In this week’s device news wrap, Google announces its new modular smartphone initiative, Project Ara. In addition, Nokia releases product update about its Lumia tablet charger and Spice Retail Limited unveils its new 3G smartphone.
Google’s Project Ara modular smarphoneÂ
Recently, Google publicized its efforts to create a modular smartphone, an initiative dubbed Project Ara. According to The Guardian, Project Ara will include the release of a customizable smartphone, where major features like the device’s camera, GPS, speakers and other typical components can be changed. In this way, users can switch out the different pieces to create a unique smartphone. The Guardian reported that the device could be available for $50 in January of next year.
“The core frame of the Grey phone will be built to last around five or six years … allowing users to upgrade their phones steadily, buying cheap individual components like a better camera, improved Bluetooth or new 4G radio from an app store-like shop,” The Guardian stated.
Currently, the tech giant is encouraging users to become Ara Scouts during the next six months to one year to provide feedback and help shape the future of the device.
Nokia advises European customers to cease use of tablet charger
On April 17, Nokia released a statement encouraging customers in certain regions of Europe to stop using a version of its AC-300 charger for the Lumia 2520 tablet until more information is announced. Users in the UK, Switzerland, Russia, Germany, Finland, Denmark and Austria are being urged to stop using the travel charger, as well as customers who may have bought the accessory in these countries or in the U.S. Overall, the company estimates that 30,000 chargers, including 600 travel versions sold in the U.S., could be affected by by a potential quality issue. The problem has been identified as an issue with the exchangeable plug plastic cover that could separate, which may cause an electric shock.
“While there have been no confirmed consumer incidents related to this potential quality issue, product quality and safety are top priorities at Nokia,” said Jo Harlow, Smart Devices’ executive vice president.
Spice Retail Limited releases Stellar Glide 3G smartphone
On April 13, India-based mobile Internet company Spice Retail Limited unveiled its newest 3G smartphone, the Stellar Glide Mi-438. The device, tested and approved by Google Labs, comes equipped with Google Mobile Services certification. The smartphone features a 10.16 cm display, 2GB of storage space via Spice Cloud, G Sensor and 3G video calling capabilities. The Android-based device also includes a 1.3 GHz dual core processor, a 1350MAh battery and 2 megapixel camera which can be expanded to 32GB via a micro SD card.
Users trading in for Galaxy S5
According to new statistics from automated eWaste recycling station organization ecoATM, there has been an increasing number of users trading in their Samsung Galaxy S4 and S3 models since the release of the Galaxy S5. Interestingly, S4 users were checking prices more than one week before the S5 was available, but activity did not peak for S3 users until the day the new model was unveiled.
