element14 clinches exclusive Moto Mods agreement

The kit is now available to buy exclusively from Farnell element14 in Europe.

“element14 believes the industry’s best innovations occur when the technologies powering them are made more accessible to more people,” said Claire Doyle, Global Head of element14’s Single Board Computing division. “We are changing the landscape of the maker and developer market by partnering with major global brands to make this happen. We are delighted to be Motorola’s exclusive partner for the Moto Mods Development Kit.”

Owners of any Moto Z smartphone can buy the MDK exclusively from element14 enabling them to prototype Moto Mods, to instantly transform their smartphone into an entirely new device unlike any other smartphone on the market.

The Moto Mods magnetically snap onto the back of the phone, seamlessly become one with the handset and temporarily change the phone into any number of other devices, including a speaker, or even a projector. Motorola along with element14 are the only manufacturers offering this level of customisation.

This customisation and development using Moto Mods is based on the Moto Mod Smart Surface. Smart Surface provides a direct electrical connection to the phone, giving developers access to the phone’s power and data paths.

This system allows developers to create custom hardware that can be controlled via the handset and provides them with the capability to design and commercialise their own Moto Mods, opening up new avenues for creativity in the maker and developer community.

The Moto Mods Development Kit is a true game changer for the smartphone industry.  A technology that was once only available to industry insiders is now available to everyone – offering them the opportunity to help build an ecosystem that will change the future of mobile.

The Moto Mods Development Kit includes everything users need to connect to their Moto Z smartphone and begin prototyping instantly. Included is a Perforated Board to solder components to, an example cover and a Reference Moto Mod. All of the components of the kit will also be available for purchase separately from element14.

element14 is also offering the Motorola HAT Adapter Board to extend the Reference Moto Mod for use with existing Raspberry Pi HATs,  and Motorola’s Personality Cards (Audio, Battery, Display and Sensor), with open-sourced electrical and mechanical schematics, Moto Mods firmware, and Android Apps that serve as examples of how users can create their own prototypes.

The Moto Mods Development Kit, HAT Adapter Board, Personality Cards, and spare Perforated Boards are available to buy now at element14 in Europe. The products will be available to buy in other markets later this year.