Earlier today one of the most watched live streams from Google I/O 2015 was for the session on Google’s ATAP unit. Looking forward to some of the cutting edge technology Google is working on, anticipation was high for an appearance by Project Ara, Google’s modular smartphone. Google did not entirely disappoint as late in the session Google engineer Rafa Camargo brought out the device for a brief demonstration.
Camargo started out with a tray full of modules and an ARA exoskeleton, the frame that holds the modules. He proceeded to “build” a smartphone by adding in a processor, a battery and a couple speakers before firing the device up. None of this was especially groundbreaking as we have seen how the device will work in past videos, but this was the first time it was demonstrated in front of a live audience.
Those watching may have noticed that when Camargo fired up the device, which loaded the latest version of the Android operating system, he left one space open in the frame. Trying to take a picture with the smartphone, Camargo showed how the system displayed an icon to the user letting them know that no camera was available.
In a twist that pleased the audience, Camargo then added the camera module in the open space and mere seconds later the camera app was showing the live preview on the screen. No reboot was required – the device was able to handle the hot installation of the camera hardware.
Unfortunately, no other information was provided on how close Project Ara is to being ready for consumers. Camargo did close out the session by taking the first public photo with an ARA smartphone, which was tweeted out by the team’s Twitter account.
Keep watching TalkAndroid for more coverage from Google I/O 2015.
First public photo from our ARA phone at #io15. Next app install will be @googlephotos to fix lighting. #ProjectAra pic.twitter.com/EvFCQbbHo8
— Project Ara (@ProjectAra) May 29, 2015
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