More details about Motorola / Phonebloks ‘Project Ara’ for modular phones
Yesterday, we informed you about the ambitious Motorola / Phonebloks ‘Project Ara’ for building the first modular smartphones and the news has led to big splash in the tech society. Our previous article was based on what we heard from Motorola. Now, Phones Review can reveal some first-hand info about ‘Project Ara’ coming directly from the founder of Phonebloks Dave Hakkens.
Hakkens explains that Project Ara is open to other manufacturers and the partnership with Motorola is not exclusive. However, Phonebloks’ leader thinks that the Google-owned company is the best partner at the moment. If other companies want to join, ‘Ara’ remains open and all contributors are welcomed, says Dave Hakkens.
Project Ara and the community have been fastened with an agreement between both parties. According to the deal, the modular smartphones will be built in the open and any interested party can send feedback, tips, suggestions or to discuss the matter with the other project members. Motorola will be also open and they will share what they are doing online, send questions and or feedback. Another interesting moment from the interview is that Motorola is not funding Phonebloks. Instead, Phonebloks is building an online platform where people can collaborate. That means the company wants to keep its independence from Motorola.
Asked about the potential target market for such phones, the leader of Phonebooks clearly states: “It is a phone for everybody”, but at the same time it is focused on the environment.
The future modular devices are likely to run Android, however, that is something needs to be discussed, says Hakkens. In any case, the community will decide. If the community says “no” to Android, then its voice will be heard, and Motorola can’t ignore that.
Phonebloks has also uploaded a new video explaining the project development and its major goals.
Source: Forbes
