Suppose your mobile phone was the size of an iPod nano. Now suppose you could slip that nano into different phone shells, jackets or “modules”, turning your device into a personally unique expression each time. The jackets were affordable, allowing you to switch up the look/feel/purpose of your mobile phone affordably and often. Some of the “jackets” might look like this:

This is the idea behind Modu, an Israeli company that according to the Guiness Book of World Records, is the lightest mobile phone with complete functionality. With complete FCC approval for that tiny device, manufacturers can openly create the “jackets” like the one seen above to act as the wrapper for the phone. This takes phone cases, GSM cards and collides the two worlds into an alternate galaxy that could quite possibly find success.

When I first saw this story on TechCrunch, I immediately thought of the upcoming LG Versa. But whereas the Versa takes one major form and simply extends it, Modu promises to completely alter forms like a mobile chameleon of sorts. Or mobile transformer. Or something mobile that changes completely around – you get the point, don’t you?

The company’s CEO and inventor of the USB Flash Drive – Dan Moran – puts the concept into perspective in this interesting 5 minutes video:

Modu is launching at the Mobile World Congress and their press release shows off four of the Modu jackets that will be available when the device goes on sale at the beginning of the second quarter:

• Night jacket: inspired by the nightlife scene, this jacket includes futuristic styling with an edgy keypad, flashing lights, night mode imaging and a unique graphical user interface
• Street-art jacket: capturing the expressive and vibrant street art scene, this jacket fea tures stereo speak ers and dedicated music keys for a powerful music experience
• Classic jacket: designed to fit the everyday needs of a modern lifestyle, this jacket carries all essential mobile communication features with an air of elegance and fine taste
• Express jacket: this jacket transforms the modu phone and user interface with a rain bow of fun, playful flavors

Float or sink?