Get All Access for $5/mo

Google Offers Sneak Peek at Project Ara, Its Build-Your-Own Smartphone The tech titan has released a video introducing the team behind Project Ara and offering a glimpse into the project's breaking developments.

By Geoff Weiss

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Though Google sold Motorola at a massive financial loss earlier this year, we reported that the tech giant kept what it really wanted all along. In addition to tens of thousands of patents, Google also integrated Motorola's Advanced Technology and Projects (ATAP) group -- perhaps best known for a modular smartphone initiative dubbed Project Ara.

With different block components that users can affix and detach from a basic frame -- such as keyboards, cameras, batteries and speakers, for instance -- Project Ara allows radical personalization in terms of both functionality and aesthetics.

Democratization via disassembly is a theme. Google will sell a startup kit comprising a frame called an "endo" (for endoskeleton) in three total sizes as well as a few basic modules for just $50 -- though its retail model thereafter will largely hinge upon a community of developers.

Related: 4 Ways to Stop People From Using Their Phones During Meetings

Not unlike an app store, developers will be able to sell their inventions both in and out of the Google Play Store. Project Ara's first-ever Developers Conference will be held on April 15 and 16 at the Computer History Museum in California, as well as live streamed with an interactive Q&A.

And now, in a new video, Google is introducing the team behind Project Ara while offering a glimpse into the project's breaking developments.

Technical leads Ara Knaian (for whom the project is named) and Seth Newberg explain how they developed a way to affix various modules with electro-permanent magnets. In terms of design, Daniel Makoski shares that the phone will have no cover in an attempt to embrace its block aesthetic.

Related: Google May Open a Retail Store in NYC

The video also featured Jeff Blank of 3-D printing company 3D Systems, who discussed how an outer case for each module can be 3-D printed and therefore customized in terms of color, texture and design. Finally, Eric Gunther of interactive design studio Sosolimited will be designing an app that lets users try out different module configurations.

Check out the video in full below:

Related: Google Unveils 'Project Tango': A Smartphone That Sees in 3-D

Geoff Weiss

Former Staff Writer

Geoff Weiss is a former staff writer at Entrepreneur.com.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Side Hustle

The Side Hustle He Started in His College Apartment Turned Into a $70,000-a-Month Income Stream — Then Earned Nearly $2 Million Last Year

Kyle Morrand and his college roommates loved playing retro video games — and the pastime would help launch his career.

Business News

Homeowners in These 10 States Pay the Most in 'Hidden' Upkeep Costs

Hidden home costs pile on top of mortgage payments.

Growing a Business

5 Books to Help You Motivate, Unify and Build Perspective

In a post-Covid world, check out these must-read books to help build a more resilient organization, create a modern work culture and maintain a powerful growth mindset.

Money & Finance

Avoid These 10 Mistakes Entrepreneurs Make with Money

Despite the challenging statistic that only 5% of startups survive beyond five years, common financial pitfalls often contribute to their failure. Through personal observation, I've identified the prevalent financial mistakes made by entrepreneurs.

Growing a Business

How Visionary Leaders Transform Curiosity Into Groundbreaking Ideas

Lee Brian Schrager, founder of the South Beach Wine & Food Festival, discusses the spark that launched FoodieCon, his best practices for running popular food events, and why all business owners need to adapt to social media trends.

Making a Change

Learn All of Rosetta Stone's Languages for $152

A lifetime subscription is nearly $250 off for a limited time.