Rumours that Amazon is working on a smartphone have resurfaced. Citing “two people with knowledge of the matter,” Bloomberg reports that it is developing the device with Foxconn. Much as it already does with its Kindle Fire, Amazon is apparently looking to take on Apple and Google and drive more mobile users to its own content ecosystem.
The report sheds no light on the device itself. It remains to be seen if Amazon will use a heavily customized version of Android like it does with the Kindle Fire or if it will strike off in a different direction (Mozilla’s own Firefox smartphone platform perhaps?).
The report provides no timelines as to when Amazon could release its smartphone.
Bloomberg added that Amazon is also looking to acquire wireless technology patents that would help it defend itself against any infringement allegations. It is currently setting up briefings with sellers. Given past rumours about Amazon buying RIM, could the beleaguered smartphone manufacturer be among those?
Rumours of an Amazon smartphone first surfaced last November. They suggested an entry-level device priced between US$150 and US$170 that would be powered by a TI OMAP4 processor and possibly Windows Phone. It would also come with a 4-inch touchscreen display, HSPA+/EVDO connectivity and an 8MP camera.
Read more: Bloomberg