Motorola enters CES 2018 with more Moto Mods. New ones on the way include a sliding keyboard for $99 and vital signs monitor for $395.
The Lenovo-owned brand introduced a new gimmick when it launched the Moto Z smartphone. It featured a small magnetic patch below the rear cover with electronic contacts. Next, it revealed a lineup of accessories that can be quickly attached or removed and are intended to enhance the user's experience.
The feature seems to be popular among its users as the second generation model retains the unique modification interface.
Motorola's Modifications
According to some Motorola Moto Z users, most of the previously released Moto Mods were supposedly useful. Mods that enhanced its imaging capabilities include a 360 camera, a Hasselblad True Zoom, and the Insta-share Projector. An audio enhancement was also available through the JBL SoundBoost speaker, which now has a second-generation model, and an Alexa-enabled smart speaker.
Other options include a Polaroid-branded printer, a gamepad, battery packs, and a wireless charging cover. What makes these accessories worthwhile is their compatibility with the entire Moto Z lineup.
Keyboard Input
CES 2018 sees a new Motorola Mod from a successful crowdfunding project. It was first revealed in April last year during the "Transform the Smartphone Challenge" by Motorola and Indiegogo.
A third-party company called Livermorium won and its concept was entered into the Motorola Accelerator Program. Both parties worked together to design and manufacture the final product which debuted during the expo.
Nostalgic users note that the keyboard Moto Mod makes the smartphone look like the Motorola Sidekick, which was quite popular among users back in the day. The slide out accessory is backlit and props the unit at a 60-degree angle.
Lenovo's Own Moto Mod
Another surprise for CES 2018 is the new Moto Mod from Lenovo, which is unlike anything users have seen before on a smartphone. The new product was reportedly developed by Vital Inc., together with Lenovo and Motorola. At first glance, this accessory is by far the bulkiest one yet for the smartphone.
However, the number of metrics it could read might just make it an attractive purchase for health-conscious users. It tracks heart rate, Pulse Ox, core body temperature, respiratory rate, and blood pressure. The developer claims that all five tests can be accomplished within two to three minutes.
The usual practice of measuring blood pressure as recommended by physicians is using an arm cuff for accuracy. Yet, through innovation and development over the years, the accessory can reportedly get an accurate reading via a finger cuff.
It remains to be seen how well the health-oriented Lenovo Vital Moto Mod does when it releases in April 2018. Meanwhile, it will be a while before consumers get the Livermorium Slider Keyboard accessory, which supposedly comes out in winter.
