Amazon has been tipped to launch its first smartphone in June, with the release date happening in the autumn.
Following its range of tablets and the latest Amazon Fire TV hardware, it seems Amazon is finally goes to make a foray into the smartphone sector.
According to a recent WSJ report citing people familiar with the details, Amazon has been demoing its first smartphone to developers in the past few weeks in secure hotel rooms with heavy security details.
Basically don’t expect to see any leaked images or videos of the Amazon smartphone, as it seems the online retail giant is keeping a tight grip on its newest bit of kit.
Despite the official unveiling happening in June, the report suggesting shipping won’t start until September.
All the rumours point towards the Amazon smartphone featuring four front-facing cameras or sensors that will track your gaze. They will combine to create a glasses-free 3D smartphone viewing experience, with a similar effect to a hologram.
In total, it is expected to feature six camera modules, four of which are VGA cameras. Apparently they will be positioned in the four corners of the device, enabling highly-accurate gesture and eye tracking.
There will also be the standard camera offerings of a front and rear-facing pair, with resolutions tipped to be 12- and 13-megapixels respectively.
With production expected to begin in April, Amazon’s first order of handsets is expected to be for 600,000 handsets. Similar to the iPhone 6, Japan Display Inc (JDI) is tipped to be one of the main component manufacturers.
The first Amazon Kindle device was released nearly seven years ago and now Amazon seems ready to tackle the smartphone space with something a little niche to rival the likes of Apple and Samsung.
Rumours of an Amazon smartphone have been circulating for many years, with most supporting the idea of Amazon introducing 3D display technology.
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
