Modular phone Project Ara gets new processor in update

Remember Project Ara? That is the modular phone project that Google is working on, that will eventually be sold to the public. Instead of upgrading to a new phone, users can buy updated modular parts to make a completely customized handset. Google has just announced a new processor for Project Ara. The mobile Rockchip SoC will function as an applications processor, without requiring a bridge chip. A prototype of the phone with the Rockchip CPU, will be available early next year.

Meanwhile, those who won Project Ara handsets in a contest, will find their modular phones arriving later than expected. Google says that these units were coated with an incorrect material. Corrected versions of the phone will be shipped in about two weeks. If you are waiting to receive a Project Ara handset that you won in a contest, be patient. They will soon arrive. The version of the phone that Google is sending contest winners, does not include the new SoC.

Google also announced on Friday that "you can expect to see a major new MDK release and new developer hardware, followed by our second Developers Conference later this year." If you're  still excited about the prospects of putting together your own phone, stay tuned.

source: Google+ via AndroidCentral