Google Modular Phone Ara Update: Google Offers Development Kit for Project Ara; Here's How You Can Get Yours

Google is reportedly planning to organize a marketplace just like Google Play solely for Project Ara, according to Tech Radar.

The tech giant partnered with Globant to produce the marketplace wherein parts of the modular phone can be purchased. This is how users can customize and build their own smartphones through Google's Project Ara. As time passes, other companies can reportedly join the marketplace to produce and sell components for the mobile phone.

Globant announced that the marketplace is comparable to Google Play store for Android apps. It will also feature feedbacks and suggestions by the users. The company will make sure to provide the digital market with quality performance and advanced system.

Google revealed that the first market will be launched in Puerto Rico later this year. Mobile users in the country totaled to 77 percent.  The first users will get a Project Ara phone frame for $50 and the parts can be purchased from the Project Ara store.

On Saturday, the requests to try out the prototype of Project Ara dubbed as Spiral 2 has ended. Although, there are a lot of requests for the said prototype, Google will only send it out to those who can probably create"snap-on hardware" for the frame, IT World reported.

Since the request period is over, anyone who submitted their requests via the Google form Developer Hardware Request after Feb. 7 will be given the chance depending on the "availability of the hardware." However, not all testers can be catered since there is only a limited supply.

Spiral 2 is primarily released to test and develop the modules. Google encouraged hardware developers to created cameras, sensors, antennas, batteries and other components. Toshiba already presented an activity tracker, media bar modules and Wi-Fi connectivity.

Some hardware developers prepared health monitors, security and storage modules. All creations will be submitted to Google for approval. Spiral 3 will also be coming out later this year and the development may involve swapping of parts.

As of this time, there are 11 universities in Puerto Rico that are joining the development process. There is no official date yet for the said event.

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