Google’s modular smartphone, Project Ara, is expected to enter a new phase early next year. Project Ara is a concept pioneered by the Advanced Technology and Projects (ATAP) group at Google Inc. aimed at the realization of a fully modular mobile device. Users can assemble and customize the phone by combining different components.

The project recently provided developers with guidelines on creating a mobile device with unique features. Project Ara devices are expected to debut during 2015 with the first devices appearing on the market.

The marketing of modular smartphone will be launched later this year in Puerto Rico, and then to the other territories. Confirmation came during Project Ara DevCon2 in January, during which Google revealed technical details for developers.

Second Project Ara Developer Conference

During the second Project Ara Developer Conference, Google provided an electronic skeleton that has a lot of connections that can handle hot-swappable modules (i.e. capable of interchange with the device turned on.) These modules interact to form a complete device.

For now, the modules are limited to what would be expected from conventional smartphone: screen, headset, speakerphone, Bluetooth and WiFi, 3G module, camera, MicroUSB, battery and processor. However, manufacturers are free to create any other modules, sensors, or functions.

Project Ara’s ambition is to produce a smartphone that can be modified on the fly.

The team working on the project has developed a new contactless connection system, which allows individual modules to integrate easily, reducing footprint and maintaining the content without compromising durability. Users will be able to handle the functionality of the modules through an application called Ara Manager.

An Ara Manager App will also be introduced to facilitate user interactions with modules. The Ara Manager App will allow users to get detailed information on all the modules currently attached to their device and swap them.

Module Developer Kit – version 2

Google has released the second version of its Module Developers Kit (MDK 0.2), providing full details on how to create the best modules for Project Ara. The new version includes a number of hardware and software improvements.

For the distribution of the new kit, Google has partnered with world class companies such as NK Labs, LeafLabs, New Deal Design, Metamorph Software, X5 Systems, Toshiba, Mixel, Quanta, Opersys, Linux Solutions, Linaro, BayLibre, NewOldBits, Oxford Systems, Foxconn and IDT Systems. The enhancements are those in line with the prototype called Spiral 2, which include a chip made ​​by Toshiba specifically for the project.

The new MDK also provides an overview of the new Ara Module Marketplace, an e-commerce portal that allows the marketing of modules, from producers to users. Google will join the companies interested in the sales phase, dealing with the payment process and ensuring that the hardware components comply with the technical specifications required. A third-party partners (not yet announced) will handle shipments.

Image credit: linuxtechtips.com