Bloomberg: Amazon is planning a smartphone

While most of the Amazon hardware rumors since the Kindle Fire launched have centered around a 10-inch version of the tablet, Bloomberg's "people with knowledge of the matter" say a smartphone is in the works. The rumors center around a purported chase for wireless patents (presumably so Amazon can fight off the kinds of challenges currently faced by companies like Samsung and HTC) and partnership with Foxconn for manufacturing. There's no details yet on what the device could be like or when it will arrive, but we're not getting too excited right away -- we've been down this road before with that that never appeared. Amazon certainly has the infrastructure to enter the cellphone market with its appstore and media delivery services, but is anyone ready to jump into a two-year contract on a (presumably) reskinned-Android device?

Bloomberg: Amazon is planning a smartphone originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Jul 2012 22:57:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.