In the past there had been options to custom build a smartphone from the ground-up. You chose the processor, camera and a various other little tid-bits. That was many years ago though and the end result was fairly expensive if you want something ‘special’. When Google sold Motorola to Lenovo one thing they kept their hands on was Project Ara. That was the modular smartphone design that allows you to pick and choose your pieces and build your device. It goes a bit further though since you will be able to buy just the upgraded parts you want and not a whole new device. For instance, you opt for a 8MP camera now and then later down the road you want a 13MP camera. With Project Ara you can just buy the upgraded camera module and swap it out.
The main chassis is a 3 newton permanent magnet that helps to magnetically lock in the various modular pieces. This is for the industrial prototype of course where as the actually physical version will be different. The chassis, endoskeleton, will house a small battery and is said to be $15 each. He goes over the module pieces and we find out that the casing are 3D printed. Meaning anyone with a 3D printer can print up and module housing part at anytime to change out the look of their device. This also means that anyone can print up their own and sell them too. You really just need to take a look. Start at the 6 minute marker.
Update– Looks like the video has been flipped to private. So sad, there was some good info in there. We will leave the video in place in case it returns.
The whole concept is quite interesting. I really like the low-end concept of the “gray” device that he goes over at about 12:20. That is where he talks about a very basic version with a display, a battery, a processor and Wi-Fi module for just $50. Interestingly enough, many of you might remember when Motorola’s CEO said  a $50 phone is do able. You could argue that it really isn’t a phone with Wi-Fi only, but with more than enough apps that allow VoIP calling and plenty of people only needing a device in their home, it really is possible.
Obviously the $50 version isn’t going to be the big deal about Project Ara. The big thing about Project Ara is going to be the MDK , the free and open sourced modular developer kit. That alone will allow anyone anywhere to build and create a module sell it individually. For instance, Beats by Dre could create a speaker module and sell it to you directly, or Lenmar could make a high capacity battery module that you could swap out when you needed. The possibilities are endless, especially since the modules would be individual pieces, the manufacturers or creator of the module wouldn’t have a licensing fee to build it and it would keep the costs affordable and your entire device experience customizable at a whim.
Personally I can’t wait for 2015 to get here. What do you guys think of the whole thing?
Via ThinkDigit
