MANILA, Philippines – Google has suspended its work on the modular smartphone, a new report from Reuters explained.

According to the report released Friday, September 2, two people with knowledge of the matter said Google stopped its investment into Project Ara in an effort to streamline the company’s hardware business.

Project Ara was an effort to allow phone users to customize a smartphone for their needs. Users would have been able to mix and match pieces to make their ideal smartphone, as well as upgrade the tech on one instead of purchasing a new phone outright.

A spokeswoman for Google declined to comment on the report.

Even though Google appears to be ending its push to come out with a modular smartphone, the report added the company might still work with other companies, partnering to make the vision of Project Ara bear fruit.

One of the people familiar with the matter said this may come about as a result of licensing agreements. – Rappler.com