By 
It’s been awhile since we heard from the Project Ara folks, that wacky team at Google looking to build the world’s first modular smartphone. In case you guys thought Project Ara might be nothing more than vaporware, it seems development is coming along nicely according to this behind the scenes featurette uploaded to the Phonebloks YouTube channel today.
In the video, we not only get a sneak peek at Project Ara’s progress, but a quick but a look at several prototypes, and endo sizes (mini, medium, and large). We’d be lying if we said it didn’t make us feel all giddy inside. Check it out for yourself below. Our request? A physical keyboard module ala the T-Mobile G1.
What tablet is that in the background at 2:19? Nexus 8/9?
Based on the honkin’ huge bezel, looks like a Nexus 7.
BEZELIST!
I have to say after a year or so since i started visting Android websites this is the thing that strikes me the most. People just can not help themselves from making some ridiculous bezel related comments. This is a very Android peculiar kind of thing. You can look everywhere else but will never find other group of Techtards so obsessed with bezels as in here.
Other than the black bezel on the new HTC One, normally they don’t bother me. But the ones on the newest N7 are like 9 miles long :P
Only when they make no sense
The bezel with the logo on the HTC One is more than worthy of loathing. No questions.
7 in
Does anyone have an idea why the embedded video shows up as a white box on my computer? (With Chrome, but not Firefox)
Probably web filtering if you are at work or some ad-blocker addon on the browser.
That, or you need Flash delivered by Santa!
Ara configuration app: dat menu button. ugh.
Lol I didn’t notice that but it’s driving me CRAZY now!
I’m really excited about Project Ara. It’s great that its development is making so much progress instead of stagnating and making all of us Android nerds sad. :)
Electro-permanent magnets? What the hell!? Thats so cool!
High Gauss permanent magnets can interfere with the internal clocks and VCOs of the transceiver modules. And elctro-magnets are not possible due to power demands. I believe locking pins and/or slide locks are the only viable solutions here.
Is that the “New Nexus 10” around the 2:35 mark???
Why not just use a snap ring that would snap around the phone and retain the pieces? Snap the ring off and replace after adding or changing modules. Ring could be as simple as a preformed rubber band like or a stainless steel ring. K.I.S.S.
On a similar note to the keyboard module, I’d love to see a game pad module, ala Xperia Play! Or just an Xperia Play 2…
Project Ara!!!! Love it.
Going off chris’ request lets hope google held on to the rights to put a moto droid 4 keyboard module on it, individual keyboard keys are the only good part of that phone. Another option on 6inch or larger devices could be full size usb port. My biggest worry is in an effort to keep it slim like all manufacturers they’ll limit the modules thickness preventing my dream phone.