Google has apparently shelved its Project Ara modular smartphone, the company has been working on the handset for the last few years.
The device was delayed a number of times and a developer version was due to launch this fall with a consumer version launching in 2017, these plans have now been cancelled.
According to a recent report by Reuters, Google has now shelved Project Ara and the company will not release the device themselves.
The Vision Behind Project Ara
Project Ara was an ambitious initiative by Google aimed at creating a fully modular smartphone. The idea was to allow users to customize their devices by swapping out different components, such as the camera, battery, or processor, to upgrade or repair their phones easily. This concept promised to reduce electronic waste and extend the lifespan of smartphones, making them more sustainable and user-friendly.
The project gained significant attention when it was first announced, as it represented a radical departure from the traditional smartphone design. Instead of being forced to buy a new phone every few years, users could simply replace individual modules to keep their devices up-to-date. This modular approach also opened up possibilities for niche markets, where specialized modules could be developed for specific needs, such as enhanced photography or gaming capabilities.
Challenges and Delays
Despite the excitement surrounding Project Ara, the development process was fraught with challenges. The complexity of creating a modular smartphone that could seamlessly integrate various components proved to be a significant hurdle. Ensuring that the modules were compatible with each other and the core framework of the phone required extensive testing and refinement.
The project faced multiple delays, with the initial developer version being pushed back several times. The ambitious timeline set by Google proved difficult to meet, and the company struggled to bring the concept to a consumer-ready product. These delays ultimately led to the decision to shelve the project.
There may still be hope though for a fully modular smartphone that Google had planned, as according to Reuters, the technology that Google has developed may be licensed to other manufacturers.
As yet there are no details on whether any manufacturers or smartphone makers are interested in using the technology that Google has developed with the project.
The shelving of Project Ara is undoubtedly a setback for the modular smartphone concept, but it doesn’t necessarily spell the end for this innovative idea. The technology developed by Google could still find its way into future devices through licensing agreements with other manufacturers. This could potentially lead to the realization of a modular smartphone, albeit not directly from Google.
In the meantime, other companies have also explored modular designs. For example, Motorola’s Moto Z series features Moto Mods, which are snap-on accessories that add functionality to the phone. While not as comprehensive as Project Ara’s vision, these modular accessories offer a glimpse into the potential of customizable smartphones.
The modular smartphone concept remains an intriguing possibility for the future of mobile technology. As consumers continue to demand more flexibility and sustainability in their devices, the idea of a phone that can be easily upgraded and repaired could gain traction. Whether through Google’s technology or other innovations, the dream of a modular smartphone may still become a reality.
Source , Ars Technica
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