Every time we want to see, finally, Project Ara, one of the projects developed by Google most interesting that we can find today. Whether or not they are the future, the bet of modular telephones is very interesting and Toshiba It will be one of the companies that will offer the most components, specifically three camera modules, one of them for selfies. Get all the details of each of them and how they fit into the Ara ecosystem, which continues to grow with demonstrations at fairs such as the Mobile World Congress and developer meetings.
Toshiba camera modules for Project Ara
Today Toshiba has presented some camera modules that will allow owners of a modular phone of Project Ara, customize how you want your photos. Each of these three modules is unique, with its own features that will allow you to achieve better or worse quality images. One of the cameras is intended for selfies while the remaining two aim to add a sensor to the rear. In addition, functional prototypes have been shown in the Modular Phones Forum, confirming the hardware maturity.
On the one hand, the selfie camera It is designed to sit on top of the screen and will offer a resolution of 2 megapixels –it seems we can't expect great results with this module, although we can with the rest–. In the case of the cameras for the rear, Toshiba has decided create 2 × 1 modules with a resolution of 5 and 13 megapixels, although it also has several really interesting sensors prepared that even reach the 20 megapixels and offer options such as Image Stabilizer, HDR, 4K recording at 30 fps and high-speed modes such as 900 fps (at 320 x 240 pixels) or a bright mode at 240 fps in Full HD. It is also added, color noise reduction to enhance detail in low-light scenes.
The rear modules occupy size 2×1 within the Ara skeleton, but Toshiba has also worked on variants 1 × 1 and 2 × 2 for different uses, maintaining a compact reference format (for example, pieces of 20 x 40 mm (in some prototypes). This flexibility of sizes allows mounting two simultaneous cameras for special effects, such as 3D captures or greater zoom range.
Obviously the difficulty of getting one compatibility and performance plenary sessions is much more complicated than what we can think of in a conventional smartphone. In the video that we have linked you can see a prototype of one of these cameras being connected to a development board to start working, just like that, as if it were a USB webcam. In public demonstrations, for example, the module has been shown 5 SM operating in real time.
In parallel to Toshiba, other partners such as Vestigen, innolux, Sennheiser o Lapka They have shown concepts of additional modules, and Google has shown off prototypes such as spiral 2 to attract more developers. The focus is not limited to replacing typical parts: the value will grow with special modules that add unusual functions, useful in professional or creative contexts.
Project phases and special modules in the Ara ecosystem
Currently the Toshiba project is divided into three phases. Phase one, which is the one we have just described, focuses on functional cameras and stable. Phase two add to connectivity modules , the NFC, external memories, and a short-range, high-speed technology such as TransferJet (with rates that can reach up to 375 Mbps in their specifications), together with modules Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth reinforced with ESD/TVS protectionsIdeas have also been shown of wireless charging or with a display module with headphone jack developed in collaboration with Sennheiser to save slots. Phase three, which is not yet fully decided, aims to integrate more advanced sensors and new categories designed for specific niches.
Beyond the hardware, the Ara team has considered proposals such as a privacy module that, when removed, deletes personal data from the phone; or the sale of a affordable base kit (Google even went so far as to quote a target figure of around $50 for the initial board) that would be expanded with thematic modules for photography, adventure or travel. Creative distribution formats close to the user have even been tested, with mobile demonstration points so that anyone can test and customize your configuration before purchasing.
For now, Toshiba is one of the major players in Project Ara and therefore one of Google's greatest allies in a war that will soon begin. In addition to cameras, industry reports have pointed to its role as key supplier of processors and controllers for the ecosystem, reinforcing a strategy that combines reference design and third-party innovation. Via GSM Arena.
The picture drawn by these tests makes it clear that modularity not only allows update the camera when improvements arise, but also to adapt the mobile to changing needs with connectivity, power, or audio modules; an ambition that, if realized, could extend the lifespan of devices and open up a vibrant market for manufacturers like Toshiba.