A dark horse may have just entered the intensifying smartphone race. Rumors are coming in that online retail giant Amazon, known for carrying a wide array of digital books, movies and music, is in the early stages of developing their own smartphone/mobile device that will go up against the iPhone 5.
Bloomberg reveals that the information is from “two people with knowledge in that matter” and that Chinese mobile phone manufacturers are now busy working on the new device for Amazon:
“Foxconn International Holdings Ltd. (2038), the Chinese mobile- phone maker, is working with Amazon on the device, said one of the people, who asked not to be identified because the plans are private. Amazon is seeking to complement the smartphone strategy by acquiring patents that cover wireless technology and would help it defend against allegations of infringement, other people with knowledge of the matter said.”
Citigroup analyst Mark Mahaney predicted back in November 2011 that Amazon had plans to release their own smartphone. Amazon had also considered buying wireless patents from InteDigital, Inc. before that company ultimately decided to sell their assets to Intel for a cool $375 million. Amazon is rumored to currently be setting up pitches and meetings with other companies and sellers of technology that they can use for their planned iPhone 5 rival device.
As of this writing, Amazon has declined to comment on the issue.
It does make sense for Amazon to try and enter the smartphone market. While they have had some success with their Kindle devices, creating an all-around device will potentially also allow them to increase the distribution network for their digital media products. While the smartphone market may already be crowded, it would be good to have another strong entry because it would force top manufacturers such as Apple, Google and Samsung to continuously innovate.
Are you curious to see what the rumored iPhone 5 rival from Amazon will look like? Discuss in the comments below!