Toshiba demonstrates its first Project Ara camera modules in 5 MP and 13 MP variations

Toshiba has demonstrated its first camera modules for Google’s Project Ara modular smartphone. The units in development will reportedly be available in both 5 MP and 13 MP versions, with a 2 MP front-facing module also in the works.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mo4GeSil9fU]

The video above shows the prototype 5 MP module capturing live images and transmitting them to the camera software. This progress marks the end of the first of three development phases. Following “basic phone functions,” Toshiba aims to introduce “up-to-date features” like NFC. The third phase will add currently undisclosed “unique features” to the system.

Toshiba’s work on these camera modules is expected to be complete in 2016. Google is hoping to have Project Ara smartphones available in a limited-market pilot by 2015.