- 3D Systems (DDD +5.7%) has struck a multi-year deal with Motorola Mobility (GOOG) to support the latter's Project Ara, an open-source initiative meant to enable custom smartphones for which users can mix and match various hardware components (the display, processor, memory, radios, etc.). (PR)
- 3D is expected to make smartphone enclosures and modules for Ara, and act as Motorola's "exclusive fulfillment partner" for the project.
- Also: 3D and Motorola will create "a continuous high-speed 3D printing production platform and fulfillment system," and 3D plans to "substantially expand its multi-material printing capabilities" to help make the project possible.
- If successful, Ara would represent a radical departure from how mobile phones have been manufactured for decades, and could offer consumers an unprecedented level of hardware customization. But the project will need to gain the backing of major component suppliers to make headway.