A Look at Project Ara
As mobile communication technology progresses, we find ourselves depending more and more on devices that seem to address our needs and wants so well that it’s as if these smartphone companies know each and every one of us personally. From basic calling and texting features, to harnessing the potential of mobile Internet connectivity, these pieces of technology now enable us to communicate on a global level, making us all a part of a worldwide community. With every new model that’s introduced, these smartphones are simply getting smarter, better, and more equipped to become the single most indispensable piece of technology in our lives.
Now, the continuous evolution of the smartphone introduces yet and another step towards the future with Project Ara, a modular smartphone that allows the user to upgrade only specific parts of the phone as opposed to having to buy and entirely new phone. The Project Ara phone essentially comprises of an endoskeleton with modules which could be filled by different components, such as the CPU, the camera, the storage device and other parts of the smartphone. While the concept of basically building your own smartphone might come off as complex, keep in mind that if you could build a house using Lego, you could definitely master using a mobile phone from Project Ara.
Mightbe that’s an overly simplified analogy of Project Ara, but a more pressing concern is if such a device is the way to go in terms of considering the next step in mobile communication. Looking at it on a purely conceptual level, the Project Ara has the potential to revolutionize how mobile phones are made and sold, and would definitely have smartphone giants like Apple and Samsung scrambling to counteract the movement. On the other hand, it might become just another good idea that doesn’t become anything more than that: an idea. Is Project Ara a good thing? Let’s take a look at a few important points of discussion.
Would the user experience improve or not?
As much as we might like to think we live in a technologically-savvy world, the majority of smartphone users are essentially casual users. With social media being the reason the majority of smartphone users are keeping their hands and eyes glued to their phones, one could easily question the need for giving consumers such a level of control with upgrading their devices, especially when most would be perfectly to just purchase the latest models available.
On the other hand, the argument about a new piece of technology alienating a generation of new users have been made before, and a lot of times, that argument has been proven wrong. And more than anything, the Project Ara provides something that a lot of other smartphones could no longer provide: novelty. That in itself makes for a great user experience, for at least a specific period of time.
How much would it cost?
Pricing would be a critical matter in the success of Project Ara. While the ability to only upgrade specific components of your smartphone might seem a cheaper alternative to purchasing an entirely new smartphone, if the price difference for the act of buying a new phone and buying certain parts, then switching to Project Ara might not be worthwhile. For users to fully appreciate the changes to the smartphone norm, it’s important to remember that people would probably be hesitant to spend their money on an unproven technology when a proven option is available for not so much more.
How would competitors respond?
Once Project Ara comes out, companies like Apple and Samsung and the other forerunners in the smartphone business are going to have to address this breakthrough. With Project Ara phones coming out next year, it’s very interesting to see how the big dogs are going to answer this obvious challenge to their smartphone supremacy. It’s an interesting thought to entertain—what with all the years that these top companies have dominated the field and in comes something new that not only disregards the standards set by these companies, but basically reinvents the smartphone into a package that seemingly is more convenient and cheaper. With a paradigm shift of this magnitude, it would be nice to see the eventual push in innovation that this specific situation dictates.
Would Motorola once again run with the big dogs?
Project Ara is a Motorola baby. Motorola, a mobile communications company that once competed with Nokia, Ericsson, Samsung and others have fallen on the wayside the moment smartphones became the norm. This move by Motorola could be considered somewhat overdue, but one couldnot deny that while the move might be a little late in the game, this move is still a definite game changer.
Would Project Ara breathe new life into the once titanic company? Also, what would be the ramifications if Project Ara results into nothing more but a passing trend (a distinct possibility considering the number of supposed innovations predicted to be the next big thing)? It’s hard not to admire Motorola for taking such a bold move. If the Project Ara does succeed, then Motorola would definitely make its mark once more in the mobile communications industry.
If it doesn’t succeed, who’s to blame?
There are many questions hanging when it comes to Project Ara. While this groundbreaking move by Motorola has people excited, it remains to be seen of the general public is excited enough to support the project and turn it into a success. If it does fail, and that obviously might be a premature topic for discussion, but if it does fail, then what could be the possible cause of that failure?
The product itself is one questionable factor. A modular phone is indeed a good idea, but not all good ideas translate well into reality. Also, how would Project Ara be marketed? Remember that while the top companies might have optimum projects, it’s marketing that keeps them afloat. In a world wherein people have mostly made their choice when it comes to their tech preferences, it’s difficult to foresee a scenario wherein Project Ara would succeed without an aggressive marketing campaign. And of course, there’s always us, the consumers. Are we ready for Project Ara?
Here’s one last look at the project
Whether or not Project Ara makes it or takes a backseat to the fact that innovation is once again at work. It’s nice to know that while we live in a world where we already believe are smartphones are the greatest things ever, here comes a product that could potentially show us more. There is nothing wrong with reinventing the wheel, and if Motorola’s bold move pays off, then they deserve every piece of success they get. Is Project Ara a good thing? Yes. Any product that aims to improve something that’s already great is always a good thing.
