The phone can fit into modular "jackets"

A modular mobile phone that can add features and change its design could spell the end of costly upgrades.

Israeli firm Modu has launched what it bills the world's smallest and lightest mobile phone.

The 1.5 ounce phone can be augmented by adding "jackets", connecting a camera, or GPS, or a larger screen, or it can be plugged into other devices.

"It's a unique concept not seen in the market or in major brands today," said Modu's Itay Sherman.

The basic phone is a 2.5G GSM phone, which will come with two "jackets" of the customer's choice.

"It's not just a module but a full phone in this form factor," said Mr Sherman, chief technology officer at Modu.

The company is working with partners such as Blaupunkt so the Modu phone can be plugged into a car stereo. It could also be inserted into a Dect internet/home phone and other consumer electronics devices.

Mr Sherman said: "When you want to change your phone it can be expensive, because a phone is a complex device.

But if you just want to change the look, the design or a feature like a camera then Modu is much simpler."

Modu has deals with an Israeli mobile operator and with Telecom Italia. It also is in partnership with GPS-maker Magellan and the Universal Music Group.

Would you pay more money just so you could have an unlocked iPhone?

T-Mobile is going to charge the equivalent of $1,478 for an unlocked iPhone in Germany, after deciding Wednesday to comply with a preliminary injunction issued by a court at the request of Vodafone, a rival carrier. The carrier will continue to challenge the court's decision, but it seems that locking phones to a specific carrier is against German law.

Next-generation wireless technologies hold the promise of transforming the mobile broadband landscape, according analyst firm Frost & Sullivan.

Mr Baber has been in the Himalayas since mid-April

A British climber is in the closing stages of an attempt to set a world record for the highest mobile call.

Rod Baber is making final preparations to scale Mount Everest and make the call from its north ridge.

Following weeks of acclimatisation, Mr Baber is now at base camp recuperating and checking equipment prior to beginning the actual ascent.

The expedition will begin its final push on 15 May and aims to reach the summit about eight days later.