The Yezz Project Ara handset will go on sale first in Puerto Rico James Temperton

After months of waiting Project Ara is finally taking shape, but the first handset won't be coming from Google. Little-known smartphone manufacturer Yezz showed off a prototype of the innovative modular smartphone at Mobile World Congress and said it could launch its Project Ara device in the next six months.

The Miami-based firm said it was approached by Google at CES in Las Vegas earlier this year with a view to developing the first Project Ara handset. A Yezz spokesperson said the project was "risky" but had huge potential.


Up to 11 modules, including the screen, can fit into the phone's shell James Temperton

An initial test launch in Puerto Rico could be expanded to more countries by the end of the year, the company confirmed. The phone is likely to go on sale for around $200 (£130). Yezz said Google wanted to work with a smaller firm for the launch, rather than a large smartphone manufacturer such as Samsung or HTC.

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Google has been developing Project Ara since 2013.

The modular smartphone uses a shell known as an endoskeleton that is filled with a number of modular parts. A controller, which makes the phone work, can be combined with a screen module, camera module, processor, storage and just about any other smartphone feature.

Yezz said more than 80 modules were in development for its Project Ara phone James Temperton


In total 11 modules can be placed into the shell, including the display. Modules come in two sizes -- two by two squares and one by one squares -- and can be swapped out and removed with magnetic clasps keeping them attached. The concept has been described as the first "future-proof" smartphone, with the modular design allowing people to remove and replace old and unwanted parts.

More than 80 modules are already in development by Yezz, with discussions ongoing with other companies. Yezz said it was working with Suncore on a folio case with a built in solar panel to boost the phone's battery life. Toshiba is also in discussions about developing a camera module for the handset.

Only two Yezz Project Ara prototype handsets have been developed so far and the company is now working on developing more modules for the system and preparing it for launch.