The Moto Mods family is starting to expand even more thanks to the Transform the Smartphone Challenge, which is the result of a collaboration between Motorola, its parent company Lenovo, Verizon, and Indiegogo.
Called The Ultimate Moto Z Mod and Mico, these two accessories stand out from the competition, and because of what they can offer, they indeed deserve to be placed under the spotlight.
The Ultimate Moto Z Mod
First up, The Ultimate Moto Z Mod is designed to add wireless charging support to the mix, and having bulk in mind, creator Mike Paukert is putting forward a functional Moto Mod that's barely thicker — measuring at 3.15 mm, to be exact — than the Moto Style Shell. To make things even sweeter, there's an amped-up version that's rocking IR emitters in the works too.
Based on the video (posted below), it's currently just a simple back plate that's sculpted to fit the Moto Z series, equipped with a USB cable to connect it to the phone. That's because Motorola didn't provide the pogo pin layout just yet, Paukert says.
When The Ultimate Moto Z Mod goes beyond the prototype stage, it will, of course, ditch the cable and sport pogo pins.
Now, anyone interested in the project can back it up through Indiegogo, and those who do can get the wireless charging back plate for $35 or the upgraded version with IR emitters for $45. There's also the option to simply support it for either $10 or $100.
However, be warned that there's no way of knowing what exactly will happen to those who decide to claim one, considering that the contest is still far from over.
Mico
Next up, Mico is the perfect Moto Mod for those who spend a lot of time outdoors, as it's basically a solar-powered battery that can juice up phones.
As for the specs, it boasts 2,200 mAh, but more than that, there are also optional Snap Panels, solar cells that pack 1,000 mAh each for accumulating energy.
Just to be clear, the panels' usability isn't limited to the Moto Z lineup. It's compatible with any device that supports USB Type-C.
Mico has yet to arrive to Indiegogo, but according to Tech Droider, it will be up on Feb. 5 along with about a 20 percent discount for the first 100 backers.
Transform The Smartphone Challenge
For the uninitiated, the Transform the Smartphone Challenge is an event where contestants stand to get a chance to pitch their products to Motorola executives and have their creations sold by Verizon.
Wrap-Up
Both Mico and The Ultimate Moto Z Mod are pretty nifty ideas that address users' battery woes, and because of their design, they seem to be formidable entries in the Transform the Smartphone Challenge.
What do you think of the two? Feel free to hit us up in the comments section below and let us know, especially if they are the kind of Moto Mods that you'd like to back up.
