Rather than push for more and more integration, giving tiny but extremely complicated devices where only a small amount of the functionality will ever be used, they have gone for a modular approach where lego-like modules click together to add features.

The BUGbase unit contains the main processor, a small LCD, connectivity via USB, Wifi and Ethernet plus the battery power supply. It has a host of electronics industry standard interfaces and four BUGmodule connectors. These are the real soul of the system; optional and interchangeable modules can contain functionality such as GPS, displays, motion sensors or cameras. You pick the functionality you want at that moment in time, clip it together and use it in a reassuringly clunky old style manner.

This particular incarnation isn’t likely to set the world on fire; it is too big and not properly refined – yet there is something about it that makes you just want to pick it up and see what configurations you can come up with. Do you want the display on the same side as the camera for a self portrait or video call? Just plug them both onto one side of the module. For a more traditional camera look, unplug the display and plug it in on the other side.

Bug Labs claim that these will be imminently available, but pricing hasn’t yet been announced.