Gadgetory

if you build it they will call at least that's the vision Google has I'm Nathan sie Kurt and this is 90 seconds on the verge Google has posted the module developer kit or MDK for project ara it's documentation that provides exact specifications for manufacturers that want to create stuff for the upcoming piecewise smart phone so here's the gist project ara breaks down a smartphone into various modules like camera battery and processor those modules all attached to an endoskeleton the company has outlined three different sizes for ara endoskeletons sectioned off by the spine and various ribs that's Google terminology not ours only Google will build the endoskeletons for now but it wants third parties to create an ecosystem of modules those will be sized to fit in one by one one by two or two by two slots and will lock in via an electro permanent magnet that applies to both the rear modules and the front which fits various display sizes speakers and even a keyboard if you want one the MDK hints at some pretty ambitious thinking on Google's part listing potential module ideas like health sensors and even thermal image cameras I mean say I wanted to ditch my posh city life and move to the wilderness I could potentially build a phone with a massive battery and even a built-in dart gun okay I might be dreaming a bit too big on that last part really the biggest question is will consumers care about an upgradable phone we'll find out soon actually Google hopes to have the first our phones on sale early next year for more on project ara check out the verge coming up exhibit and I get to work on our own modular phone that can make calls steam of s and make Fettuccine Alfredo at the same time