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Google's DIY Smartphone Set for January 2015 Launch... It Will Cost N8,100
[April 22, 2014]

Google's DIY Smartphone Set for January 2015 Launch... It Will Cost N8,100


(AllAfrica Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Google's much-anticipated modular smart-phone could be available in January 2015 for as little as $50 (£30), the company has said.

The Project Ara 'Grey Phone' will consist of a simple frame, screen, Wi-Fi connection and processor with users able to customise it with various plug-in modules, colours and accessories.

Paul Eremenko, Google's Project Ara head, revealed the date to attendees at the company's developer conference last week and has outlined further plans for the device.

'It's called the Grey Phone because it's meant to be drab grey to get people to customise it,' Mr Eremenko said.

The phones will be able run on multiple batteries - when one battery dies, it can be detached and replaced with a full battery module.

Lower-resolution cameras can be swapped with higher-res versions, and users Google's modular smartphone could be available in January 2015 for as little as $50 (£30).

According to an earlier developer kit, Ara phones will be able run on multiple batteries - when one battery dies, it can be detached and replaced with a full battery module.

Each phone will have a central 'spine' and an endoskeleton - nicknamed 'endo' - made of ribs that the individual modules will clip on to.

There will be three different sized endos - including mini, medium and large - to rival the existing range of phones currently on the market, from compacts to phablets.



Larger phones will be able to accomodate either larger, or additional modules, than the mini will.

Google's kit describes various modules including batteries, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chips, cameras, speakers and more.


In theory, any sensor that can be fitted to a module will be able to attach to a module and while Google will make the shell, these modules will be made by other companies.

By printing their own parts, users will also be able to customise them.

By printing their own parts, users will also be able to customise them.

Google has revealed each phone will have a central 'spine' and an endoskeleton - nicknamed 'endo' - made of ribs that the individual modules will clip on to.

Copyright Daily Trust. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com).

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