Project Ara is Google's modular smartphone project that allows users to customize their device by swapping in and out hardware modules. The smartphone consists of an endoskeletal frame with slots for modules like displays, cameras, batteries etc. This allows users to upgrade individual components rather than the entire device. Google aims to make the core frame affordable at $50 and allow third parties to create additional modules without licensing fees. This approach intends to extend the lifespan of devices and reduce e-waste. Various prototypes were unveiled between 2013-2016, and pilot tests were planned but delayed. Other companies like Motorola and LG have also introduced modular devices with modules for accessories, but Project Ara aims for greater customization. Potential challenges include higher costs for modules

1. Prepared By:-
Rushit Patel

2.  Project Ara is the codename for an unnamed modular
smartphone that is essentially a computer board with
compatible modules.
 The platform will include a endoskeletal frame with
modules of the owner's choice, such as a display,
camera or an extra battery.
 The phone itself can be swapped from malfunctioning
modules or upgrades as innovations emerge, providing
longer handset cycle lifetime, and potentially
reducing electronic waste.

3.  The project was originally headed by the Advanced
Technology and Projects (ATAP) team
within Motorola Mobility while it was a Google
subsidiary.
 Although Google has since divested Motorola
to Lenovo, it retained the ATAP group, now a division
under Android.
 Thus, the project separated from ATAP and is now an
independent division.
A prototype of ARA
project smartphone

4. On 29th October 2013 , Motorola mobility which was under Google
introduced the smartphone market a term “MODULARITY”.

5.  Google says the device is designed to be utilized by "7
billion people"; including 1 billion current smartphone
users, 5 billion feature phone users, and 1 billion future
users not currently connected.
 Google intends to sell a starter kit where the bill of
materials is US$50 and includes a frame, display,
battery, low-end CPU and WiFi.
 This would be similar to how the Google Play Store is
structured.
 Anyone will be able to build a module without
requiring a license or paying a fee.

6.  Ara Smartphones are built using modules inserted into
metal endoskeletal frames known as "endos".
 The frame will be the only component in an Ara
Smartphone made by Google.
 Two frame sizes will be available at first: "mini", a
frame about the size of a Nokia 3310 and "medium",
about the size of a LG Nexus 5.
 In the future, a "large" frame about the size of
a Samsung Galaxy Note 3 will be available.
 Frames will have slots on the back as well as on front.

7. The prototype of the frame of ARA smartphone.

8.  This would the most customisable smartphone of the
world. Which will be possible due to modules.
 Modules can provide common smartphone features,
such as cameras and speakers, but can also provide
more specialized features, such as medical devices,
receipt printers, laser pointers, pico projectors, night
vision sensors, or game controller buttons.
 The rear slots come in standard sizes of 1×1, 1×2 and
2×2.

9.  Modules can be hot-swapped without turning the
phone off.
 The frame also includes a small backup battery so the
main battery can be hot-swapped.
 Modules were originally to be secured with electro
permanent magnets, but according to the team a new
and better solution has been developed.
 Modules will be available both at an official Google
store and at third-party stores.
 Ara Smartphones will only accept official modules by
default, but users can change a software setting to
enable unofficial modules.
 This is similar to how Android handles apps
installations.

10. Camera module of ARA project
Gaming module of ARA project

12.  Dutch designer Dave Hakkens announced
the Phonebloks modular phone concept independently in
September 2013.
 Motorola publicly announced Project Ara on October 29,
2013 and said they will be working collaboratively with
Phonebloks.
 Motorola went on a 5-month road trip throughout the
United States in 2013 called "MAKEwithMOTO" to gauge
consumer interest in customized phones.
 A near-working prototype of an Ara smartphone was
presented at Google I/O 2014; however, the device froze on
the boot screen and failed to boot completely.

13.  In January 2015, Google unveiled the "Spiral 2" prototype,
and that it planned to test market a later revision of the
system in the United States' territory of Puerto Rico later in
the year.
 In August 2015, Google announced that the Ara pilot in
Puerto Rico had been delayed indefinitely, and that the
company would instead hold pilots in "a few locations" in
the U.S. some time in 2016.
 At Google I/O 2016, the company unveiled a new
development model, the "Developer Edition".
 The new iteration features notable changes to the original
concept; the device now consists of a base phone with core
components that cannot be upgraded, including the
antenna, battery, display, sensors, and system-on-chip, and
extensible with modules for adding features such as a
secondary display or replacement cameras and speakers.

14.  Recently 2 smartphone are launched leading the way
of Modularity.
 Lenovo MOTO Z/MOTO Z FORCE.
 LG G5.
 This 2 Smartphones have modules like JBL speaker,
projector, cam plus etc.
 The more easy and adoptable modularity is found in
MOTO Z/MOTO Z FORCE compared to LG G5.

15. Cam plus
Hi-Fi audio plus
360 Cam plus

16. JBL Speaker Moto projector Power plus Moto back cover

17. As coin has two faces,
every thing in this
world has advantages
and
disadvantages........

18.  Whenever in our world new technologies has been
introduced, those technologies are much more
expensive.
 For example, the Lg friends and Moto Mods, price as
much as average budget smartphone in market.
 Here is the same, Google is selling the frame much
cheaper ,but what about the modules. Those modules
would not be as cheaper an the frame is.
 Due to this modularity the smartphone will get much
bulky than the present Smartphones.

19.  Project Ara was reported to have connectors using strong
magnets to keep components together in place.
 An issue may arise when the modular phone comes in
contact with other devices that have the same elements.
Such an event may cause instant damage to Ara and other
nearby affected devices.
 There will be the issue of devices' specs meant to only work
for other certain types of hardware parts. Compatibility may
become a complex problem. Combination of hardware
components could be like solving a difficult puzzle for the
less knowledgeable user.
 Performance is still a big question for Project Ara. Like
other prominent brands that have masterfully optimized
their products to run almost flawlessly fast and smooth,
Ara's initial performance might compare to the "stone age."