Google’s hoping that the first modular Project Ara smartphones will be ready to ship to lucky residents of Puerto Rico later this year, and those phones are going to need camera. Fortunately for early adopters, Toshiba already has a working snap-in module ready to go.toshiba-ara-camera

Toshiba will have two Ara-compatible, rear-facing camera modules. For those who want something that can stand in for a point-and-shoot in a pinch, they’ll have a 13MP camera. Those who are trying to keep their total Project Ara bill as close to Google’s ambitious $50 mark as possible can opt instead for a 5MP shooter. Interestingly enough, neither features an on-module flash at the moment. Toshiba may be of the mindset that the flash should be on a separate module, of they could simply still be working out how to fit it all in.

For taking selfies and making video calls, Toshiba is working on a 2MP front-facing camera module.

They’re planning on offering a bunch of other Ara modules, too, including NFC, memory expansions, and one that adds their blazing-fast Transferjet technology. It’s capable of wirelessly transferring files at speeds close to 560 Mbps. Other slick Ara modules we’ve heard about already include Sennheiser Audio. Smartphone maker Yezz claims they’ve created hundreds of prototype modules, and we should get a look at them soon.

via Petapixel (h/t Reddit)

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Lee Mathews

Computer tech, blogger, husband, father, and avid MSI U100 user.

8 replies on “Toshiba reveals the first Project Ara camera modules”

  1. I could see this being a hit for medical field, you could have tons of different sensors for blood sugar, pressure, pulse, etc. I wonder if they could make an Ara tablet. You would be able to fit alot of modules on it!
    Well I am still waiting to buy one…. I wonder how many will turn up on eBay when they go on sale in Puerto Rico

    1. Google probably doesn’t want to upset their partners too much.

      I’m guessing the target $50 price is going to be something they push in smaller markets, and developing countries. When it hits the bigger markets, I’m sure they will be pushing a higher price point.

      If they tried to push a $50 smartphone in the US, Samsung would have a $49 Tizen-powered phone in the US market in weeks.

      1. Windows Phone is the best in low end. To had they don’t make any with flash or camera at that price. Got lumia 520 for $40 then 625 for about same price a year later. Also got lumia 925 for $90.
        Well my sister uses the 625 as her phone and I have 2 phones sitting around…. I guess it’s good encase something happens to my oneplus one but kind of useless sitting around…
        So, Microsoft could develop modules for project Ara too right? Apple probably could also. I wonder if you would be able to run ubuntu on this.

    2. They are a local target market. That target being “emerging markets”. Idk, my marketing professor explained it better

  2. Good luck early adopters!
    I hope you are vocal because I am curious.

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