One of the headline features of LG’s upcoming G5 handset has to be the inclusion of a Magic Slot, speculated to allow various plug-and-play accessories to be used with the G5. Known as ‘G5 and Friends’, the range of components are said to be controlled by an app to be called LG Friends Manager.
From what we know so far, there’s just two modules compatible with the technology which will be announced alongside the G5 this weekend in Barcelona; a battery grip for photography and a high-quality digital audio converter (DAC) for improved sound.
The battery back, shown above thanks to Android Authority, known as the LG Cam Plus, includes an additional 1,100 mAh battery, as well as providing an easier grip to make mobile photography a bit easier. The bulk of the accessory also houses buttons for common features, including shutter release, zoom, and toggling the flash.
The second module, the Digital Audio Converter, is the result of a partnership with Bang and Olufsen to develop a high quality audio module. The LG HiFi Plus hasn’t been spotted in the wild yet, though it’s speculated it’ll enable high quality close to real-time audio for the G5, something that audiophiles are bound to enjoy.
There’s speculation there’ll be a range of other accessories launched alongside or shortly after the G5, including the smart cover (which we’ve already talked about), a pair of virtual reality devices in the form of the LG 360 VR headmounted viewer and LG 360 Cam to take immersive, 360º photos, as well as a camera- and speaker-equipped smartphone-controlled drone called simply the Rolling Bot. This last one sounds absolutely fascinating, capable of rolling around the house, interacting with smart appliances and more.
While the G5 and Friends will be announced this Sunday, there’s no firm details on when they’ll become available to buy, though smart money suggests it’ll be late March or early April before they’re on sale here … though we’re happy to be proven wrong.
Here’s a question.
Would it be possible for LG to use their ‘magic slot’ to add Project Tango functionality to the G5?
A battery bulge and DAC don’t seem particularly ‘magic’ – but an add on to give Tangoish 3D depth sensing …. well that would be another matter. And LG have form with Tango.
Camera/battery bump looks very similar to the one available for the Nokia Lumia 1020 a few years ago. I had one of those & they were a beast of a camera & the case was good when travelling etc but a bit silly for day to day use.
If that battery bump is what it takes to have a phone that will reliably survive on a single charge from morning until night, that’s a price I’m willing to pay.
With that bump you must expect more than a day off charge.