Lapka + Google Project Ara Create Haute Couture Environment Sensors

A few weeks back, Google unveiled the its Project Ara concept – a module-based mobile phone that features interchangeable peripherals to help with everyday life: Bluetooth blocks, cameras, second screens, etc. Exploring the extensive possibilities of Project Ara, Google tapped fellow Bay Area tech company Lapka to create a series of environmental sensors for the mobile phone. Lapka has attracted attention in recent years for its development of small, minimal smartphone sensors, which can detect anything from carbon monoxide to real-time humidity in a given situation. Together, Google and Lapka created a new collection of Ara-specific peripherals, which include sensors for air quality, CO2, EKG and light intensity. These innovations rival the functionality of apps while also allowing the device near-limitless utility; the light sensor, for instance, detects luminosity and makes suggestions for skin and eye protection – aside from a ‘photo assistant’ function. While release information here is limited, check out this nifty piece above and stay tuned for more news on the device.