The Amazon smartphone is one of those on-again, off-again devices when it comes to information about its mere existence. Last month the device was supposedly coming to market for free and then that rumor was shot down only a couple days later. We are now learning the device has surfaced again in a manner consistent with the previously reported Alphabet Projects, although the names of the projects have been changed. The top model, said to include a 3D user interface, has apparently changed from being “Project B” to now being named “Smith.” In addition to this top-tier model, Amazon is supposedly working on a cheaper smartphone as well.
The latest details to emerge about “Smith” indicate Amazon is achieving the 3D interface effect through the use of four front-facing cameras that are use to track the users head and eye motions. Filtering this input through software, the device is able to generate an image based on the perspective of the user. Along with this 3D interface, Amazon is supposedly planning to include a feature that will let users take a picture of any real world object and then match that with items in the vast Amazon catalog for purchase.
Not much is known about the value device Amazon is working on, but some believe it could be loaded with the new FireOS found on Amazon’s tablets. It is not clear whether Amazon will use FireOS for the “Smith” phone or whether they will come up with some new, heavily modified version of Android to handle the 3D interface.
The source of the information also mentioned Amazon is pulling resources and people from other departments to work on the smartphone projects. This means working in the heavily secured floor whence the prototype devices never leave. This seems to be causing some internal strife, which has caused some delays in the projects. Amazon appears to want to release the low-cost smartphone before the end of the year, but is content to wait until 2014 to release the high-end device to make sure it is done right.
source: TechCrunch
Come comment on this article: Amazon smartphone project seems to be back in the works according to latest rumors
Powered by WPeMatico
