[http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2011/09/mico-modu-patent-0923-2011.jpg](http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/23/microsoft-patents-modular-windows-phone-with-swappable-batteries/)
We’ve seen slider phones with speakers, gamepads, and of course, the standard keypad – but what if you want to swap out your slider accessory for something new? A new patent from Microsoft is exploring the possibility, showing off a concept smartphone with a sliding modular bay. Tired of that keyboard? Replace it with a gamepad, or a life-giving battery pack. According to the patent claims, some of the modular components would even function wirelessly, citing a touchscreen module which doubles as a wireless handset or a media remote. Neat? You bet, but we wouldn’t get our hopes up – Microsoft typically keeps out of the handset manufacturing game, and the last modular phone to pique our interest didn’t exactly make a splash.Microsoft patents modular Windows Phone with swappable batteries, keyboard, and gamepad originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 23 Sep 2011 09:14:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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