Project Ara
Back in
March,
we told you about Project Ara – Google’s foray into the world of
modular smartphones. Project Ara will enable users to upgrade their
phones without trading them in. With Project Ara, users will buy a phone
kit that comes fully stocked with an endoskeleton and components such
as a camera, screen, etc. Then, as specific parts become obsolete, they
can be replaced individually instead of exchanging the whole device.
If you have a nice car, but you want to upgrade your wheels, you
shouldn’t have to trade in the whole vehicle. Similarly, modular
smartphones can be customized and tweaked one part at a time. This model
should allow users to upgrade their devices more affordably over a
longer period of time.
Map of Components
Google recently announced that the first modular smartphone kits
should be available for only $50 in January, 2015. While Google will
provide the base for the phone, it’s survival ultimately depends on how
many manufacturers are willing to produce compatible modules. The
success of the modular smartphone will also depend heavily on the
creativity of developers, who will help to shape the user experience.
Google still needs to tweak Android to support the modular components,
so it should be interesting to see if the team meets its self-imposed
January deadline.
Modular smartphones will take customization to new levels. Instead of
just choosing a phone color or case, users will be able to pick the
exact components that fit their usage needs. Components will be attached
to the endoskeleton via magnets, and many of the modular pieces will be
printed using gigantic 3D printers. In just a few months, we should see
the first generation of the Project Ara device, so stay tuned for more
exciting updates!
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