The latest video of the Google smartphone "Ara" that makes my own by combining my favorite modules is made public and the method of fixing parts etc. is revealed

A research team called Google Advanced Technology and Projects (ATAP) is developing a smartphone "Ara"Can customize your favorite original smartphone by picking and installing parts (modules) with the function of your choice,Ultra low price smartphone with a minimum configuration of 50 dollars (about 5000 yen)Because it can also make, it is attracting much attention. Project Ara's predecessor, customized smartphone "Phonebloks"Project members visited Google and released a movie showing how the ATAP team develops Ara and it is clarified how to fix the module using" magnets ".

Phonebloks update - The team behind Ara - YouTube


A sm 's technician in front of the test machine.


This is Ara's application processor board development board for testing. A display for smartphones is also connected to the board.


Touch operation is possible for the display.


The OS of this development board is of course Android. Tests are being conducted not only for OS but also for application software and drivers.


Ara has a feature that you can make your favorite original smartphone by attaching the module to a frame part called "endoskeleton (skeleton)", but for mounting modules it is called "electro-permanent magnets (electronic type / permanent magnet)" It is said that technology is used.


Slide the module into endoskeleton and fit ...


It was shown that the light shone and was secured firmly with the magnet.


The module will easily slide off simply by wearing it.


Therefore, the ATAP team adopts electro-permanent magnets, and it adopts a mechanism that fixes firmly by the magnetic force after wearing the module.


Technical information on electro-permanent magnets is not disclosed in the movie, but it can be predicted that it can be locked and released with magnet by operating from an Ara smartphone such as an application.


Ara seems to have three kinds of endoskeleton frames prepared for different sizes.


It seems that you can choose the display arrangement.


"If you are Ara, you can change your smartphone to match the changing everyday life."


Also, the exterior design of the module can be freely arranged using a 3D printer.


It seems that the module itself doubles as a dress up part.



Three-dimensional exterior design is unique to 3D printers.


Ara has developed exclusive applications for designing the appearance, combination of modules, user interface to your preference.



By designing as simple as possible, the development team thinks that users can get a special smartphone for them.


Google announced on 15th and 16th April 2014 that the Ara developer conference "Ara Developers Conference (ADC)It is planned to hold real-time delivery of the situation on the Internet. More detailed Ara's photos and movies are expected to be released.

◆Continuation
Google's self-made smartphone "Ara" will be released in January 2015 at a discount price starting at 5000 yen - GIGAZINE