Google ATAP's Project ARA modular smartphone is placed on a table (Photo : YouTube / Google ATAP)
Google is now planning to release a consumer version of the highly-anticipated Project Ara modular smartphone in 2017 after no updates were given by the team since last year's I/O conference.
The Advanced Technology and Products (ATAP) division from Google has released a teaser for the Project Ara modular smartphone. They seemed to have worked out the kinks on how the hardware modules communicate with the software and whatnot as they are already planning to launch a consumer version next year.
Developer editions of the modular phone will be launched first earlier this year. The search engine giant will be launching a high-end version of the phone first as it was the easiest to do for now.
The ATAP team demonstrated how the modules would be ejected from the phone itself. Users would need to just tell the phone to eject which module they like and the phone would eject it from its body, The Verge reported.
Some modules can be locked in and users would not be able to pick them out of the phone. Using software to eject the modules is wise as there would be no rough pulls that could damage not only the module but also the phone's connectors itself.
Project Ara has been popular last year because of its concept that would allow users to choose which modules they want for everyday use. They are also hotswappable which means they can be ejected at any moment the user wishes.
The ATAP team now has a prototype for the modular smartphone. It is not a concept but a fully functional prototype that can already be used by developers.
Project Ara technical project lead Rafa Camargo said that they have already developed and built all of the key components for the platform, WIRED reported. The developer kits for ARA would also be improved compared to the prototype demonstrated.
Modules for the modular smartphone could be where the third-party companies step in. Some want professional-grade camera modules while others simply want more capacity for their batteries.
Other interesting module ideas include loud speakers, flashlights, fitness trackers and even projectors. The possibilities are endless especially now that the base phone is functional.
Google's Project Ara Developer kits will be available later this year. Consumers who would like to purchase the modular smartphone will have to wait until 2017.
