LFD, or Life For Design, has introduced its innovative modular AI smartphone, Node, under the flagship brand PAIR. Users have the flexibility to customize their device with up to eight different blocks, ranging from cameras and speakers to mini screens and braille displays for the visually impaired. These blocks easily attach to the smartphone using magnetic clasps, allowing for convenient removal and replacement.
Currently, there are a total of 15 node features available for the modular AI smartphone. Users also have the option to add their own SSD for extra storage, which can only be accessed through facial or fingerprint recognition due to sensitive information. Additionally, there are modules for monitoring health data and a hotkey button for games and camera shortcuts.
PAIR’s Node doesn’t compromise on sound quality, as it can accommodate up to four speaker blocks on the back of the device, providing rich bass sound for an on-the-go boombox experience. For those who need extra screen space, a sub-display can be added to the back for essential apps like weather, clock, and missed calls.
Thanks to its AI capabilities, the Node can also support a smart assistant block with a microphone for processing voice commands. Users can also attach a power bank module for added convenience, eliminating the need for an external battery pack. Additionally, LFD offers camera modules with one to four lenses, allowing users to swap them based on their photography needs.
The visually impaired have the option to replace the blocks of PAIR’s Node with a braille display consisting of small screw-like objects that protrude. The display is accompanied by a mini screen, and any content displayed on either screen will cause the braille display to automatically raise tiny sticks to represent the app being shown on the screen. LFD also arranges the widgets of the modular AI smartphone in customizable blocks.
Unlike most current phones, users can adjust the layout within a range of 16 to 6 columns, similar to the Tetris game. The widgets can be expanded vertically and horizontally until the user finds the combination that suits them. It is worth noting that the smartphone is powered by AI, including a smart assistant capable of real-time language translation, as well as a voice-over and command feature. At the time of writing, PAIR’s Node remains a conceptual modular AI smartphone.