The idea behind Project Ara is a modular smartphone that allows owners to configure them as desired by snapping in their own personal choice of modules. Want NFC? Snap in a module for it. Want a high-end camera? Buy one and insert it. Want to save money? Just go with the basics. Broken your screen? Remove it and slide in a replacement.
It has been expected that Project Ara will launch first in Puerto Rico, selected because it’s both a developing market and a U.S. territory, giving the best of both worlds. Anything launched there would need to pass FCC requirements, making it ready for a subsequent U.S. rollout, while also providing a good test market for a device expected to appeal to all price levels. The team tweeted that “this is not goodbye Puerto Rico,” so that plan would appear to remain in place.
The team promises more updates this week.
