The Cyrcle Phone is a product from dTOOR, a company run by two former Microsoft employees. Its bare-bones, circular phone is a popular choice for consumers looking for a simple alternative to the smartphones on the market. To show off the open-source magic of the Cyrcle Phone, dTOOR is offering phone-building classes in which participants can leave with their own functional device.
While taking the class will provide consumers with a working Cyrcle Phone (equipped with a GSM SIM card so the phone is ready for texting and calling right away,) the real value comes in the lessons learned. After the class, all a student will need is a 3D printer and a new GSM SIM card to create their own circular phones whenever they so please. The class doesn't only provide a device, but knowledge too.
Phone-Building Classes
'dTOOR' is Teaching Consumers to 3D Print Cyrcle Phones
Trend Themes
1. Open-source Hardware - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Developing open-source hardware that empowers consumers to create their own devices.
2. Alternative Smartphones - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Creating simple and unique alternatives to traditional smartphones.
3. Hands-on Education - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Offering hands-on classes that teach consumers how to build their own tech products.
Industry Implications
1. Consumer Electronics - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Exploring new ways to customize and personalize consumer electronics through open-source designs.
2. Education and Training - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Providing hands-on education and training programs that empower individuals to create their own tech products.
3. Telecommunications - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Developing alternative phone designs and technologies that cater to a niche market seeking simplicity and uniqueness.