Nexpaq is a LEGO-like case that adds new features to your smartphone

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Nexpaq allows you to easily personalize, enhance and add features to your smartphone, all through its case.

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Though Project Ara smartphones are still in the development stage, it is becoming increasingly more apparent that modular smartphones, which allow a user to interchange between components like a bigger battery, a high-res camera or a thermometer, will soon become the norm. Similar to Google’s concept and a few others we’ve seen in recent months, Nexpaq is a smartphone case that enables users to add new features and functions to their existing device. Rather than having to go out and purchase a new gadget, the recently-launched Kickstarter project will let you just swap out a module for another.

At the moment, Nexpaq is only compatible with the iPhone 6, Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge and Samsung Galaxy S5, though its creators reveal that support for other smartphones is in the works. Modules are not hardware specific and can be used on both Android and iOS devices.

The case simply clips onto the back of a phone and features six empty slots for modules. These are controlled using an accompanying mobile app, which automatically updates itself whenever a new module is detected. Beyond that, Nexpaq features a 1000mAh battery that is tasked with providing some extra power to the device and the attached modules. Even if a Nexpaq is not attached to the phone, a user can still switch on the case and remotely control its modules via Bluetooth using the app.

In total, there are currently 12 modules — which come in black and white with vibrant red, lime green and pink trims — with plenty more to come. These include enhanced battery power, an amplified speaker, an SD card reader, a flashlight, an air quality monitor, a 64GB flash drive, a thermometer, a breathalyzer, and a dummy piece to fill in the blank spaces.

“It’s important for us to build an open platform so you can dream up module ideas and developers make them a reality,” the Los Angeles-based startup writes. That’s why they have gone ahead and created a developer kit in hopes of building a community and marketplace for users and tinkerers to share their latest concepts.

Want a Nexpaq for your smartphone? Head over to its official Kickstarter page, where its team has already surpassed its $50,000 goal in a matter of days. Shipment is expected to kick off in January 2016, with Developer Kits available come August 2015.