Project Ara: Marvell, NVIDIA are already developing processor modules for the Google smartphone

Google is going to present a ready-to-sell version of its modular smartphone in 2015. The project itself is called Project Ara . According to the plan, the smartphone will be supplied as a base with a wireless module, processor and case. And the user, if desired, will be able to add other modules, expanding the functionality of the phone. Basic modules (processor, wireless module and display) can also be replaced.

Early prototypes of the device worked on the basis of Texas Instruments OMAP 4460 processors, now Google announces the start of work with Rockchip to create processors of a new type that will be installed in a modular smartphone.
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Now the Project Ara team works with Marvell companies, plus Nvidia. So, Marvell is working on a module that will allow users to work with the PXA1928 processor. And NVIDIA is currently developing a Tegra K1 processor module.

As far as one can understand, a modular smartphone will be somewhat thicker and heavier than most modern smartphones. But it will be a much more flexible device, in terms of upgrade. The user can replace almost all modules, if desired. A new processor has been released - we are changing, a display has been released - it can also be replaced.

By the way, not so long ago, the corporation showed a printed circuit board for the working prototype Spiral 2. Not so long ago, the first prototype of Ara was shown. The second prototype of the modular smartphone, called the Spiral 2, will be presented in January 2015, and the Spiral 3 in the spring of 2015.