Smartphone Camera External Lens Standard

In recent years, we've seen some fairly impressive changes in the Digital Single-Lens Reflex (DSLR) market.  The micro four thirds system has allowed the physical size of digital cameras to be reduced.  Digital cameras have flourished in the modern era, but smartphones have taken center stage as they include a camera and mobility. Yet the of idea combining the use of a smartphone camera with a digital external lens may make, at least amateur, photography a new renaissance.

Currently smartphone cameras have no standard placement on the backs (and fronts) of the smartphone chassis.  Although the Apple iPhone does often remain in the same location, since the size and shape of the device changes, it does not lend itself to a standard.  Of course the smartphone manufacturer would also like to be able to distinguish itself from others and not leave the user out in the cold with junk hardware.  But if a standard could be developed, all cameras could have an impressive added feature.

For now with the odd locations and specs of smartphone cameras there does not seem to be a simple way to adapt the smartphone to an external camera.   This may be solved in a number of ways.

1. A thin space around the surface circumference of the lens could be modeled to have a slot lock to secure an external add-on
2. The external lens could operate independently of the smartphone camera.  It could rather be a completely separate device that is merely connecting to the smartphone via Bluetooth or WiFi.
3. A new standard wireless interface for external lenses could be added to smartphones. 
4. All smartphone manufacturers could coordinate to put their cameras in the same location on the device (highly unlikely).

Sony has been rumored to have come the closest to this ideal, running with number (2) in the list.  Hopefully, we may soon see this idea take shape.  According to SonyAlphaRumors.com the Sony DSC-QX10 and DSC-QX100 may have built-in camera sensors, Bionz processor, WiFi, NFC, and an extra SD-card slot.  This would allow the phone to do the photo processing, storage and possibly transmission. We may expect to see these idea appear in early September 2013.

Although the Sony QX series may not fit an actual standard, it's at least a step in the right direction.