Project Ara Could Be Delayed Or Even Discontinued After Its Chief Designer Leaves Google

The Project Ara is certainly one of the most interesting and potentially revolutionary devices we have seen under development.

Last year, only a few people paid attention when the 'PhoneBloks' concept was announced, but when Motorola took the helm, and later Google, then that's when it became more interesting. 

And even after the departure of Motorola to Lenovo, Project Ara remained a major project for the search giant. In recent months, we have been given previews as to what it would like and how it would function. 

In past reports, the Project Ara handset would allow Google to partner with several manufacturers to produce 'parts' or modules for the modular handset. There would be different modules for display resolution, RAM, chipset, camera and even the battery. 

What is most appealing with this device is that Google plans to sell the base model (where the modules would be attached) at just $50. With all the possibilities this particular type of smartphone can offer, such a low entry price will surely be attractive for a budget-conscious market. 

According to reports, there will be three sizes for the base model, which automatically means there are only three display size options for the phone. 

Unfortunately, all of these hype and developments may be put to waste as the chief designer of the project has just left Google. 

In the report, Chief Designer Dan Makoski left the company and is now VP for Design at Capital One. The former executive had a two-year contract with Google, and when the contract expired recently, Makoski decided to abandon ship. 

Obviously, we don't know whether this 'ship' which is Project Ara is sinking or not, but if it is holding such great promise for the industry, especially Makoski's career, then why did he leave?

There are no reports yet who would replace Makoski, or whether Project Ara development would be delayed at the moment. We certainly hope it would not be discontinued.