We constantly hear and read about new smartphone models that incorporate a multitude of advanced technical features and most of the time cost a small fortune. But the following news is a little different.
Researchers at MIT's Media Lab have succeeded in creating a mobile phone that can be built by its owner himself. At the same time, the research team has also released the plans for the device so that anyone can create their own. If, of course, they have the patience and access to a 3D printer.
Of course the result will not be an advanced smartphone that can do everything, but it will be a mobile phone that allows you to make phone calls.
Based on the plans, an LCD or LED matrix screen can be used, similar to the first mobile phones. The electronic board of the device can be printed in three copies, through the OSH Park service at a cost of 60 dollars. As for the materials of the device's casing, the interested party can let their imagination run wild: wood, plastic or any other similar material can be used. Of course, the processing of these materials may prove to be a bit… demanding work.
According to the MIT Media Lab's plans, the device will use a mini-USB port to charge the battery, rather than the more common micro-USB port. Any standard SIM card can be used to power the device.
To create your own mobile phone you will have to spend around 200 dollars (i.e. approximately 147 euros).
The blueprints released are the result of a research effort by the MIT Media Lab, which was based on the Arduino GSM Shield platform that allows access to mobile networks. The research team then worked on adding hardware and software components, such as supporting a display, buttons, speaker, microphone, and a basic user interface. The result of all of the above was the creation of a device that allows voice calls, sending and receiving text messages, storing a basic phone book (name and number) and displaying the time on the screen.
Source naftemporiki.gr
Source: koutipandoras.gr
