Project Ara's First 5MP Camera Module is Designed by Toshiba

[dgstorm]

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We have a first glimpse of a functional piece of Project Ara, Google's modular smartphone concept. A 5MP camera module has been designed for the phone, and it was created by Toshiba. What's amazing about this module is that it supposedly holds up to Google's requirements of being hot-swappable, so you can remove it without turning off your device.

The report regarding this camera elaborates that Toshiba will be making more than just the camera and is currently developing several different modules for Project Ara. Here's a quote with more of the details,

Of course, Toshiba isn't stopping at 5 megapixels, nor is it stopping at camera modules only. It plans to also have a 13 megapixel version ready soon. And that's just Phase 1. Phase 2 will see the development of other types of modules, including NFC, Wireless Power Charging, external memory, and Toshiba's own TransferJet technology.

The video above shows off the camera module. Sound off and let us know what you think of the progress that is being made for Project Ara.

Source: SlashGear

 

[furbearingmammal]

I want, nay, Want, no, I WANT Ara. I crave it. The ability to have near-full control over what components my phone has? GIVE IT ME NAO!!!!

Now if only Verizon will let me use my toy in their playground. Le sigh...

 

[FoxKat]

Time to get EXCITED (read "cautiously optimistic). This is great news. Truth be known that big corporations like Toshiba will spend millions and millions on things that look promising but end up in the junk heap, however they are also the dollars that drive research and development, so we couldn't ask for a better partner in this. NOW I'm getting real anxious.

ARA and TOSHIBA!! YeAh!

 

[cr6]

5MP? Welcome to 2010 Toshiba. We now know why your company is lagging. Oy!
Still cool I suppose, but nothing to get too excited about. Maybe these modules will be Toshibas "big break".

S5 tap'n

 

[Jonny Kansas]

5MP? Welcome to 2010 Toshiba. We now know why your company is lagging. Oy!
Still cool I suppose, but nothing to get too excited about. Maybe these modules will be Toshibas "big break".

S5 tap'n

Considering that it's all contained in that tiny little module, I think it's a decent start...Haha

 

[furbearingmammal]

The first-gen Moto G had a 5MP shooter. Since they're planning on releasing the small (read, low-rent) version of the Ara chassis first, 5MP fits quite nicely. Plus, there's no guarantee this will be a final production module. Start simple, get something working, then upgrade it. Prototypes and beta hardware rarely fully reflect the final production model, so we may see something in between before the 13MP module is finished.

So, if I'm an early adopter, I'll pay $15 for the shooter (example given, not expected to be realistic) until the 13MP option rolls around for a $50 outlay. A month later, when the 24MP shooter module hits the market, I'll buy the 13 for $20, pull out my old camera module, put in the upgraded accelerometer module in the space, and replace the AC module with the larger camera part.

That's why I'm excited, not just because I can upgrade my SoC at the drop of hat and $50.

 

[Ollie]

It's not about the megapixels it's about the sensors. Ask the iFolks. They will be quick to throw that out there.

 

[cr6]

Good point guys. I was just thinking, if they expect the general public to get behind this "project" they need to release it with a little more wow factor. (spec wise) Even through I love the concept of this device, releasing it with low end specs is not going to convert me, (or convince me) to give up my current high-end flagship device.
That was all I was getting at.

S5 tap'n

 

[Jonny Kansas]

I see your point, but I don't see this device as being geared toward the general public, at least not at this stage in the game, or any time real soon.

Sent from my Note 4 via Tapatalk

 

[Ollie]

Depending upon the availability of parts upon general population release I think this will take off. Especially if you could get a spare battery, better camera module, glucose reader, etc for say $5 a month/12 months from your carrier.

 

[Jonny Kansas]

Depending upon the availability of parts upon general population release I think this will take off. Especially if you could get a spare battery, better camera module, glucose reader, etc for say $5 a month/12 months from your carrier.

Eventually, sure, maybe. But it'll be just like computers were back in the day. We tinkerers will be the first & it'll be some time before the populace as a whole see the benefits.

I'm with fbm though. I doubt Verizon lets us play in their sandbox.

Sent from my Note 4 via Tapatalk

 

[cr6]

I don't see it being as inexpensive as people think it's going to be. With the years of R&D they've already put into this device, yeah....I'm thinking it'll be pretty spendy.

S5 tap'n

 

[Jonny Kansas]

I don't see it being as inexpensive as people think it's going to be. With the years of R&D they've already put into this device, yeah....I'm thinking it'll be pretty spendy.

S5 tap'n

They'll be walking a fine line between breaking even & charging prices that get people using it when it ships.

Sent from my Note 4 via Tapatalk

 

[kodiak799]

Really good to see a company like Toshiba investing in this platform.

Sammy and the other OEM's better pay attention or this phone COULD (doubtful) end-up eating their lunch. You can already see vastly superior swappable cameras, which would seem like a huge selling point.

And just in general all the specialized modules this thing could have. Really huge potential, I just don't know exactly how big of a priority it is for Google and others (Google is known to half-bake things and then abandon suddenly).

 

[furbearingmammal]

I think $50 is a good starting price, don't you?

Project Ara modular phone UK release date price A step closer - PC Advisor