A startup takes inspiration from the Project Ara modular smartphone to provide a means for customers to add further functionality to their current smartphones-- the Nexpaq, "a truly modular smartphone case.”

Like the Project Ara, the Nexpaq concept consists of swappable physical modules one can slot in a case clipping to the smartphone's back. The case features a built-in 1000mAh battery and space for up to 6 modules, which come in 12 varieties. These include an additional battery, amplified speaker, SD card reader, LED flashlight, 64GB flash drive, thermometer, air quality monitor and breathalyser.

A companion app handles the various modules, and updates automatically as soon as it detects a new module. Users can even swap modules while the phone is on, and all the hardware is usable with both Android and iOS devices.

The Nexpaq will be compatible with the iPhone 6, Samsung Galaxy S6 and the Galaxy S5, although the makers are also considering other popular devices. Unsurprisingly the device is currently available as a Kickstarter preorder, and should start shipping from January 2016.

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