Google postpones modular smartphone due to problems with magnetic system

Google is delaying the release of the modular smartphone Project Ara, because the modules become detached from each other when the device falls. That is what the management of the project said on Twitter. There will be a new system to connect the modules with each other.

The modules are connected via a magnetic system, but that turns out not to be strong enough in a drop test, turns out from the tweet. That is why Google is now testing a ‘signature experience’ to attach and detach modules from the skeleton. This probably also means that module manufacturers will have to redesign the attachments.

In addition, there must be more space for modules, the project management tweeted. That is why the core functionality is housed in a more compact housing. It is unknown when the project group will present its next prototype.

It was already clear on Tuesday that Google had postponed Project Ara, but at the time the company was not clear about the reason for the postponement. The test in Puerto Rico has been called off and Google now plans to test the phone somewhere in the United States in 2016.

Update, 22:12: Google claims it was a “joke” that Ara would not survive the drop test. Despite this, it would have developed a new mechanism to link modules.