The modular phone from Google.

Modular Phone
Mobile Development
Android Development
Linux Kernel
Distributed Systems
Communication Protocol
Project Ara

Overview

Meet the Client: Google ATAP
Meet the Client: Google ATAP
Google ATAP (Advanced Technology and Projects) is an experimental division within Google known for incubating high-risk, high-reward ideas at the intersection of hardware, software, and advanced manufacturing. Formed originally at Motorola Mobility and later integrated into Google, ATAP operates more like a DARPA-style innovation lab than a traditional product team — with aggressive timelines, multidisciplinary teams, and a mission to turn science fiction into reality. Project Ara, their boldest foray into modular smartphone design, aimed to redefine how mobile devices are built, upgraded, and personalized; creating a fully customizable platform for hardware innovation.
Man wearing VR glasses
Project Ara

The Challenge

Allowing users to customize their smartphone in an instant is no small feat. The idea was bold and technically challenging, requiring excellent power efficiency, seamless module swapping, and exceptionally fast data-transfer rates.
Allowing users to customize their smartphone in an instant is no small feat. The idea was bold and technically challenging, requiring excellent power efficiency, seamless module swapping, and exceptionally fast data-transfer rates.
Mockup
Mockup
Mockup
Mockup
Mockup
Mockup
VR Glasses
VR Glasses
VR Glasses
LeafLabs was responsible for capabilities including: Mobile development, Android development, Linux Kernel development, Distributed Systems expertise, Communications Protocol implementation, Technical Leadership, and Project Management
LeafLabs was responsible for capabilities including: Mobile development, Android development, Linux Kernel development, Distributed Systems expertise, Communications Protocol implementation, Technical Leadership, and Project Management
Project Ara

The Solution

Project Ara wasn't just another phone; it was a new way to look at how we use devices.
Project Ara wasn't just another phone; it was a new way to look at how we use devices.

Mobile development Android development Linux Kernel development Distributed Systems expertise Communications Protocol implementation Technical Leadership Project Management

Project Ara

Performance Results

We collaborated closely with partners around the world. This included software leaders of the Android and Linux Kernel community, as well as major corporations such as Toshiba.
We collaborated closely with partners around the world. This included software leaders of the Android and Linux Kernel community, as well as major corporations such as Toshiba.
Patents Granted
Patents Granted

This project required numerous innovations.

6
6
6
Modules Designed
Modules Designed

From batteries to cameras.

4
4
4
Kernel Speed Improvements
Kernel Speed Improvements

Significant linux subsystems used in subsequent devices.

1X
1X
1X

"It’s been years since we’ve had anything like true experimentation and newness in smartphones." — Wired

Project Ara

Publications & Info

The Verge Video – Google's Project Ara: Reinventing the smartphone with building blocks

Project Ara Release Video – Ara: What's Next – 4M Views

Wired – Google's New Modular Phone May Be the Last You’ll Need to Buy

Time - Project Ara: Inside Google’s Bold Gambit to Make Smartphones Modular

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The teams who trust us with their hardest problems.
The teams who trust us with their hardest problems.
The teams who trust us with their hardest problems.
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