Despite this move, according to a source with the knowledge of the matter, Google could license the technology to its partners and technologies developed from Project Ara could still see the light of day.
According to two sources with the knowledge of the matter, Google has suspended its ambitious project to build modular smartphone with interchangeable components as part of a broader push to streamline the company’s hardware efforts.
The move marks a U-turn by the company since it has announced a host of partners for its Project Ara, in its developer’s conference this May.
Project Ara was to bring about an age of on-the-fly customizable phones, with different offerings including better camera accessories, extra batteries, speakers, etc.
Google’s spokeswoman declined to comment on the matter.
According to a source with knowledge of the matter, although Google will itself not release the phone, it may work with partners to license the technology.
The move comes as a first step to unify Google’s various hardware efforts, ranging from the Chromebook to Nexus phones.
Rick Osterloh, Motorola’s former president has rejoined Google this year to oversee the effort.
Google had sold Motorola Mobility to the Lenovo Group in 2014.
Modular smartphones have really ignited loads of enthusiasm from the tech community since it could potentially significantly prolong the lifespan of a device while reducing electronic waste.
Their challenge however lies in marketing them since interchangeable parts makes them costly to produce and makes them bulky, said Bob O’Donnell, an analyst at TECHnalysis Research.
He explained the move as, “This was a science experiment that failed, and they are moving on”.
Project Ara was one of Google’s Advanced Technology and Projects group’s main effort to think out of the box and create new devices. Given the ingenuity of the project, it had many hurdles it had to cross.
In 2015, Google had shelved its plans to sell its modular phone in Puerto Rico with Latin American carriers.
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