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Modular Design

All articles tagged with #modular design

HoverAir Versa Secures FCC Certification via Modular Flight Kit, Launches on Indiegogo
technology6 days ago

HoverAir Versa Secures FCC Certification via Modular Flight Kit, Launches on Indiegogo

HoverAir’s Versa is a camera-first handheld device that can become a small drone with an optional Flight Kit. The kit uses no RF transmitters, allowing HoverAir to claim FCC certification for sale in the USA and potentially sidestep the foreign-drone ban; the Indiegogo campaign starts with a camera-only price of $449 and Flight Kit options later. When assembled, the Versa weighs 230 g, avoiding FAA registration for recreational use, while commercial pilots would need a Remote ID transmitter. Specs include 4K60 video, a 1/1.3-inch sensor, OLED touchscreen, and a 3-axis stabilized camera. The situation marks a notable FCC shift, but crowdfunding outcomes and regulatory scrutiny remain uncertain.

Fairphone Debuts Repairable Gen 6+ in the US for $650
technology7 days ago

Fairphone Debuts Repairable Gen 6+ in the US for $650

Fairphone is finally selling its repairable, modular Android phone Gen 6+ in the US for $650 (via Amazon and Fairphone.com), backed by a 10/10 iFixit repairability score, a 5-year warranty and software updates through 2033. The device emphasizes sustainability (more than 50% fair-trade or recycled materials, e-waste neutral) with affordable DIY parts (screen $90, USB‑C port $20, battery $40) and 12 swappable modules; it’s certified for T-Mobile and AT&T, with carrier/MVNO partnerships pursued, and offers an optional Murena OS version for $699. Brand expansion includes US market growth and ongoing two‑year device cadences.

Fairphone 6 Plus Debuts in the US with Direct Sale, Repairability at the Core
technology7 days ago

Fairphone 6 Plus Debuts in the US with Direct Sale, Repairability at the Core

Fairphone has started selling its repairable 6 Plus directly in the US for $649.99 (unlocked, compatible with T-Mobile/AT&T) via Fairphone and Amazon, marking the first direct US sale; it mirrors the 6 but adds a Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 and 12GB RAM, while retaining a repairable, modular design with affordable replacement parts and new cobalt blue color, with Europe pricing at €649 and upcoming Fairbuds 2 slated for Q4 2026.

Framework Laptop 13 Pro: A Repairable Gem Hobbled by RAM Prices
technology27 days ago

Framework Laptop 13 Pro: A Repairable Gem Hobbled by RAM Prices

Framework’s Laptop 13 Pro is the best Windows laptop thanks to its repairable, modular design, refined build, near-silent cooling, and long battery life, but RAM shortages push its price into the stratosphere (around $3,100 in the tested config), making it hard to recommend today; webcam and speakers are mediocre and there are some upgrade caveats between Intel/AMD boards, yet the ability to swap parts over years remains its biggest strength.

technology29 days ago

Framework Laptop 13 Pro redefines upgradeable Linux laptops with a bigger battery and premium chassis

Phoronix’s review of the Framework Laptop 13 Pro highlights a redesigned, upgradeable chassis (6063 aluminum, 1.4 kg), larger 74Wh battery, LPCAMM2 memory up to 64GB, and cross-generation component compatibility. Paired with the Panther Lake platform, Linux out-of-the-box support is strong across Ubuntu 26.04 LTS, Fedora, and Arch, with promising runtime improvements and a claimed up-to-20-hour battery life; a quirk with non-official 150W USB-C chargers can throttle performance until using the official Framework charger. Overall, the 13 Pro stands as a top modular Linux laptop option.

Field Bracket Reimagines the Classic L-Bracket for Modern Shooters
technology1 month ago

Field Bracket Reimagines the Classic L-Bracket for Modern Shooters

Peak Design debuts Field Bracket, a modular, tool-free L-bracket system featuring a camera-specific baseplate, a repositionable upright, and optional accessories (Cheese Plate, Hand Strap, Beacon Finder Tag); designed to be more adaptable than traditional L-brackets and compatible with tethering and Arca-style setups. Available via Kickstarter starting at $125 (MSRP $149.95) for select Canon, Fujifilm, Leica, Nikon, and Sony bodies.

