Project Ara, Google's ambitious plan to create customizable modular smartphones, just moved one step closer to becoming reality.
The
tech giant is now accepting applications from developers interested in
receiving development boards, which will be used to create the first
Project Ara modules.
The
goal of Project Ara, led by Google's Advanced Technology and Projects
(ATAP) group, is to create customizable phones that will be made up of
individual single-function modules. This will enable users to build
personalized smartphones, and swap out individual components — such as
the processor or camera — without replacing the entire device.
The
first boards are expected to ship at the end of July, and are "designed
to help with prototyping and development of modules for the Ara
platform, including modules for the current (first) prize challenge that
we formally announced at Google I/O," Google wrote in an email to
developers.
Developers
interested in applying for the first round of development kits will
have until July 17 to submit applications, while the window for the
second round will close August 17, according to the email. There is a
limited supply of the first boards, and Google said it will grant
submissions based on "technical experience and the strength of your
module concept."
Google
showed off some of the first boards in April during its Project Ara
developer conference, and ATAP head Paul Eremenko demoed a somewhat
functioning Ara prototype last month at Google I/O.
Some
of the first boards will go to teams competing in Project Ara's prize
challenge— also announced during I/O — which will award $100,000 to the
winning team based on four criteria, including whether or not the module
enables "something you can't do today with a smartphone."
Posted by : Gizmeon
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