Additional modules under the LG Friends brand coming soon

Feb 21, 2016 15:34 GMT  ·  By

LG G5 presents as the world's first flagship smartphone to feature a modular design. The G5 is a bold statement that wishes to prove that LG is capable of getting past of limitations like removable battery and microSD card slot and still provide users will a premium product that features full metal body.

A modular design means that you're ready to offer customers accessories that will go with your flagship and LG announced a range of companion devices, which are generically called LG Friends.

One of the most interesting seems to be the CAM Plus, which is a camera module that can be attached through the battery slot to provide a better grip on the phone's photo capturing capabilities.

The LG CAM Plus comes with dedicated buttons for shutter, record, zoom, and LED display, but also includes its own separate 1,200 mAh battery, which adds to the 2,800 mAh battery that powers the LG G5.

Next in line, the Hi-Fi Plus with B&O Play has a long name but is, in fact, a portable Hi-Fi DAC audio player that's been developed in partnership with B&O Play.

It's meant for audiophiles that want top-notch sounds. According to LG, in addition to the up-sampling technology that was integrated into the V10 model, the new module supports 32-bit, 384KHz high-definition audio playback.

Audiophiles and photo enthusiasts targeted with a plethora of accessories

It's also worth mentioning that LG Hi-Fi Plus with B&O Play can be used either as a module with the LG G5 or as a separate Hi-Fi DAC by connecting to any smartphone or PC.

But that's not all, as LG announced the 360 CAM, a compact 360-degree angle camera that comes equipped with two 13-megapixel wide-angle cameras, 1,200 mAh battery and 4GB of storage.

The camera can be connected to the LG G5 enabling users to record 360-degree content. LG 360 CAM can capture 2K video and 5.1 surround channel recording on three mics, as well as manual mode.

All the images captured with the LG 360 CAM can be uploaded to Street View and YouTube360, but they are also available to view on the LG 360 VR or other smartphones that offer this capability.

Speaking of which, LG 360 VR is another companion device that can be connected to the LG G5 through a dedicated cable. This particular device works exclusively with the LG G5, so it's not compatible with other smartphones for the moment.

The device allows users to watch VR content while on the go and will not require you to insert the smartphone in the device since all content is transmitted through the cable.

Furthermore, the Rolling Bot is a mini BB-8 Star Wars-like robot that can capture photos and videos thanks to its integrated 8-megapixel camera.

The device can be used as a security system for the home, but also as a pet companion and remote controller for compatible home appliances. The Rolling Bot includes an IP camera that can be connected via Wi-Fi, so you can monitor the insides of your home with the LG G5 from anywhere in the world.

The LG TONE Platinum is a Bluetooth headset that, according to LG, has earned the Harman Kardon Platinum grade for its superior sound quality.

It should provide users with exceptional audio experiences thanks to the aptX HD codec, which delivers lossless 24-bit audio.

Control your drone and watch the video stream in real time from the LG G5

The Smart Controller is another interesting companion device that can be attached to the LG G5. It allows users to control drones and other smart devices. You can even watch a video stream from the drone you control on the LG G5 in real time.

Last but not least, the H3 by B&O Play high-end earphones announced by LG today are supposed to deliver the 32-bit sound of the LG Hi-Fi Plus with B7O Play. This one is compatible with all LG smartphones.

All the companion devices announced today can be connected to the LG G5 physically or over the air with an application called Friends Manager. When enabled, the application automatically detects nearby Friends and allows users to connect these companions in three simple steps.

We're now waiting for LG to reveal the prices for all these companion devices that are compatible with the G5, as well as other LG smartphones.

LG CAM Plus
LG CAM Plus

LG G5 companion devices (6 Images)

LG G5 companion devices
LG Hi-Fi Plus with B&O PLAYLG 360 CAM
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