Google Project Ara Modular Smartphone Release Date -Early 2015

source: http://www.latinpost.com/articles/13348/20140524/google-project-ara-modular-smartphone-release-date-basic-phone-costs-50-including-basic-modules-endo-alone-costs-15.htm

Google Project Ara Modular Smartphone Release Date: Basic Phone Costs $50 Including Basic Modules, Endo Alone Costs $15

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By Kevin Li (staff@latinpost.com)

First Posted: May 24, 2014 12:25 PM EDT

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(Photo : Facebook/Project Ara)

Google is preparing for the release of its Project Ara, which is set for early 2015.

Project Ara is a device that will allow users to create their own smartphones and modify the phone per their needs. Providing Project Ara three types of processors is Toshiba, which will consist of chips that will be incorporated in the phone and in different modules.

Featuring an endoskeleton, the phone will have various modules on its front and back. The users can add 5 - 10 modules based on the size of the skeleton so it can complete different functions. To regulate data flow, various processors are needed between different components. The modules are used for plugin and plugout elements, such as putting in a new processor, battery, display, and keyboard as well as removing the old ones.

Alternatively, the endoskeleton has a structural frame, is 10 mm thick with modules in specific areas, and is available in three sizes -- mini, medium and large. More modules are featured on the large sizes compared to the mini sizes. The frame allows users to add objects such as a credit card reader or camera that fastens to the frame. The frame is either made of molded metal or polycarbonate material.

Google's Project Ara phone is anticipated to be a sell out in a year at $50 which would include the basic modules. Additional payment would be required for the advanced modules and can be bought from different developers. Project Ara phone endoskeletons are estimated to be $15.Toshiba joined Google in October 2013 to work on Project Ara.Toshiba was the lone approved Japanese supplier. It will also be the phone's only chipmaker after it is launched in a year.

The idea of creating Project Ara started in the Advanced Technology Group of Motorola. Since the group was not included in the imminent buyout of Motorola to Lenovo, the project was transferred to Google. The original plan was to build upgradable and customizable modular smartphones.