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Google To Launch Modular Smartphones In 2015

2015 is going to be a huge year for the smartphone industry. Google recently announced plans to launch a series of new modular-based smartphones in 2015, offering users an even greater level of customization and personalization. So if you’re tired of using the same generic mobile handset, keep your eyes peeled for the Mountain View company’s ingenious new devices.

Known as Project Ara, Google’s upcoming smartphones will consist of swappable components. Want to upgrade your device’s camera? Instead of purchasing a brand new smartphone (the only viable solution as of now), you can swap it out for a new and improved camera. Project Ara smartphones are designed with removable/interchangeable components, meaning users can swap out components like the camera, processor, RAM, etc.

We’ve known about Project Ara for quite some time, as Google first announced it several months ago at the annual I/O software-developer conference in San Francisco, California. However, a spokesperson for the Mountain View company recently published an update on Google Plus, revealing possible component manufacturers of Project Ara.

Project Ara

Modular Mobiles

For the AP modules, we have been working with our friends at Marvell and NVIDIA to create two separate reference designs and form factor module prototypes around their PXA1928 and Tegra K1 processors, respectively, using a Toshiba UniPro bridge ASIC to connect to the on-device network. You can anticipate seeing these as part of the reference designs in our upcoming MDK v0.20 release. (The Rockchip AP with native UniPro that we blogged about previously is coming along nicely and will be ready in time for our Spiral 3 prototype in the Spring.),” wrote a Google spokesperson in a Google Plus post.

According to Project Ara team leader Paul Eremenko, there are two application processors which are currently being used in the device: NVIDIA Tegra K1, which is already used in the Nexus 9 tablet, and a new 64-bit chip from Marvel. Rumors suggest that Google is also experimenting with a third chip produced by Rockchip.

Having the ability to swap out a smartphone’s components will certainly attract some consumers, but whether or not it’s a viable long-term business strategy remains to be seen. Critics say it’s nothing more than a gimmick with no real value. Until we see a working device in person though, we really can’t make any definitive statements regarding Project Ara.

Google’s line of Project Ara smartphones is expected to launch next year. Pricing and details remain unknown at this time, but you can check out http://www.projectara.com/ for all of the latest news surrounding the company’s bold new project.

What do you think of Google’s Project Ara smartphone?

About Chris Cooper

Chris's engineering degree has brought his exceptional technical knowledge to the world of memory and anything computer related. Our resident expert of the team loves nothing more then getting his teeth into the technical nitty gritty. Yawn, yawn I hear you all say. Loves to game (can do a 360 no scope headshot!) - Once met Kylie Minogue - Is campaigning for our next premises to be closer to that famous Scottish restaurant (McDonalds). Email - chris.c@offtek.co.uk
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