Tech giant Amazon is reportedly gearing up to introduce its own smartphone, integrated with the company’s Alexa. This device could be aimed at helping users stay connected with Amazon’s ecosystem, just like Apple. It is believed to feature inbuilt AI capabilities, with Alexa leading the device. According to Reuters, this purported smartphone could be developed under ZeroOne, Amazon’s one-year-old devices unit. Reportedly, the handset is expected to be inspired by the minimalist Light Phone.
Is Amazon Planning An AI-Enabled Smartphone?
A Reuters report cited unknown sources and hinted that Amazon is planning to develop a new smartphone under the project name internally referred to as Transformer. It could be produced under the company’s devices and services unit. The report mentions that the purported handset could be seen as a personalised device that can easily sync with Alexa, Amazon’s own voice assistant.
Jeff Bezos’ Long-Standing Vision
Reportedly, the Transformer Project is believed to be a long-standing vision of Jeff Bezos. He reportedly envisioned a smartphone that could compete with the iPhone and offer shopping support to users by providing fast shipping and discounts through Amazon Prime membership. As of now, pricing details and the launch timeline of this expected smartphone remain unclear.
This purported device is anticipated to focus on personalisation and might help users to shop easily on Amazon and stream content on Prime Video. It may also help users with Prime Music and ordering food from Grubhub. It could boast integrated advanced AI features and eliminate the need for conventional app stores, which are often needed to download and register apps on the smartphone.
To recall, Amazon launched its first smartphone in 2014, dubbed the Amazon Fire Phone. It was priced at $649 (nearly Rs 60,000). However, the company discontinued the smartphone because it failed to create its market.
