Module smartphone: a concept, or a subversion of?

Last week, Google held a developer conference, is for a smartphone yet produced. At the conference, Google unveiled the Project Ara, which is a new attempt ingenuity, Google hopes to help Project Ara module to create a blueprint for smart phones.

Their understanding module smartphone market potential of the people, Google and other partners Phonebloks (a start-up company) gives them a kind of excitement. But if you know anything about the module concept smartphone, it does not matter, we will give you a detailed description.

What is a module smartphone?

It can be understood: We do not need to buy a new phone every year or so, we can displacement latest camera, processor and screen to upgrade the phone. Operation is not complicated, you can use the plug. In short: Module smartphone is composed by different modules, and you can always replace or upgrade these modules smartphone.

Phonebloks proposed the concept of smart phone parts replacement and performance upgrade, as you can always swap Lego . Although it sounds very interesting, and very simple, but has not yet Phonebloks create a prototype. After Google made ​​phone Ara module concept , we are only recently beginning to see the simulation model.

Conceptually, the module smartphones let us think of the old PC assembly : You can easily installed to the computer new, larger capacity hard drive , faster CD-ROM drive , or even replace RAM and processor , so you can always upgrade your computer components , without every year , two years to buy a new computer. The purpose of the module is the same smartphone . However, this object is not a computer but a cell phone in your pocket .

Who will manufacture modules smartphone ?

This question is difficult to answer because Phonebloks or Project Ara does not produce a complete module smartphones, they merely provide guidance module smartphone manufacturer .

Like Android and Chrome OS system , Google itself does not manufacture hardware products , it only provides operating software and platforms based on this other device manufacturers to produce equipment and spare parts . As of now, Google has announced Project Ara projects with companies such as Toshiba and 3D Systems partnership .

PC assembly with the same principle , the component parts of different companies coming from the module will be smart phones , which may include Sony cameras , LG display, Intel processor or OtterBox protective sleeve.

What are the main advantages of modules smartphone is ?

There are a lot of people want to as long as possible to keep their beloved device ( similar to the XP computer users ) . For some people, the module can be upgraded smartphone allows them to always have their familiar devices , but also can get the latest hardware and software upgrades.

In addition , the module concept of smart phones is also very important for those with special needs . For example, you want a high quality camera , but the smaller screen, or perhaps the next Galaxy S7 iPhone 8 will not be able to satisfy your desire . But it does not matter , the module smartphone can do , you can pick your favorite camera and display a " mix and match ." If you want a physical Home button , the module can also be done the smart phone . So , you do not anxiously waiting to see whether the latest Samsung or HTC phone has a stunning configuration and performance .

Module smartphone also lets you can choose from a variety of colors and materials. Google has partnered with 3D printing company 3D Systems, in Ara project, consumers can purchase the phone module , or by means of customized personalized 3D printers in the home shape , design and materials.

Note : Module smartphones can also reduce waste. One of the goals Phonebloks team is : they consider themselves smart phone module project can provide a way to solve the problem of waste recycling equipment . Module allows smartphone consuming, consumption of wealth equipment maintenance easier, you can achieve the "exchange" between mobile phone parts .

What are the disadvantages module smartphone is ?

Perhaps there is no one method can be all of these customized , complex technical projects into a light, thin shell design and emphasis on the phone. ProjectAra team in an interview mentioned several times , customized modules smartphones will be at the expense of a slight sacrifice in product design .

Does this mean that the module will be our smartphones seen the ugliest things? Not so !

But we guess, kind of like Apple will not participate in the module smartphone project, they will continue to create stylish smartphone phones, these phones are not like a science project, but like a string of gorgeous jewelry. Frankly, Google and Phoneblok module smartphone handset design project might bring the level back to 6-7 years ago. If you are scared, you probably would not use the module smartphone.

Another concern: the internal structure of integration. Some technology analysts and blog owners that will be free to put together the different parts seem to lack rationality. Technology blog Lord George Hahn explains:. "In modern signal circuit runs fast, easiest, most economical way is to components inside the device tightly bundled together if you try to use modular design, you want to ensure that the internal signal circuit with a high operating speed, the cost is very high. "

Consumers will buy it?

If you look at the contents of the above then, said to himself: "! Wow that sounds unbelievable." No way, this is because the current concept of smart phones is one such module.

Google's ATAP department (Advanced Technology and Products Group) has set a two year goal to push the module to the mass consumer smartphone market. Given Ara project was started in 2013, so we have to wait until 2015 to see the real module smartphone.

Who created the module smartphones, how much the price, it's how the exterior design, and how its performance? Those of us not yet clear, but it's worth the wait.