Module "Moto Mods" which greatly extends the function of smartphone Review

Smartphone released by Motorola in October 2016Moto Z"Moto Z Play"There is an external module group called Moto Mods, which can boost the performance of the camera, transform smartphones into projectors, and strengthen speakers. Since I was able to borrow a complete set of this module from Motorola this time, I tried various functions.

◆Moto Z & Moto Z Play
The purple logo is Moto Z, and the green logo is the box of Moto Z Play.


The contents look like this, Moto Z, the moto logo above the home button, Moto Z Play on the top of the bezel.


There is no big difference.


However, the thinness is higher for Moto Z. That's it, Moto Z has no earphone jack. Moto Z Play is thick, there is an earphone jack. In both cases, the USB port is Type-C.


Power button and volume button on the right side of the screen.


Ceiling. SIM card slot only here.


There are no buttons, switches at all on the left side.


Characteristic is the back. A unique terminal can be seen downward. This is for connecting with an external module.


In addition, the body is quite thin, the lens part of the camera is slightly protruding.


The attached charger is a turbocharger compatible with high-speed charging.


◆Moto Style Shell
The features of Moto Z and Moto Z Play are modular. The most versatile of that module is the rear panel, "Moto Style Shell". By default it comes with one, but you can install a more stylish premium cover.


Because the installation is strong magnet type ......


Just cling to it. I can not come off by putting it in my pocket or swinging a smartphone for a while.


Even on the same terminal, just changing the cover changes the impression a lot. In the Garrage eraDress up mobileI remember.


When setting this panel, the protrusion of the camera part will be just flat.


◆Hasselblad True Zoom
One of the most outstanding modules is "Hasselblad zoom zoom". Both Moto Z and Moto Z Play have a built-in camera, but it is a module that makes it significantly power up.


The back side looks like this, since the camera lens is attached to the module, cushions are attached to the camera part of the smartphone.


When attached to Moto Z Play this looks like this.


Shutter button and zoom ring, and power button. The power supply to the module is done via the terminal on the back side and you can use it immediately without attaching it just by installing it. Use the power button to turn off the power at the end of the camera module. In addition, it is said that the module supports most camera applications, and even when the application is finished, the module use is terminated.


When power is on, the lens extends like this.


Looking from the front side, it looks like that compact digital camera.


Incidentally, the lens has a 10 × zoom of 4.5 - 45 mm, F value is 3.5 - 6.5. Smartphone is not very good at telephotography, but it is strong, but on the other hand impression that approaching game is not good. Telephoto performance is the most subtracted from this ... ...


You can get close to here (taken from the same position as the photo above). However, for example, when you say "shoot the details of delicious dishes that came out at a restaurant", you probably can not adjust the focus, so it seems to be better to take a picture with a built-in smartphone camera by removing the module.


By the way, when you use it, I realize that the temperature of the whole smartphone rises. This is a thermography picture of Moto Z Play and Charging smartphone (Moto Z) and Moto Z Play just after finishing a series of shots.


The temperature is about 40 degrees in the grip part. Although it will not be as hot as I can not have it, I feel that the whole device clearly comes out frankly.


◆Moto Insta-Share Projector
A bit strange is an external projector module called "Moto Insta-Share Projector". It has feet and can be projected from various angles.


Projection on the wall just about 20 cm apart, so it may be smaller projected image in magnification as it is close.


I tried putting iPhone SE for comparison as to how much size it could be projected. Although it may be rude to say "surprising", it is possible to project large size. Focus can also be adjusted, and it will be impossible to read letters if it is as large as a home projector, but if you look at 2 or 3 people you can spread to as much as no problem.


On YouTubeMovie "GANTZ: O" book trailer videoI tried playing it.


There is a fan-shaped light outside the slightly square projection screen. Because it is projecting with a projector at a considerably angle, it is thanks to automatic keystone correction.


Incidentally, if the projection is directly from the front, the correction will work but if it is from the side it seems that the correction does not work well.


Since the projector will inevitably have heat, this module has a built-in fan and exhaust will start as soon as it is in use. As this will continue as you watch the video, you may be curious that it's an environment where you can not raise the volume much. The state of the sound of the fan is like this.

Noise check of Moto Insta-Share Projector - YouTube


However, thanks to the fans, the heat seemed to be missing from the camera.


◆JBL SoundBoost Speaker
"JBL SoundBoost Speaker" is also a powerful module.


Like the camera module, it is very thick ...


When you install it, you put a smartphone in your pocket and carry it a little bit.


When you release the middle foot, you can fix the smartphone at an oblique angle.


It is perfect for listening to music and watching images ...... but I feel sorry that the speaker is facing away from the screen.


So, I tried to move around the smartphone to see how it sounds when I play music.

Music playback with MOTO MODS JBL SoundBoost speaker - YouTube


Music playback with MOTO MODS JBL SoundBoost speaker Part 2 - YouTube


Although you can still benefit from the screen side, you will still feel that the maximum effect is obtained on the back side. Although it does not matter much when music is played ... ....

◆Incipio offGRID Power Pack
There is one more module. It may be the most practical, it is an external battery.


When I look at the charging screen, battery contents are displayed under the main unit. This is 200%.


The capacity is 2220 mAh. Together with other modules, it is safe in case of emergency.