What is the HMD Fusion offering all about?
HMD's new smartphone claims to offer an “easy” way to replace and repair a broken screen – a common damage to mobile phones – in India and abroad. While it may not add modularity to other aspects such as the ability to change or upgrade performance elements – the other major pitch is a swappable back panel that allows users to choose different features depending on what they want. The company currently has two options available: one with an LED light ring for creators, and another with an integrated game controller, its success will depend on purposefully building it with third-party accessories.
What do modular phones do differently?
The idea of a modular phone is not new and is intended to give consumers the kind of flexibility that self-configurable desktop computers offer. Previous modular phones have tried to make several elements easily replaceable: in some experiments, the processor itself. The idea is to let users custom configure a device based on preferences, without completely throwing away an old device. Many have also seen modular phones as a way to reduce electronic waste, while others have suggested that modularity could bring phones even closer to standalone cameras with interchangeable optics.
Are there other regular modular phones?
One of the first was Phonebloks in 2013, which worked like PCs. Google's Project Ara was the largest, with a $50 fully customizable phone, before it failed in 2016. That year, LG sold its G5 with interchangeable components. The following year, Motorola's Z2 was released, followed by the Essential Phone 1 from Android founder Andy Rubin. None were successful in terms of volume.
Why did modular phones fail?
Smartphones are manufactured on a large scale to optimize costs. Thanks to modularity, each part increases costs as they must be stored individually based on demand. The success of modular phones depends on the kind of support for components and accessories they receive from the external market; none of the attempts have received extensive support. Modularity has also not contributed to the user experience of smartphones and, in combination with the high costs, has never penetrated the mainstream markets on a large scale.
Can the 'right to repair' make them successful?
India has evaluated a framework for the right to affordable electronics repair. Because brands want to retain users, most gadgets are difficult to repair themselves and often have to be completely replaced. India does not yet have the right to reinstate the law, but its feasibility is being examined by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs. Thus, a greater degree of modularity, including self-repair kits, could be standardized if several countries succeed in enacting laws. Brands can withdraw because this could damage patents.
