Some clever technology there, but I 'm still not convinced that the benefits are worth it over the disadvantages.

I think it will really come down to pricing. If it has really good price, and when you want some part to be upgraded (like a better camera, more ram, better screen) and the parts are cheap, then I think it's definitely worth it.

Production costs will be higher than a single PCB phone, if there is any traction on this modular phone, the current phone manufacturers will probably drop their margins until it can't compete in the mainstream market.

It's a cool idea, but yeah, just have to wait and see if it really takes hold.

I just find it funny that my PC is modular, and phones may become modular, but my laptop is still locked into a single configuration and not upgradable other than memory/hard drive.

I suspect the hardest part is getting manufacturers to let go of control. One thing that pissed me off about Android is that here we have a phone/mobile computing operating system that is upgradeable, but yet, whether or not you get those upgrades is pretty much determined by the manufacturer, because they lock you into their "flavor" of Android. That's like Dell telling you that you can't install certain patches on your computer, or upgrade to a new OS, What's that? you want to install Linux, nope sorry, we're going to try to prevent you from doing that.

..unless of course you root your phone to upgrade it yourself, but that voids your warranty.

Imagine the components that could be made though.

From Cameras to speakers. this style of device could be the next wave towards a true tri-corder device.
One device that transforms to the niche of every user. fully customizable hardware.

The best part is the consumer can upgrade the parts they care about the most. One person may remove the camera, the next will insert a 50megapixel zoom lens camera. It's up to the developing community to devise the components but the entire concept is sound!
Think of a musician, maybe they could snap in a mini keyboard, or an advanced Mic, or maybe some Bose speakers.
A doctor could snap in a mini scanner or blood testing device.
An engineer could have tools that he may need or there could be tools aimed at any job or hohby out there.

Fully customizable.....

of course, it could be used in reverse as well, a camera sized tool that snaps onto a larger device as a controller or a hard drive, or just the computing power that drives the larger device. I mean it's a portable computer with endless connections and possibilities...

research worth exploring in any case.... not sure why i would personally choose this product over a unified galaxy or an iphone though