With Google preparing to release the Project Ara smartphone that resembles a Lego product, the tech giant has already begun its efforts to provide the necessary hardware just in time for the release of the device.
Google has already revealed details regarding the Project Ara store which will offer users with hardware blocks that can easily be snapped on together to create a customizable smartphone. Google is reportedly looking towards hardware developers to come up with selected Project Ara parts such as screen, cameras and batteries, which will be made available through the forthcoming store.
Inspired by the popular toy bricks created by Lego, Google is expected to release a central smartphone frame. Based on this, users can either attach or take away features by snapping on the hardware blocks, thereby resembling a block-based toy.
In terms of pricing, Google is reportedly working towards a minimum price tag of $50 whereas the snap-on components are to be sold separately.
Using Project Ara, owners will have the freedom to do away with features that they do not prefer. Rather than a phone replacement, users can easily change a module, such as a malfunctioning camera or battery. Google also seeks to enable such phones to be easily upgradeable.
To be started out as a pilot project in Puerto Rico, Google will first conduct research on how the smartphone can be used and then determine its potential flaws and weak points. Google has already developed three prototypes of the Project Ara, all of which have different screen sizes.
With Google crowdsourcing concepts for the device, it aims to gain support from hardware developers for innovative ideas in terms of the smartphone's features and design. Developers will have their modules distributed by vendors that have been pre-selected by Google.
The upcoming hardware store will be deemed as a complete shop wherein owners can purchase Project Ara components and hardware developers can make their modules available.
Moreover, the hardware store will reportedly have similar features as the Google Play store through which users can purchase and obtain apps, music, movies, and other content. With the upcoming shop, users will also be allowed to rate and make reviews of the available modules, similar to the rating system for the Google Play store.
Similar customizable smartphones have been previously developed, including ZTE's unreleased Eco-Mobius in 2013 and Modu's Brewphone that allows users to attach the keyboard, speaker and camera components to the device.
