[Seyi Agboola]

What are thoughts on branded modules? For example, a TomTom GPS module or Nike adventure module
Would you pay extra branded modules? And general thoughts.

[Neil Shah]

How about a Fitbit module which basically utilizes all the Sensors available on the watch and syncs with their Fitness Tracking app ? This could potentially be a problem if you're developing a Blocks Fitness App and want people to use that instead of the Fitbit app.
Just a suggestion I guess

But it would be nice to have branded sensor modules cause when there is an expert company who already works in the field is building a module we know it'll be accurate.
The only issue would be to make sure any 3rd party modules offer the same color and finishes as offered by you guys so there is a universal look and feel of the watch across any and every module that you choose.

[Peter]

As I don't really like brands, well not when it's too big and you pay lots and lots of money to get it.
Still I'm sure branded modules will come along with apps that are only compatible with the module of that specific brand. There is no going around.
I won't brag about it either, because Blocks is open platform. Developers will be able to create apps that will function just as good as the branded apps.

So I'm quite neutral in that case.

[KingKode]

Collaborating with a company for module development would be great. It would cause some competition in the market and could even drive competitive pricing between collaborators. However, I would not like to have any brand markings on the modules (at least not on the outside).
I also feel that a collaborating company shouldn't be able to corner the module market on a specific functionality or feature. e.g: if TomTom came out with a voice assist GPS module, Garmin should be able to do the same thing without fear that TomTom already has rights to voice assist GPS.

[butlermatt]

I think branded could actually be pretty positive to attract others to the platform. Particularly with early modules before there are several competitors. If Blocks was the only way to get a Nike Adventure module, or TomTom gps, it may be attractive to people who are brand loyal to invest in. It would also show others that if big brands could take the time to develop/partner on modules then maybe there is a lot more to look at Blocks as a platform as a whole than if modules came out that were either only released by Blocks or were a bunch of no-name brands.

[Little Kitten]

I am not really against branded ones.
for example if you have a normal one ( your own non-branded) and a branded heartrate monitor.
it all depends on how good it is. If the non-branded is better then the branded one i rather have the non-branded one.
If the branded one is better it depends on how much better is it and on the price if the performance etc are the same and its more expensive i rather get the normal one.

[electriceric]

Branded is ok with me as long as it can blend in with the watch seamlessly. A company logo on the inside of the module is fine, but I don't want a mix match of logos on the outside of the band.

Would love for a Delorme module that ties into my InReach communicator, something I can press in the event of an emergency and can't get to my backpack.

[Briang561]

I would not want to pay extra for a brand module. There could be another module that does the same function for less. But it depends on the price, performance, and user (which Little Kitten and Peter stated).

[Alessandro G.]

I agree with others here. Any brand that jumps on the bandwagon and develop a module for BLOCKS is well accepted, and they clearly have to profit from such modules. But a paid TomTom app, for instance, that requires a branded GPS module which is identical to the standard one, but can't be used with other apps, well, that is something I would have a hard time accepting. That, clearly, unless the GPS module is really different in terms of hardware, and it does introduce improvements that would justify paying more for it. Still, considering the open nature of BLOCKS, locking a GPS module to a certain app, like locking a SIM module to a certain carrier, is still something I wouldn't particularly like.

[Simtech1987]

I don't mind the idea of a branded module, but I can't say I buy goods because of a brand name. I especially wouldn't if I know I can get a near identical product for cheaper from a smaller company. I'd expect the branded modules to have significantly better hardware for the price increase, and any app the brand made that goes with the module should be free with the module, or at least mostly free.