Sunday Evening Chat: Project Ara

[pc747]

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We are continuing to hear more and more about Project ARA on a weekly basis, and even though it is a concept device 3 years away from even being market ready it peaks our interests. The other day 9to5google posted an article about Google potentially working with BLOCK's smart watch team to build modules. That got me asking the question if the BLOCK's model, what Project ARA is based off of, would work for smart watches. Yeah the concept looks cool but in the grand scheme of things it looks more like a geek's watch.

Would you ever consider buying a Project ARA watch?

Considering a Nexus player?
According to AP you will be able to pick one up today at Best Buy.

For those with a locked down Sony Xperia Z3 Compact there is a way to root it. @DroidModderX has the method posted here.

 

[Vulcan1600]

I'm 54 years old, I gave up watches as soon as my first cell phone had the time right in it. I haven't worn one since, nor do ever anticipate wearing a watch again in my life. I just don't understand these android watches and why or what use I'd ever have from one.

 

[FoxKat]

I'm 54 years old, I gave up watches as soon as my first cell phone had the time right in it. I haven't worn one since, nor do ever anticipate wearing a watch again in my life. I just don't understand these android watches and why or what use I'd ever have from one.

I remember when phones would display the wrong time! Haha. Glad those days are over.

Sent from my Droid Turbo on Tapatalk.

 

[FoxKat]

I think a project ARA is a bit much for such a small device. Modules would need to be extremely small and the manner of attachment would be complicated. Maybe just 4 modules from the back but more that that would be ergonomically difficult.

Sent from my Droid Turbo on Tapatalk.

 

[Jonny Kansas]

I like the concept, but I don't know that I'd use a project Ara device for my daily driver.

Too much chance for modules to slip loose with a good drop. Though I don't drop my phone often, it happens.

Sent from my Note 4 via Tapatalk

 

[pc747]

@Vulcan1600 like you I haven't worn watches in years but I have to say smart watches are one of those things you don't really need but once you try it you feel like you need it. When I leave my watch at home I notice because of the little things. The watch acts as an extension to your phone. It is really useful though not worth the price right now. If you can snag a deal on the Lg G Watch for $90 that will be a good way to test the waters. As cool as the Moto 360 is I just do not feel as if android wear is ready to invest more than $100.

After writing this article I picked up a nexus player. I will be writing a review as well as comparing it to the Chromecast and Roku 3. Initially I will say that this is more of a device for geeks as out of the box it lacks behind the cheaper $30 Chromecast as far as programming. To take full advantage you will have to sideload and follow a community. To be honest for the average consumer this may not be the device for them. But again this is an initial assessment.

 

[kodiak799]

Oh, in 3 years project ara could be really interesting for phones.

As for smart watches, I also don't see the need outside of fitness. Also haven't worn a watch in years, and if I were to start it would be a REAL watch that says I have fashion sense and not a geek.

 

[Jeffrey]

I'm 54 years old, I gave up watches as soon as my first cell phone had the time right in it. I haven't worn one since, nor do ever anticipate wearing a watch again in my life. I just don't understand these android watches and why or what use I'd ever have from one.

Wouldn't you rather just glance at your wrist while on your bike rather then fumbling for your phone??

 

[Jeffrey]

Oh, in 3 years project ara could be really interesting for phones.

As for smart watches, I also don't see the need outside of fitness. Also haven't worn a watch in years, and if I were to start it would be a REAL watch that says I have fashion sense and not a geek.

I think it really depends on your lifestyle. I ride a bike 90% of the time. I tried using handlebar phone mounts but it really didn't work well for me. Glancing at a Smartwatch when I need to know the time, or receive an email, SMS etc makes more sense. At least for me.

 

[kodiak799]

I think it really depends on your lifestyle. I ride a bike 90% of the time. I tried using handlebar phone mounts but it really didn't work well for me. Glancing at a Smartwatch when I need to know the time, or receive an email, SMS etc makes more sense. At least for me.

Agree for fitness/outdoor they make sense. For everyday wear as a watch, no.

 

[Valvoline]

The watch will go through its ugly step child phases for a while. Eventually there will be a round watch face, because that's what consumer wants, with pizza slice shaped modules on the back. I'm thinking it could work, but at what price point. At some point the watches will get older and cheaper and a totalupgrade may not cost much more than a new module. Just blabbing out loud

 

[Crf450r420]

As of now there is no why I'd wear one, but in 3 years that could change. I wear a watch when I can (normal day would destroy one) and I remember to put one on. Digging for the phone sucks at times. I prefer mechanical looks though.