some who thought of solely using the inner phone on its own.  However with a less than functional set of hardware keys and dreary 1.3-inch OLED with a tired UI it’s not something – beyond the weight – that you’d want to consider long-term, though if you solely receive calls and messages and never want to return them then it could be more bearable.

Throw in the fact that there’s no vibration alert, no 3G and no WiFi (though it does have Bluetooth), together with no shipping dates for the music jacket and no official confirmation for the touchscreen jacket, and it’s not looking good.  However for once the price saves things; in Israel Cellcom are offering it with a second SIM (so you can keep using your existing cellphone) for the equivalent of $130, but will refund that if you agree to provide feedback.

[via Engadget Mobile]

Rather than just being decorative sleeves or casings, the jackets themselves add new functionality to the Modu core unit.  This can include anything from stereo speakers and more advanced music functionality, to gaming, night imaging and altered GUIs.  They’re expected to be priced at between $25 and $100, while the target price for the core Modu – including two jackets – is a very reasonable $200.

It all sounds pretty outlandish, but Modu have already got their core device into the Guinness Book of Records as the lightest cellphone in the world, and received $85m funding.  At Mobile World Congress next week they’ll be revealing their freshly-inked global distribution deals, together with a “significant initial order”, partnership agreements and new product news.

Press Release:

Kfar-Saba, Israel – February 11, 2009 – modu, inventor of the world’s lightest mobile phone, today unveiled its first modu™ jackets portfolio for the modu™ phone. The much anticipated modu jackets complement the modu phone, and are the first of many jackets that modu will introduce in 2009. These modu jackets will be commercially available beginning in the second quarter of this year as modu rolls out its mobile phone and ecosystem for the first time.

At the heart of the modu ecosystem is a tiny, modular and sleek mobile phone. In addition to complete mobile functionality, the modu phone is a music player and a mass storage device containing 2 GB of internal memory. The innovative modu phone presents a bold graphical user interface and a unique seven-key keypad to perform basic functions even without a modu jacket. For added functionality and style, users can easily slip the modu phone into a range of modu jackets. This modu ecosystem offers boundless – and affordable – possibilities.

The new modu jacket lineup includes:

• modu™ night jacket: inspired by the nightlife scene, this jacket includes futuristic styling with an edgy keypad, flashing lights, night mode imaging and a unique graphical user interface
• modu™ street-art jacket: capturing the expressive and vibrant street art scene, this jacket fea-tures stereo speak¬ers and dedicated music keys for a powerful music experience
• modu™ classic jacket: designed to fit the everyday needs of a modern lifestyle, this jacket carries all essential mobile communication features with an air of elegance and fine taste
• modu™ express jacket: this jacket transforms the modu phone and user interface with a rain-bow of fun, playful flavors 
 
“modu is turning the notion of a ‘one-size-fits-all’ mobile phone experience on its ear,” said Dov Moran, founder and chief executive officer of modu. “Consumers want a mobile phone that can keep up with their dynamic lifestyles. The combination of the eye-catching modu phone with the new modu jackets offers not only personalized style but affordable updates without the costly expense of buying a new phone.”

More modu news on the horizon at Mobile World Congress

The unveiling of the new modu phone and the new jackets is the first of several major announcements planned by modu around the 2009 Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. These announcements cover global distribution of the modu phone and jackets, with a significant initial order; partnership agreements; new product news; and manufacturing and production capabilities. 
 
Along with announcements, modu is making other news at Mobile World Congress:

• CEO and Founder Dov Moran will deliver a presentation titled “A Device for All Seasons: A Mod¬ular Approach to Creating the Ideal Device” as part of the New Device Marketplace. The session takes place on Tuesday, February 17, and begins at 2:00 p.m.
• modu, a finalist in the GSM Association’s (GSMA) prestigious 2009 Mobile Innovation Global Award competition, and winner of GSMA’s Mobile Innovation Global Award – Americas Tour-nament, is awaiting announcement of the award on Tuesday, February 17. The Mobile Innovation Global award recognizes excellence and showcases innovation in the global mobile industry. 

A busy year for modu

The GSMA nomination is one of several highlights in a year that saw modu continue its march toward reshaping the mobile phone industry. In 2008, modu also:

• Secured a total of $85 million in funding in a challenging economic environment
• Opened offices in Western Europe, South Korea and, recently, Eastern Europe to handle growing needs around design, manufactur¬ing and sales
• Opened research and development facilities in Israel and Croatia
• Won recognition by the Guinness Book of World Records™ for the lightest mobile phone in the world
• Awarded “Global Finalist” recognition at the GSM Association’s (GSMA) prestigious 2009 Mobile Innovation Global Award Competition
• Earned honors by AlwaysOn as the Top Mobile Company of the AO Global 250

About modu

modu manufactures the world’s lightest mobile phone, with a vision of bringing a fundamental change to the dynamics of the personal communication world. modu has developed a tiny, modular and sleek  mobile phone, which enables users to personalize their mobile experience in a simple and affordable way. Users can customize the look and features of their phone by inserting the modu™ phone into other devices in its ecosystem, including a range of stylish phone enclosures, called modu™ jackets, as well as enhanced, modu-enabled consumer electronics devices, called modu™ mates. modu was founded in 2007 by Dov Moran, the inventor of the USB Flash Drive and other ground breaking personal storage solutions , and is headquartered in Kfar-Saba, Israel, with offices in Austria,  Croatia, South Korea and Russia. For more information, visit www.modumobile.com