Snap-on module for selectively installing receiving element(s) to a mobile device

A method for selectively installing a snap-on module to a mobile device, wherein one or more antennas or sensors are interconnected to the snap-on module, the method comprising:

• providing the mobile device that includes a body and a processing unit housed within the body for running at least one application, wherein the body includes a forward end and a rearward end, and wherein the rearward end includes an electronic interface that supports engagement with a charging dock;
• engaging the snap-on module to the electronic interface of the mobile device, wherein engaging comprises:
• (a) physically assembling the snap-on module to the body of the mobile device;
• and
• (b) automatically establishing a communication path between the snap-on module and the processing unit of the mobile device via the electronic interface;
• installing the one or more antennas or sensors externally to the body of the mobile device such that the one or more antennas or sensors are located proximate to the forward end of the mobile device;
• and
• interconnecting the one or more antennas or sensors to the snap-on module using at least one media-routing conduit, wherein the at least one media routing conduit is configured to carry signals from the one or more antennas or sensors to the snap-on module for distribution as an input to the at least one application running on the processing unit.

A modular device comprising:

• a mobile device that includes a casing and a processor protected by the casing, wherein the casing includes a first end and a second end, and wherein the second end exposes an electronic interface that is operably coupled to the processor;
• at least one battery that resides internally within the casing of the mobile device, wherein the electronic interface of the mobile device is designed to dock with a charger that distributes power to the at least one battery;
• a module that physically and electrically engages to the electronic interface at the second end of the mobile device, wherein engagement establishes a communication path between the module and the processor;
• one or more receiving elements that are assembled externally to the first end of the casing of the mobile device, wherein the one or more receiving elements comprises at least one of antennas or sensors;
• and
• one or more media routing conduits that interconnect the one or more receiving elements, respectively, to the module, wherein the one or more media routing conduits are configured to carry signals from the one or more receiving elements to the processor via the module.