Modular phones powered by Windows 10 may not be as plenty as Android and iOS powered devices but one company from Germany hopes to tap in a market that's still relatively fresh and new.
Shift is preparing to launch the new Shift5+ device which will be the company's flagship offer in the third quarter of 2016. It also seemed to be the first modular handset that will run on Windows 10 Mobile.
Since it is a modular version, users can easily customize certain parts of the handset according to their specific needs. This includes swapping out the display, the phone's internal memory, battery pack and other important parts.
Windows 10 Mobile is Microsoft's next move after launching Windows 10 on the web. In mid-October, the company tried to appease Windows Phone users who are keen on getting the latest Windows OS in their Lumia handsets by giving out a statement on the update.
"Microsoft is working closely with mobile operators to leverage their testing and our fighting to meet and exceed current quality bars," said Microsoft. "We will use their input but will decide when to send the updates out based on input from Mobile Operators and our Windows Insiders."
According to Shift, the new Shift5+ handset will be available in December for a preorder price of €399 (around $342). Some of its interesting features include a 5-inch IPS touchscreen display, Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, a RAM of 2 GB, internal storage of 32 GB, 3,000 mAh battery, 5 MP front camera and 13 MP main camera. The latter features LED flash, autofocus and full HD video recording of 1,080p.
Apart from Windows 10, customers can also opt for the handset's Android version. The phone's version should be decided upon ordering the handset since the OSes are not interchangeable. Given the fact that it is scheduled to hit the stores in late 2016, it is therefore assumed that the device will be running on the latest Android 6.0 Marshmallow.
The phone will retail at €444 (around $478.14) when it hits the market next year. Based on the company's official Facebook page, the new Shift5+ smartphone can also be designed with a number of colored case options. These include Black, White, Turquoise Blue, Mint Green, Dark Green, Mustard Yellow, Hot Pink and Light Pink.
