Leaked renderings allegedly show Amazon’s entry into the smartphone market

Renderings leaked by BGR purportedly show Amazon's rumored entry into the smartphone market. The images allegedly were designed for internal use by graphic designers working for Amazon. The phone depicted in the images resembles the iPhone in overall shape and size with chamferedbezel and rounder corners that have a distinct Apple flair. The home button appears to be inspired by Samsung's Android phones, with other elements inspired by the HTC One. In terms of size, we're told that the phone is a bit large but is reasonably comfortable to use with one hand. Amazon's unique gesture controls were designed in part to make one-handed operation of a large phone as easy as possible, and one source tells us the phone definitely succeeds in that regard. The handset has all the typical connections and buttons you would expect in a modern smartphone, including a top earpiece and possible top power button, side volume buttons, a side SIM tray and a third side button than is likely a mute lock. At the bottom of the phone is a grille that houses speakers and a port that is presumably microUSB. The back of the phone has a camera module and a flash along with an Amazon logo. Missing from the renderings are the array of cameras that supposedly will be used for the phone's 3D sensing capability, but they may be embedded under the screen and not visible externally. Earlier rumors hinted that the Amazon smartphone will include a 3D capability that may use up to 6 cameras for advance input methods that rely on eye tracking and other 3D gestures. It may also feature a parallax effect that allows the background to move in response to user movements. Amazon's phone is rumored to include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor, a 4.7-inch display, a 13MP main camera and a battery with a capacity between 2,000 and 2,400 mAh. It likely will run Amazon's flavor or Android and will sit alongside the company's line of Fire tablets. Amazon is expected to unveil the device in late spring or summer 2014. What do you think of these renderings? Would you buy an Amazon-branded phone? Let us know in the comments. Continue reading →

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