As mobile communication technology progresses, we find ourselves depending more and more on devices that seem to address our needs and wants so well that it’s as if these smartphone companies know each and every one of us personally. From basic calling and texting features, to harnessing the potential of mobile Internet connectivity, these pieces of technology now enable us to communicate on a global level, making us all a part of a worldwide community. With every new model that’s introduced, these smartphones are simply getting smarter, better, and more equipped to become the single most indispensable piece of technology in our lives.
Now, the continuous evolution of the smartphone introduces yet and another step towards the future with Project Ara, a modular smartphone that allows the user to upgrade only specific parts of the phone as opposed to having to buy and entirely new phone. The Project Ara phone essentially comprises of an endoskeleton with modules which could be filled by different components, such as the CPU, the camera, the storage device and other parts of the smartphone. While the concept of basically building your own smartphone might come off as complex, keep in mind that if you could build a house using Lego, you could definitely master using a mobile phone from Project Ara.
Mightbe that’s an overly simplified analogy of Project Ara, but a more pressing concern is if such a device is the way to go in terms of considering the next step in mobile communication. Looking at it on a purely conceptual level, the Project Ara has the potential to revolutionize how mobile phones are made and sold, and would definitely have smartphone giants like Apple and Samsung scrambling to counteract the movement. On the other hand, it might become just another good idea that doesn’t become anything more than that: an idea. Is Project Ara a good thing? Let’s take a look at a few important points of discussion.
Would the user experience improve or not?
As much as we might like to think we live in a technologically-savvy world, the majority of smartphone users are essentially casual users. With social media being the reason the majority of smartphone users are keeping their hands and eyes glued to their phones, one could easily question the need for giving consumers such a level of control with upgrading their devices, especially when most would be perfectly to just purchase the latest models available.
On the other hand, the argument about a new piece of technology alienating a generation of new users have been made before, and a lot of times, that argument has been proven wrong. And more than anything, the Project Ara provides something that a lot of other smartphones could no longer provide: novelty. That in itself makes for a great user experience, for at least a specific period of time.
How much would it cost?
Pricing would be a critical matter in the success of Project Ara. While the ability to only upgrade specific components of your smartphone might seem a cheaper alternative to purchasing an entirely new smartphone, if the price difference for the act of buying a new phone and buying certain parts, then switching to Project Ara might not be worthwhile. For users to fully appreciate the changes to the smartphone norm, it’s important to remember that people would probably be hesitant to spend their money on an unproven technology when a proven option is available for not so much more.
How would competitors respond?
Once Project Ara comes out, companies like Apple and Samsung and the other forerunners in the smartphone business are going to have to address this breakthrough. With Project Ara phones coming out next year, it’s very interesting to see how the big dogs are going to answer this obvious challenge to their smartphone supremacy. It’s an interesting thought to entertain—what with all the years that these top companies have dominated the field and in comes something new that not only disregards the standards set by these companies, but basically reinvents the smartphone into a package that seemingly is more convenient and cheaper. With a paradigm shift of this magnitude, it would be nice to see the eventual push in innovation that this specific situation dictates.
Would Motorola once again run with the big dogs?
Project Ara is a Motorola baby. Motorola, a mobile communications company that once competed with Nokia, Ericsson, Samsung and others have fallen on the wayside the moment smartphones became the norm. This move by Motorola could be considered somewhat overdue, but one couldnot deny that while the move might be a little late in the game, this move is still a definite game changer.
Would Project Ara breathe new life into the once titanic company? Also, what would be the ramifications if Project Ara results into nothing more but a passing trend (a distinct possibility considering the number of supposed innovations predicted to be the next big thing)? It’s hard not to admire Motorola for taking such a bold move. If the Project Ara does succeed, then Motorola would definitely make its mark once more in the mobile communications industry.
If it doesn’t succeed, who’s to blame?
There are many questions hanging when it comes to Project Ara. While this groundbreaking move by Motorola has people excited, it remains to be seen of the general public is excited enough to support the project and turn it into a success. If it does fail, and that obviously might be a premature topic for discussion, but if it does fail, then what could be the possible cause of that failure?
The product itself is one questionable factor. A modular phone is indeed a good idea, but not all good ideas translate well into reality. Also, how would Project Ara be marketed? Remember that while the top companies might have optimum projects, it’s marketing that keeps them afloat. In a world wherein people have mostly made their choice when it comes to their tech preferences, it’s difficult to foresee a scenario wherein Project Ara would succeed without an aggressive marketing campaign. And of course, there’s always us, the consumers. Are we ready for Project Ara?
Here’s one last look at the project
Whether or not Project Ara makes it or takes a backseat to the fact that innovation is once again at work. It’s nice to know that while we live in a world where we already believe are smartphones are the greatest things ever, here comes a product that could potentially show us more. There is nothing wrong with reinventing the wheel, and if Motorola’s bold move pays off, then they deserve every piece of success they get. Is Project Ara a good thing? Yes. Any product that aims to improve something that’s already great is always a good thing.
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