Hasta La Gadget!

Google’s Project Ara is unique in the sense that it allows users to swap out certain components for another component, so for example if you wanted to upgrade your phone’s camera, you’d just have to swap out the part for something else, as opposed to having to buy an entirely new phone. That being said we’ve seen how Project Ara can also be linked to wearables, but what about gaming?

In a concept cooked up by designer Samuel Herb, it shows how thanks to the modularity of Project Ara that it is possible to create a device for gaming as well. Dubbed Flippypad, it shows how third-party OEMs could create gaming shells or specific gaming modules that could be attached to the device, thus turning it from a smartphone into a handheld gaming console.

The concept also shows how the shell could incorporate features such as shoulder buttons which are pretty rare as far as gaming accessories for mobile phones are concerned. This could open up the door to different types of games that could take advantage of that feature. Unfortunately like we said, this is only a concept at the moment but its designer is hoping that the word will spread which will hopefully be able to grab Google’s attention.

It’s clever and while we’ve yet to see how well modular smartphones will do in real life, we are definitely excited at the possibilities and this is one of them. In the meantime what do you guys think? Do you think this is something Google should explore and take seriously?

Flippypad Concept Shows How Project Ara As A Handheld Gaming Console , original content from Ubergizmo, Filed in Cellphones, Concepts, Google, project ara,

Google’s Project Ara is expected to make its way into the hands of consumers in January 2015, assuming that everything goes to plan. However what good is a modular smartphone if there aren’t any modules for it, right? Kind of like how BlackBerry hosted a developer marathon to try and get as many BlackBerry 10 apps ready in time for BlackBerry 10’s launch, Google is planning something similar with Project Ara by announcing a $100,000 grand prize.

This $100,000 grand prize will be given to the developer who comes up with the best module. This will be judged based on novelty, functionality, elegance, quality, impact, and commercialization potential. The module also needs to be one that could be used in everyday situations, so modules which are novel but have a very niche purpose probably won’t make the cut.

Google is hoping that with the $100,000 grand prize dangled in front of developers that it will spur them on to create some interesting modules that could be used in the Project Ara handset. However for those who don’t win, there will be two runner-up positions available and those two will be given all-expense paid trips for up to 3 people to the next Project Ara developer conference, as well as guaranteed hardware for their project.

So far we have to admit that we’re pretty excited at the idea of Project Ara and the potential it holds. After all with components that can be easily swapped out for something newer and better, the need to upgrade our entire phone on an annual basis is no longer necessary, not to mention we can finally customize our phones to our liking, not just in software, but hardware as well.

Google Offering $100,000 For Best Project Ara Module , original content from Ubergizmo, Filed in Cellphones, Google, project ara,

 Google has been showing off its Project Ara modular smartphone in a lot more detail over the past few days, likely because it’s also hosting a developer conference for the device this week. Ara uses interchangeable modules to deliver a smartphone that can be whatever a user wants it to be, complete with first- and third-party components including sensors, cameras, radio antennas and more.… Read More

So today Google’s Project Ara Developer Conference kicked off and while we’re sure many developers are being treated to the sights of the device and some of the possibilities that it could bring to the table, we’re sure end-users such as ourselves and our readers are probably wondering when will the Ara device be released to the public?

Well the good news is that users won’t have to wait too long because according to Google, they revealed that they are planning to release the first batch of Ara devices in January 2015. We should note that this is only an ETA and given that there is still a lot of time between now until January 2015, things could happen in between that could possibly delay the release, but for now we have a rough date to look forward to.

However there is still quite a bit of work left to be done on the device. For starters Google is planning on finishing up the device’s power bus in May, followed by the second Ara developer conference in July, and it is only in August that the first alpha build of the 3D printer meant to print Ara’s module is expected to be ready.

There is still a lengthy process to go through involving carrier approval, FCC certification, and so on, all of which Google has planned for November. Assuming that all of it is pulled off without a hitch, we can only assume that Google will then be able to meet its ETA of January, otherwise we could be looking at a later date, but better late than never, right?

ETA For Project Ara’s Release Set For January 2015 , original content from Ubergizmo, Filed in Cellphones, Google, project ara,

For those of you watching the Google Ara developers conference live feed, today you may have seen a momentary glance at a slide which describes how the devices will be … Continue reading