Update: The Moto Z2 Force has just been announced, along with a new MotoMod! Say hello to the Moto 360 camera - head to slide 11 to find out all about it.
Motorola's MotoMods are snap-on extensions that can greatly expand what the Moto Z family of phones can do today, as well as tomorrow.
Initially launched in 2016 alongside the flagship Moto Z, Motorola has since added more Mods to the lineup - plus a number of third party manufacturers are developing modular attachments for the Z series of handsets as well.
We're going to be focusing on the official Motorola MotoMods in this gallery, but if you want to see what others are creating click the link below.
Each MotoMod is similar to the next in that they all fit to the form of the Moto Z, Moto Z Force, Moto Z Play, Moto Z2 Play and the newly announced Moto Z2 Force, but differ in the unique functionality that they bring to the table.
Unlike the LG G5, which used LG's not-so-hot-swappable "Friends" line of modules, MotoMods are magnetized. They activate by connecting to the pins on the back of the device a la Smart Connector on the iPad Pro.
Here's a breakdown of each and every MotoMod confirmed so far.
The Moto Z family of phones boast a slick, aluminum chassis, but in case you want to switch up your style from time to time you can customize your own design to slap right onto the phone.
These are the cheapest, and thinnest MotoMods available, which makes sense since they don't add any functionality to speak of.
They are simply to cater to taste and at that, offer more than reason enough to exist at launch. There are two fabic, one leather and three wood effects to choose from, with the leather and wood finishes costing a little extra.
This one was a given: a MotoMod that increases battery life. Whereas a battery-boosting case might have previously been a bulky addition to any phone, the Incipio MotoMod is surprisingly slim-fitting.
In addition to fitting the styling of Moto's latest, it adds 2,220mAh of juice onto the battery already inside the Moto Z phones.
Simply put, if you run out of battery with this MotoMod attached it's not to fault, you are.
This Mod may not be on sale for much longer though, as Motorola has just launched the Moto Turbopower Pack with a larger power pack and fast-charging capabilities. Read more about it in a few slides time!
In terms of sound quality, JBL's MotoMod is the equivalent of slapping a Bluetooth speaker onto your phone.
In addition to giving your jams a kick in the pants, it puts a kickstand on the Moto Z phones and gives them up to an extra 10 hours of battery life thanks to its 1,000mAh of battery capacity.
Plus, because it snaps directly onto the back of the handset there's no Bluetooth pairing to be done - it connects automatically as soon as you snap it to the phone, so get ready to hit the play button!
This Mod may not be on sale for much longer though, as Motorola has just launched the JBL Soundboost Speaker 2 with a thinner, more rounded design and water resistant finish. Read more about it in a few slides time!
No smartphone currently on the market can boast a 10x optical zoom, but if you own a Moto Z handset you can make that claim if you're willing to splash the cash on the Hasselblad True Zoom Mod.
This MotoMod puts a proper camera lens on your phone, complete with an optical zoom - which means you don't lose quality when you zoom in.
There's a Xenon flash as well, which means better lit pictures versus the LED flashes that adorn the rear of our phones at the moment.
For photography enthusiasts the inclusion of a physical shutter button and zoom controls will be most welcome, making shooting much easier than having to manipulate a touchscreen.
This is the moment where you can see parent company Lenovo's DNA mix with that of Motorola's.
We've already seen Lenovo put projectors into its mobile products, including the Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 Pro tablet, but it's still a little surprising to find see the tech making its way to the Moto Z family.
Connecting the Moto Insta-Share Projector is a simple as the others, but offers totally different perks. A projector doesn't require much explanation, but one that's packed into a case-sized attachment is a different story.
This MotoMod can push out up to 70 inches of mobile content goodness at 854 x 480, which is 480p.
It means you're looking at sub-HD, which isn't exactly impressive, but it's a great party piece to be able to pull out. Also, the Insta-Share Projector adds one hour of battery life to your phone which will easily see you through a movie.
Price: $39.99 | £TBC
The Style Shells earlier in this gallery may be slim and cheap, but they don't offer anything in terms of functionality. Thankfully Motorola has realized this and now offers Style Shells with Wireless Charging built in.
They remain slender at just 3.25mm, and are compatible with all wireless charging standards, which means they'll work with any wireless charger.
You don't get a wireless charging pad in the box however, so if you don't already have one it's an additional cost to consider.
Currently the Style Shells with Wireless Charging are available in the US, but they will be coming to the UK soon.
Price: $TBC | £TBC
We said earlier than the Incipio Power Pack may be phased out, and that's because Motorola has launched the Moto Turbopower Pack.
This offers an additional 3,490mAh battery on top of the one already inside your Moto Z handset, and at 6.58mm it doesn't add an excessive amount of bulk to the phone. It still fits in a pocket, but it's fair to say you - and others - will notice it's there.
Motorola says the Turbopower Pack will give you an extra day of battery life before you need to dash to a charger, plus its quick charging tech means you can snap it on and regain 50% charge in just 20 minutes.
At the moment the Turbopower Pack isn't available to buy, but we should find out its release date and price very soon.
Price: $79.99 | £TBC
Another Mod on the rocks is the original Soundboost, and that's thanks to the newer JBL Soundboost 2.
It sports a thinner 14.5mm body, a more rounded design making the phone easier to hold when it's attached and a new water resistant finish to protect it against life's little spills.
There are two 27mm speakers housed inside the MotoMod, with a total power output of 6W - 3W per speaker.
Again, the Soundboost 2 is already available in the US, with UK pricing and availability to be announced soon.
Price: $TBC | £TBC
If you're into gaming on your mobile, the Moto Gamepad mod will be right up your street.
It gives you two analogue sticks, a D-pad and face buttons and is compatible with any game that already supports Bluetooth controllers - such as Real Racing 3.
Motorola has told TechRadar that it's working with major game developers including EA, Ubisoft and Gameloft to bring support to a number of high-end mobile games.
At the moment the Moto Gamepad isn't available to buy, but we should find out its release date and price very soon.
Price: $299.99 | £TBC
Launched alongside the Moto Z2 Force, the Moto 360 camera is the latest MotoMod in Motorola's expanding arsenal of smartphone add-ons.
As the name suggests - allows you to capture full 360 degree 4K video with 3D audio as well as ultra-wide, 150 degree images.
Editing software is also included, allow you to edit your 360 video masterpiece on your Moto Z range handset.
You can also stream live 360 degree footage using the 360 camera MotoMod, and as with all the other official MotoMods it's compatible with all phones in the Moto Z family.
from TechRadar: Phone and communications news http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/moto-z-modules-motomods-1323022
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