Facebook to launch its own smartphone

Facebook has recently filed a patent application for a modular device with interchangeable parts that could either be used as a smart phone or a portable speaker.

The patent describes the gadget as ‘modular electromagnetic device’ that would work with various swappable modules including speaker, GPS system, microphone, touchpad, a phone and even a thermometer. The users could either swap the modules or customize them as per their needs. Through combining numerous features on a single device, it could be served as a type of plug-and-play smart phone.

The patent application reported Facebook saying, “From a consumer perspective, the life cycle of conventional consumer electronics is expensive and wasteful.”

Expected to be of more proficient and long-term use for consumer, Facebook added, “Typically, the hardware components included in the consumer electronics that are considered 'outdated' are still usable. However, the hardware components can no longer be re-used since consumer electronics are designed as closed systems.”

As per Mashable, the patent application is a result of Facebook’s Building 8 division – a consumer hardware group that is working on ambitious designs like AR apps or typing through your minds. The group hired Regina Dugan, the former head of Google’s ATAP group that manufactured the unsuccessful Project Ara modular phone project.

People familiar with the project informed Business Insider that Building 8 is mainly focused on creating cutting-edge camera and machine learning technology. The patent says that the device could work as a phone or the Amazon Alexa-like music speaker.

Facebook also believes that this modular device is more valuable for consumers than devices like iPhone. This patent will be a step closer towards the various rumors about Facebook building its own phone.