Google develops Project Ara 'Module Developers Kit’

April 13, 2014: Google has released the Project Ara Module Developers Kit (MDK). It has also scheduled the Ara Developers' Conference for April 15 and April 16, 2014.

The MDK comprises of an endoskeleton (endo), along with its modules. The endo is the structural frame that holds all the modules in place, while a module can be anything, from a new application processor to a new display or keyboard, an extra battery, a pulse oximeter or some other customisable hardware unit.

This Kit also includes guidelines for developers for designing Project Ara smartphones, creating valid module dimensions, components and layout for power pads.

‘The Module Developers Kit (MDK) defines the Ara platform for module developers and provides reference implementations for various design features,’ as stated in its reports. The Ara platform consists of an on-device packet-switched data network based on the MIPI UniPro protocol stack, a flexible power bus, and an elegant industrial design also unites the modules with an endoskeleton.

"The Project Ara Module Developers Kit (MDK) v0.10 is a very early version and aims to provide the developer community an opportunity to provide feedback and input. This will also enable the company to ensure that the final MDK - anticipated at the end of 2014 - is elegant, flexible, and complete," said Paul Eremenko, Head, Project Ara.

Google has also decided to provide Ara skeletons. Official reports also stated that this is also packed with three different Ara skeleton sizes namely, mini (a basic unit), medium (a mainstream unit), and jumbo, (a phablet-style model).