Image via N-trash/Shutterstock
If Amazon does indeed decide to enter the smartphone race – as has long been speculated – it could be with a great deal of aplomb and impressive technology if the latest rumours of a 3D smartphone are to be believed.
The Wall Street Journal claims to have spoken with people in the know about new gadgets in the works from Amazon, including two smartphones and an audio-streaming device.
Both smartphones are said to be packing Qualcomm processors and 4G LTE capability, and one of them is reportedly a high-end device with a 3D display. The 3D effect doesn’t require specialised glasses and can apparently be seen from all angles. It’s also said that users can navigate the device using their eyes, which would involve technology like that employed on Samsung’s latest flagship, the Galaxy S4.
The audio-streaming device described in the report sounds like a Wi-Fi-enabled speaker, but it’s also hinted that this could be tied in with a music subscription service. Amazon has already been rumoured to have a set-top box in development, which would provide another avenue to push its streaming video service (soon-to-be populated with original content).
All of these devices are said to be under development in Amazon’s Lab126 facility in Cupertino, California – a hometown it shares with tech rival Apple. However, the Journal’s sources were sketchy on details of when we will see any of these products come to light.
So far, Amazon has been successful in producing mobile devices, but until now has focused on e-readers and tablets under the Kindle brand. Steady performance in tablet sales has seen Amazon hold on to 3.7pc of the market share worldwide, but rumours of a move to manufacturing smartphones have been circulating since last November when it was reported that one was being tested in Asia.
3D smartphone image via N-trash/Shutterstock
