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Google's Project Ara modular smartphone prototype detailed in video

Google's Project Ara modular smartphone prototype detailed in video

By Ketan Pratap | Updated: 4 March 2014 11:27 IST

Google gave the world its first glimpse of the Project Ara modular prototype smartphone at the 'Launch' event in San Francisco. A Project Ara team member demoed a non-functional Wi-Fi model of the first modular smartphone.

Notably, the Project Ara team member referred to Project Ara as Google Ara, indicating a transition similar to how Project Glass turned into Google Glass. Other details revealed at the Project Ara demonstration included the fact the team is producing a platform that supports three sizes of modular phones, namely: mini, a basic unit; medium, a mainstream unit, and jumbo, a phablet-style model.

The Ara team member also confirmed that the base of the entire modular phone, or the endo, would cost around $15 per unit. Project Ara's official twitter handle shared a video (see below) and said, "In case you missed it, check out the Project Ara appearance at @LAUNCH."

The Project Ara design scheme comprises of what Google calls an endoskeleton (endo) and modules. The endo is the structural frame that holds all the modules in place, while a module can be anything, from a new application processor to a new display or keyboard, an extra battery, a pulse oximeter or some other customisable hardware unit.

Google's Project Ara has been creating a lot of buzz, with the Mountain View giant saying it aims to price the first version of the modular smartphone at $50 at launch.

Google has also announced its first ever Ara Developers' Conference, scheduled to be held April 15-16 this year. We can expect to hear more details about the project at the conference, which will be held online.

The search engine giant said it would be keeping Project Ara with itself after Lenovo's announced Motorola acquisition.

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Further reading: Google Project Ara, Modular Smartphones, Mobiles, Google Advanced Technology and Projects group, Google, Motorola, Project Ara

Ketan Pratap

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Ketan Pratap is the editor at Gadgets 360 - with over 12 years of experience covering the technology domain. With a breadth and depth of knowledge in the field, he's done extensive work across news, features, reviews, and opinion pieces. But what's truly inspiring about Ketan is how he spends his free time. He's often found gazing at snow-capped mountains from over 20,000 feet while sitting on the hood of his car, taking in the breathtaking beauty of nature. His passion for the great ...More