Whether Project Ara will be successful or not is something we can't know, but Google certainly aims for it to be, and that's why it continues to design prototypes of Project Ara. Specifically, we've already learned two new prototypes of the company, thanks to the publications on Google+ of the company's innovation department. One of them would have a Marvell processor, but that's not the really interesting part. The most notable thing is the fact that one of the new prototypes has the processor Nvidia Tegra K1.
Spiral Prototyping, SoC Support, and Supply Chain
The prototypes with Spiral 2 format were delivered to the engineering and manufacturing teams in How much (one of the world's largest ODMs). These reference units added support for Marvell PXA1928 y Nvidia Tegra K1 using a Toshiba UniPro bridge (ASIC) to link to the device's internal network. In addition, Google worked in parallel with Toshiba in key modules and a variant was proposed with Rockchip optimized for the project.
This orientation confirms that the platform was not dependent on a single processor vendor, but on an architecture prepared for multiple SoCsThe goal: to offer developers and manufacturers a range of options ranging from affordable chips to silicon with high graphics performance like Tegra K1 (the same one that powered computers like Nexus 9).
Modular architecture, endoskeleton and software
The design revolves around a endoskeleton metal housing that integrates the display and internal components, with plastic front panels at the top and bottom. The modules are covered in plastic and secured by electromagnets; the endoskeleton gaps incorporate larger magnets that protrude at a 90-degree angle so that each block fits securely. This approach is reminiscent of concepts such as Moto Mods, although with a broader ambition by allowing the replacement of CPU, cameras, battery, storage or sensors.
The interconnection of modules is based on a packet-switched data network over MIPI UniPro or with a flexible power bus. Google published a Module Developers Kit (MDK) so that any developer could create compatible modules. At the software level, Android incorporated a module manager to see what's installed, disable it by software when not needed, and even support settings like double camera activating two modules at once. The system contemplated the hot swap of certain blocks.
Performance, hardware options and gaming
It should be noted that this processor is currently one of the best on the market. In fact, it recently We talk about the best Android smartphones and tablets to play video games, and the three best were three tablets that had precisely the processor Nvidia Tegra K1: the Nvidia Shield Tablet, the Nexus 9, and the Xiaomi Mi Tab. That graphics power This is exactly what would make Tegra K1 attractive within Ara for those who prioritize gaming or creativity.
In the demos of spiral 2 a base with HD screen (720×1280) was shown, option of Tegra K1 or Marvell PXA1928, 5 MP camera, micro-USB, battery, speaker and Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth and 3G connectivity, with 11 modules operational and the goal of reaching 20–30. To spiral 3 the incorporation of data connection was advanced inductive between endo and modules and support 4G / LTE. Even prototypes like the one identified as A8A01 with Snapdragon 810, 3GB RAM, 32GB, 5,34″ FHD display, 3.450mAh battery, NFC, USB‑C and 3,5 mm jack, test of the flexibility of the ecosystem.
Ecosystem, availability and base price
Still, we can't know if the modular smartphone will feature the Nvidia Tegra K1 as one of the possible processors for sale for it. However, it must be understood that any manufacturer could launch processors, so it would not be strange if Nvidia were one of the companies interested in launching this processor. In its roadmap, a limited pilot in Puerto Rico and an entry kit between 50 and $ 100 with frame, screen, battery, basic CPU and Wi‑Fi, which also opened a market for component vendors similar to the PC, with Quanta as an industrial partner.
It is surprising that a user can design his own smartphone with the components he wants, and choose a processor like the Nvidia Tegra K1, having a Sony camera, and 4GB of RAM. There will be new events related to Project Ara in January, and we can expect to learn more details about the launch of the new modular smartphone then. Furthermore, the current situation —sustainability, laws that promote replaceable batteries and more years of updates—makes modularity make sense; experiences like Moto Mods, Friends of the LG G5 or initiatives such as Fairphone show interest in longer-lasting phones.
However, the adoption of Tegra K1 In the Ara prototypes he demonstrated that the concept could combine high performance and modularity, leaving the door open for manufacturers and developers to promote an ecosystem of modules that allows the phone to be tailored to each need without changing the entire device.
