Google’s Project Ara modular smartphone delayed to 2016

Google had announced earlier this year, that it will unveil the modular smartphone in Puerto Rico as part of a pilot program that will allow people to choose their own hardware based on their needs and interests. Looks like, amidst the all new structuring happening at Google, the modular device will have to wait until next year.

Now, the company has tweeted about the delay in the Project Ara with testing pushed to 2016. The company disclosed that there are no plans to test the modular phone project in Puerto Rico later this year. The company also disclosed that they are looking for a few locations in the US.

When? 2016. #yeswearelate #ProjectAra

— Project Ara (@ProjectAra) August 17, 2015

Earlier this year, on day 2 of the Google I/O developers conference, at the ATAP keynote, Google engineer Rafa Camargo assembled a Project Ara phone as part of a live demo, and the phone came alive soon after.

Google, known by its employees for frequent ‘reorgs’, announced a major shake up with the holding company Alphabet. Google, Google X and other products now become subsidiary of the parent company.

Toshiba has teamed up with Gujarat-based Einfochips to provide chips for Google’s Project Ara. The camera modules will be made available in both 5MP and 13MP versions, and a 2MP front-facing module is also in the works.

Last year, the company had released a video showing the first prototype of the device. The techie for whom the project is named, Ara Knaian, was seen showcasing the first prototype in the video dubbed Spiral 1.

For those not in the know-how, Project Ara comes with a structural frame that holds smartphone modules of the owner’s choice, such as a display, keyboard or say the battery. The approach allows users to swap out malfunctioning modules or upgrade as new innovations emerge. This also means that the handset can potentially last much longer than normal smartphones do. Undoubtedly, it is an interesting project that has the potential to revolutionise the mobile world.

Follow Me on Twitter>>> @iamBhavish
And like us on Facebook>>> The Gud1