Google’s Project Ara is one of those experiments that are so unusual that nobody is sure it will ever reach the market. Especially now that Google has been quoted as claiming they want the base model of the modular smartphone to cost as low as US$50 (RM164). Although that is only part of the story.
The base model of the Project Ara smartphone is currently envisioned to be so basic that it only has a WiFi connection, and no cellular capabilities at all. Potential users would then have to add on other modules and capabilities, all according to their customised needs. Naturally, that would also increase the overall price of the phone. Google, however, admits that they are still quite far off from achieving the price target.
Development of Project Ara is beginning to pick up speed, with Google’s Advanced Technology and Projects division scheduling three developer conferences this year. The first is set to occur on 15-16 April and is focused on building the modules for the smartphone. Google already has alpha versions of the Module Developer Kit, and willing be sharing it during the initial conference.
