News - Project Ara concept controller turns phone into a gaming device

[HEXUS]

The clamshell controller, called Flippypad, could be a top seller if and when it is manufactured.

Read more.

[crossy]

With Project Ara thought to be setting sail in January 2015, the Flippypad concept's creator is hoping that his design, which is not a real product just yet, will inspire someone to put it into development in time for Ara's release.

How interesting would it be if that "someone" was Nintendo themselves? Especially if there was a way of extending the design to accommodate the ability to take DS, or better still 3DS, cartridges. Seems like a win situation for Nintendo since they'd continue to be able to make money from software sales.

Got to say that - at the moment at least - the most interesting part about Ara is the potential to have a phone device with a removable camera module. There's times when a camera-less smartphone would be very handy. Heck, especially the replacement for the camera module was the RJ45 module that someone suggested. Ideal for those trips to the datacentre! Even better if a "Ara Tab" (modular tablet) was made available.

Although if I went for an Ara phone then I'd be sacrificing thinness for battery life, and I'd really want a camera module with optical zoom.

[Spud1]

How interesting would it be if that "someone" was Nintendo themselves? Especially if there was a way of extending the design to accommodate the ability to take DS, or better still 3DS, cartridges. Seems like a win situation for Nintendo since they'd continue to be able to make money from software sales.

Got to say that - at the moment at least - the most interesting part about Ara is the potential to have a phone device with a removable camera module. There's times when a camera-less smartphone would be very handy. Heck, especially the replacement for the camera module was the RJ45 module that someone suggested. Ideal for those trips to the datacentre! Even better if a "Ara Tab" (modular tablet) was made available.

Although if I went for an Ara phone then I'd be sacrificing thinness for battery life, and I'd really want a camera module with optical zoom.

Good idea - and quirky enough that Nintendo may even be interested in such a plan

I really like the concept of an RJ45 connector, and paired with a keyboard + a mobile version of Linux..you have the perfect network admin (or hacker) device. Curious what else people come up with!