In April 2014, Google released modular design kits, held its first developer conference, as well as made commitments to release more specifications and a software roadmap for its Project Ara, and the global handset industry began to believe that Google is serious about the modularization of mobile phones, according to Digitimes Research.
Google has now completed measurement specifications for the framework for mini- and medium-size modular handsets and will decide the framework for large-size handsets later. Google's modular phones target all segments of the handset industry, including high-end smartphones as well as entry-level to mid-range feature phone segments.
Google is expected to engage in sales of basic frameworks but will leave hardware makers to design functional modules subject to compatibility validation by Google. The modular phones will then be sold through Google's online stores as well as other online shops.
If realized, the modularization will overturn the ecosystem of the current handset hardware industry. However, the development of modular phones still faces some challenges, including added thickness, increased material costs, more complicated designs and validation processes, commented Digitimes Research.
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