Korean technology company LG is reportedly looking to create a global ecosystem of modules to augment its existing set of modular accessories for the new G5 smartphone.
According to a report from Korean news agency ET News, LG is hoping to expand its current line of “LG Friends” modules that plug into the G5 to encompass a global lineup of modules in an ecosystem called the “LG Playground.”
ET News reported LG recently co-hosted a developer conference for the G5 in Korea and will follow up with another conference in San Francisco next month.
LG is also planning to launch software and hardware development kits for the ecosystem through its development site next month, ET News said. Additionally, the company will open an “online market” for Friends products in mid-April.
In a statement to ET News, LG Electronics CTO An Seung-kwon said the company is planning from a “long term perspective” and said the LG Playground ecosystem will eventually function with other products aside from the G5 that have yet to be developed.
Launched last month, LG’s G5 has been billed as the company’s “first ever modular smartphone.”
The device was rolled out alongside an initial selection of companion devices – the LG Friends – that enhance the phone’s features. The collection currently includes the LG CAM Plus camera attachment, LG Hi-Fi Plus with B&O PLAY audio system, LG 360 VR, LG 360 CAM, LG Rolling Bot and LG Smart Controller for drones.
All four tier-1 U.S. wireless carriers, as well as U.S. Cellular, have announced plans to carry the phone.
