Google releases video with Spiral 1, prototype of Project Ara

O Google last week presented a video that gives more information about one of its most innovative endeavors: the Ara Project.

The proposal is to create a modular smartphone, which can be updated “in pieces”, similar to what happened with traditional desktops. Instead of replacing the device completely, a user who wants to take pictures with more quality could just change the camera “module” for another with a more powerful sensor and lens. In the same way, you can choose to replace a module that is not so used by another that increases the total battery of the smartphone. Interesting, no?

The first prototype has already been launched and shows that the proposal is indeed very interesting and viable. There are still difficulties, such as defining the safest way to connect the modules and reducing the size of the parts, but the development team of the Ara Project is quick to come up with creative solutions.

In the video released this week, you can see the functioning of the first prototype, called spiral 1, running the system Android. Look:

By the beginning of the year, the company hopes that it will be possible to present the second version of the prototype, in time for the developers present at the CES 2015.

As stated Arian, one of the project's creators, 100 prototypes will be distributed to developers during the event. Also, it is expected that the next version – spiral 2 – developers will have the opportunity to work with the modules as well.

It is still too early to say whether the Ara Project will be successful. But if it overcomes the first hurdles, it has the potential to change the way we treat our smartphones.