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Google to launch its first modular smartphone in Puerto Rico

This is the most progress we’ve seen from Project Ara – Google’s code name for the initiative. Screenshot/YouTube

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Google says it will unveil a modular smartphone in Puerto Rico this year as part of a pilot program that will allow people to choose their own hardware.

The company said Wednesday that it will partner with Mexico-based carrier Claro and local carrier Open Mobile.

READ MORE: Google unveils ‘Project Ara’ modular smartphone prototype

Google marketing executive Jessica Beavers said Puerto Rico was chosen in part because more than 90 per cent of households on the island of nearly 3.7 million people use a cellphone and 77 per cent of Internet access occurs through mobile devices.

Google would manufacture and sell the phone frame as well as modules created by individual manufacturers that can be added to it like Legos. Modules would range from a screen to a camera to speakers to even a pedometer, depending on people’s needs.

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