 If you build it, they will call. At least that's the vision Google has. I'm Nathan Seidkart, and this is 90 Seconds on the Verge. Google has posted the Module Developer Kit, or MDK, for Project ARA. It's documentation that provides exact specifications for manufacturers that want to create stuff for the upcoming piecewise smartphone. So here's the gist. Project ARA breaks down a smartphone into various modules, like camera, battery, and processor. Those modules all attach to an endoskeleton. The company has outlined three different sizes for ARA endoskeletons, sectioned off by the spine and various ribs. That's Google terminology, not ours. Only Google will build the endoskeletons for now, but it wants third parties to create an ecosystem of modules. Those will be sized to fit in 1 by 1, 1 by 2, or 2 by 2 slots, and will lock in via an electro-permanent magnet. That applies to both the rear modules and the front, which fits various display sizes, speakers, and even a keyboard if you want one. The MDK hints at some pretty ambitious thinking on Google's part, listing potential module ideas like health sensors and even thermal image cameras. I mean, say I wanted to ditch my posh city life and move to the wilderness. I could potentially build a phone with a massive battery and even a built-in dart gun. OK, I might be dreaming a bit too big on that last part. Really, the biggest question is, will consumers care about an upgradable phone? We'll find out soon, actually. Google hopes to have the first ARA phones on sale early next year. For more on Project ARA, check out The Verge. Coming up, Xzibit and I get to work on our own modular phone that can make calls, steam my vest, and make fettuccine Alfredo at the same time.
 If you build it, they will call.
 At least that's the vision Google has.
 I'm Nathan Seidkart, and this is 90 Seconds on the Verge.
 Google has posted the Module Developer Kit, or MDK,
 for Project ARA.
 It's documentation that provides exact specifications
 for manufacturers that want to create stuff
 for the upcoming piecewise smartphone.
 So here's the gist.
 Project ARA breaks down a smartphone
 into various modules, like camera, battery,
 and processor.
 Those modules all attach to an endoskeleton.
 The company has outlined three different sizes
 for ARA endoskeletons, sectioned off
 by the spine and various ribs.
 That's Google terminology, not ours.
 Only Google will build the endoskeletons for now,
 but it wants third parties to create an ecosystem of modules.
 Those will be sized to fit in 1 by 1, 1 by 2, or 2 by 2 slots,
 and will lock in via an electro-permanent magnet.
 That applies to both the rear modules and the front, which
 fits various display sizes, speakers, and even a keyboard
 if you want one.
 The MDK hints at some pretty ambitious thinking
 on Google's part, listing potential module
 ideas like health sensors and even thermal image cameras.
 I mean, say I wanted to ditch my posh city life
 and move to the wilderness.
 I could potentially build a phone with a massive battery
 and even a built-in dart gun.
 OK, I might be dreaming a bit too big on that last part.
 Really, the biggest question is, will consumers
 care about an upgradable phone?
 We'll find out soon, actually.
 Google hopes to have the first ARA phones on sale
 early next year.
 For more on Project ARA, check out The Verge.
 Coming up, Xzibit and I get to work on our own modular phone
 that can make calls, steam my vest,
 and make fettuccine Alfredo at the same time.