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Many of our readers are software developers, but I would guess there are some of you out there interested in hardware development and Google's project Ara would have opened some interesting possibilities for small scale hardware developers.
The news that the project will be delayed needn't curb your enthusiasm, there are other alternatives to get involved with in the meantime.
Jolla, The Other Half
Jolla's 'Other Half' is a set of colored covers that adds matching sounds, wallpapers and other customizations to your phone. jolla.com/the-other-halfFairphone 2
Building upon the success of the Fairphone that aimed to build the most ethical phone available, version 2 takes this concept further. Most relevant to this discussion it has a modular design that means you don't need to replace the entire phone if a component fails and allows you to repair it yourself. fairphone.com/phonePuzzlephone
Puzzlephone has similar aims to Fairphone, offering a modular design for repairability and upgradability. puzzlephone.comBlocks
Blocks is a modular smartwatch that lets you add small components that you need for your watch. chooseblocks.comI came across some other concepts that didn't seem to progress further but what else have I missed? I'd love to hear your responses.