New MDK for Project Ara released ahead of second developer conference

Google has just released the second version of their Module Developers Kit (MDK .2) for Project Ara, which expands on how developers should go about creating new modules. We weren’t planning to see anything regarding the new MDK from Google until their next developer conference, which will be held on January 14th in Mountain View, California. Google will definitely expand on the MDK during the conference, but for now, we get a sneak peek at what’s to come in a few days.

One addition to the Project Ara undertaking is a new contactless connection system between the modules and exoskeleton that save space, reduce overall cost and will increase the overall durability of the device. What’s more, the team also introduced a new software protocol called Greybus which will better handle the communication between modules and the exoskeleton. In a future update, Ara owners will be able to manage the functions of the modules using a dedicated Ara Manager app on their devices. The app will also give users more advanced module details, and will allow users to swap the modules whenever they’d like.

We’re also getting a bigger overview on the Ara Module Marketplace, the online shop where Ara users will go to buy new modules directly from developers. Like we’ve reported in the past, the Ara Module Marketplace will be controlled by Google when it comes to payment processing. Google will also ensure all modules are safe to use for the public.

We’ll be sure to update you if we hear any new information before the conference on the 14th.