Project Ara is a smartphone designer from Google

The development of new smartphones has come to a standstill: it makes no sense to endlessly increase the power of processors and improve already high-quality screens and cameras, some pessimistic experts believe.

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1. However, Google, which is known for non-standard approaches to everything it undertakes, is sure that smartphones have a future. You just need to look at these devices from a different angle.

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3. The other day the company officially presented the prototype of the modular smartphone Ara.

4. The main difference between the gadget is the ability to assemble a smartphone yourself. Like a LEGO constructor.

5. Want a different processor? Please. Can't live without a screen with a fantastic resolution? Ready. Decided that you can’t do without a good camera? No problem.

6. However, the idea is relatively not new. For the first time, the concept of a smartphone-constructor Phoneblocks was proposed last fall by the Dutch designer Dave Hakkens. He believed that in this way it is possible to extend the life of a smartphone by simply replacing obsolete modules. Remember the days of endless upgrades of PC system units? Exactly. The same.

7. Ara smartphone consists of a metal frame skeleton.

8. Replaceable modules are attached to the endoskeleton, including the processor, memory module, Wi-Fi, expansion ports, screen, battery, camera.

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10. The modules will be held with the help of so-called electropermanent magnets.

11. Google claims that it is quite reliable.

12. However, it is possible that this will become a serious problem for the owners of Ara.

13. Indeed: if the cover of an ordinary smartphone falls off (which is tolerable) or the screen breaks (almost a tragedy), then the smartphone designer runs the risk of simply falling apart.

14. However, let's not get ahead of ourselves - perhaps not everything is so bad.

15. Google says the modular Gray Phone could start shipping as early as 2015.

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17. Its cost is astonishingly low - only $ 50, but the retail price has not yet been reported.

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