A quick tribute to Project Ara, the modular smartphone that could have been.
This week's newsletter is short and sweet. I am saving up my energy for trick-or-treating tonight. So instead of a spooky tale about all the ways that Google and its operating system have scared me throughout the years, let's quickly talk about the time Google played Frankenstein.
Remember Project Ara? God, it was supposed to solve all of our problems. Project Ara suggested swapping out modules on a smartphone the same way you might inside a computer case. The idea was that you could update your processor, camera, and battery pack without having to replace the entire phone.
I was there for the initial launch in 2014, although I hardly remember who I was working for at the time and can't seem to find the article I wrote about it! Shame! (I love writing for the internet!) Anyway, eventually Google pulled the plug on it for a multitude of reasons. They attempted to debut it in Puerto Rico, but it was delayed. Ultimately, Google shelved the project, never to be heard from again until this week.
I saw the story on 9to5Google about a TikTok user who managed to get their hands on the prototype units of what used to be Project Ara. The user showcases the device and its various modules. Check it out on TikTok if you've got an account. Otherwise, you'll see the Android blogs did a pretty thorough job recapping the find.
It's me, Jason, Ron, and Mishaal! We started this week's show by discussing Nest's many hallucinations of ghosts, goblins, and people who don't actually exist.
