Bloomberg: Amazon is planning a smartphone

[![][1] ][2]

While most of the Amazon hardware rumors since the [Kindle Fire][3] launched have centered around a [10-inch version of the tablet][4], _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][5]) and partnership with [Foxconn][6] 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 [Vizio Phone][7] 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][2] originally appeared on [Engadget][8] on Thu, 05 Jul 2012 22:57:00 EDT. Please see our [terms for use of feeds][9].

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