A valid point! The economics of integration seems to be driving us towards single boxes which suit stifled competition? Is there an opening here for a non-man

A valid point! The economics of integration seems to be driving us towards single boxes which suit stifled competition? Is there an opening here for a non-manufacturing "open" standards body to emerge? They could publish mechanical specifications for a "click together phone" and a specification for a simple electrical bus/interconnect (use USB for everything?) One could envisage a series of standard exterior cases, based on a common unit of measure. Each case might contain openings for screen, camera, connectors, etc. according to the type of device. Inside the case would be spaces for internal modules, also based on the common unit of measure, not specific to any one type of module and with interfaces in standard positions. Exterior cases in the series might include: * Smartphone * Tablet * Laptop * Desktop * Media player Such a movement could arise from the Makerspace movement, as it would be a relatively low cost thing to do? One can imagine a website with specification documents and 3D printer files for the various module outlines. People would then be free to experiment on making new components within this ecosystem. --- Edit: I'm pessimistic that the above would progress past a hobbyist level as the economics favours an integrated approach, unless it spurs a level of competition and innovation that undercuts the premiums being charged by the makers of walled gardens.