Slate's Budget EV Truck Lets You Pay for What You Want
automotive1 month ago

Slate's Budget EV Truck Lets You Pay for What You Want

Slate’s $25k base EV pickup follows a modular, pay-as-you-go approach, letting buyers choose from a long list of accessories—everything from small cosmetic upgrades to a full SUV kit. While the pricing transparency and customization are appealing, adding options can push the final cost well beyond the base, with an example build nearing $41k. It asks whether buyers value a DIY, configurable truck over a preassembled package and whether the model’s flexibility will pay off in the market.

Pocket 4P vs Luna Ultra: A Clash of Reliability and Creative Freedom
technology2 months ago

Pocket 4P vs Luna Ultra: A Clash of Reliability and Creative Freedom

The DJI Pocket 4P focuses on professional reliability with a 1-inch sensor, 17-stop dynamic range, 4K/240fps, 60mm tele, 103 GB internal storage, and seamless DJI ecosystem integration. The Insta360 Luna Ultra emphasizes creativity through a modular design, detachable screen, wireless microphone, head tracking, and Leica optics. Overall, the Pocket 4P suits creators who prioritize consistency and workflows, while the Luna Ultra appeals to those who want adaptability and experimentation, highlighting a broader market divide between reliability and innovation in pocket cameras.

Framework Laptop Pro 13 hands-on: a modular upgrade that finally feels premium
technology4 months ago

Framework Laptop Pro 13 hands-on: a modular upgrade that finally feels premium

Hands-on coverage highlights Framework’s complete redesign in the Laptop Pro 13: it keeps the modular, repairable chassis but adds a 13.5-inch touch display (2880x1920) with a 30-120 Hz refresh range, and easier replaceable parts for RAM, storage, and more. The result is a premium-feeling laptop aimed at power users and developers, with upgradeability and repairability as its core selling points, while keeping a similar look to the original, but with a noticeably improved display and build.

Framework Laptop 16 Upgrades Finish the Look, Trim Price, and Unleash OCuLink PCIe
technology4 months ago

Framework Laptop 16 Upgrades Finish the Look, Trim Price, and Unleash OCuLink PCIe

Framework’s Laptop 16 gets cosmetic refinements (a translucent bezel option and a new one-piece keyboard plus haptic trackpad) to look more finished, plus a cheaper CPU option (Ryzen AI 5 340) that drops starting prices to $1,599 for pre-built or $1,249 for a DIY kit. The big new feature is the OCuLink Dev Kit, which exposes up to eight PCIe 4.0 lanes for external GPUs and other accessories via dedicated adapters, replacing the laptop’s current GPU/Expansion Bay shell. Pricing for the Dev Kit components isn’t announced yet, and shipping is planned for later this year.

Honda's Base Station: a lightweight, modular camper for compact tow cars
technology7 months ago

Honda's Base Station: a lightweight, modular camper for compact tow cars

Honda reveals the Base Station, a prototype modular, lightweight camper trailer designed to be towed by compact crossovers and EVs (like the CR-V or Prologue). It features a pop-up seven-foot space, a queen bed with an optional bunk bed, external shower and kitchen, air conditioning, lithium battery, inverter, solar panels, and outlets for off-grid or campsite power. Pricing and production timelines remain undecided, though Honda says it would be competitively priced in the towable segment and could potentially be under $20,000 for a base model; production would depend on market reception and will be clarified in future announcements.

Honda Debuts Base Station Prototype: A Lightweight, Modular Towable Camper for Everyday Adventures
technology7 months ago

Honda Debuts Base Station Prototype: A Lightweight, Modular Towable Camper for Everyday Adventures

Honda today unveiled the Base Station Prototype, a lightweight, modular towable travel trailer designed to be towed by compact SUVs and fit in a standard garage. It offers seven feet of standing space when raised, a queen bed with an optional bunk, removable side windows, ambient lighting, and modular accessories such as an external kitchen and shower. Powered by lithium batteries with solar panels, it can operate off-grid or be connected to campsite power or a Honda generator. Built on Honda’s Man Maximum/Machine Minimum philosophy, it aims to democratize camping and expand Honda’s adventure-ready lineup. Prototype; not a final product.