element14 has signed an agreement to be the exclusive global distribution and manufacturing partner of Motorola for its new maker and developer-focused Moto Mods Development Kit (MDK). The MDK is designed to connect to the new Motorola Moto Z smartphone and enable makers to create their own Moto Mods, creating, custom applications that transform the capabilities of your smartphone in a snap. The kit is available to buy exclusively from element14 in the United States today, with global availability expected for fall of 2016.

element14 is the leading manufacturer and distributor for the maker and developer market and the number one supplier of single board computers. Now, by partnering exclusively with element14 for the launch of the new Moto Mods Development Kit, Motorola is also entering this space to offer the potential to revolutionize the future capabilities of the smartphone. This new partnership also further extends element14’s reach within this community and supports its position as a champion of makers and developers.

From today, owners of any Moto Z smartphone can buy the MDK exclusively from element14 to be able to quickly prototype Moto Mods, which instantly transform your smartphone into an entirely new device, doing what no other phone can do. Moto Mods magnetically snap onto your phone, seamlessly becoming one with it, temporarily changing it into a speaker, a projector or any number of other devices.

The opportunity to get involved in the development of Moto Mods is made possible by the revolutionary Moto Mod Smart Surface. The smart surface means that Moto Mods can be snapped onto the back of the Moto Z smartphone, enabling users to customize their phone without the need for internal integration. This unique capability means developers across the globe can design and commercialize their own Moto Mod, and users can change the personality and capabilities of their smartphone as quickly and easily as taking off one Mod and snapping on another.

Motorola has chosen element14 to exclusively take this new product to the market globally, reflecting element14’s position as a champion for makers and developers, its global footprint and experience in this growing market. The Moto Mods Development Kit is a true game changer for the smartphone industry. A technology that was once only available to industry insiders is now available to everyone – offering them the opportunity to help build an ecosystem that will change the future of mobile.

The Moto Mods Development Kit includes everything users need to connect to their Moto Z smartphone and begin prototyping instantly. Included is a Perforated Board to solder components to, an example cover and a Reference Moto Mod. All of the components of the kit will also be available for purchase separately from element14.

element14 is also offering the Motorola HAT Adapter Board to extend the Reference Moto Mod for use with existing Raspberry Pi HATs, and Motorola’s Personality Cards (Audio, Battery, Display and Sensor), with open-sourced electrical and mechanical schematics, Moto Mods firmware, and Android Apps that serve as examples of how users can create their own prototypes.

The Moto Mods Development Kit, HAT Adapter Board, Personality Cards, and spare Perforated Boards are available to buy now at MCM Electronics and Newark element14 in the United States. The products will be available to buy in other markets starting this fall.

To learn more about the Moto Mods Development Kit and place an order today, visit LINK.

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Following the launch of the Raspberry Pi3 in February, element14, the market leading manufacturer and distributor of the Raspberry Pi is today announcing the launch of two new upgraded cameras. The Raspberry Pi Camera v2 and Raspberry Pi NoIR Camera v2 further enhance the application of the best selling credit-card sized computer and are in stock to buy today from element14.

Both new official Raspberry Pi cameras have been upgraded to 8MP and feature an image sensor that enables the board to capture 3280 x 2464 pixel static images. The v2 cameras have the same video capability as the original cameras supporting 1080p30, 720p60 and 640x480p90 video, and link to the Raspberry Pi board through a dedicated CSi interface. The NoIR camera v2 has a No InfraRed (NoIR) filter on the lens which makes it the perfect option for infrared photography and taking pictures in lowlight environments.

The new v2 cameras are backwards compatible with all Raspberry Pi boards and have the same footprint and weight as the previous 5MP cameras. The Raspberry Pi Camera v2 and Raspberry Pi NoIR Camera v2 are available at the same $25 price through element14.

The camera modules tiny size (25mm x 35mm x9mm) enables them to feature at the centre of some of the most eye-catching projects, including sending weather balloons into the stratosphere. The new cameras are ideal for applications including low-light photography (NoIR Camera), drones, CCTV, weather stations, school projects and more.

Claire Doyle, Global Head of Raspberry Pi at element14, said:

The camera modules have been two of our most popular accessories and the upgraded versions will let users capture higher quality images in both day and low-light settings. Whether it’s for CCTV, home automation, weather stations, drones or even sending into space, we’re looking forward to seeing the photographs and videos from the next generation of Raspberry Pi cameras.

To highlight the capability of the new v2 cameras element14 is launching a social media ‘top 5 photos & videos’ competition, inviting people to submit their best photo or video for their chance to win. For more details search @element14 on Twitter.

element14 offers the full range of accessories for the Raspberry Pi, including exclusive boards and add-on modules to enable new and innovative projects. For more information visit www.element14.com/raspberrypi