Amazon has been rumored to be prepping an Android smartphone of its own since 2011, but the company has not released such a device in spite of numerous reports that suggested the phone was imminent. However, the company may finally launch its first smartphone later this year, Digitimes claims, as “supply chain is starting to prepare smartphone component orders for Amazon, for a device set to release in 2014.”
Apparently orders were sent to suppliers this month, although it’s not clear when the handset will launch or when production will begin. The publication says that Amazon has “undergone multiple revisions to the smartphone including screen size and resolution in order to meet current market trends,” and speculates that the phone will have a 5-inch HD screen, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor, possible 3D gesture tracking and a 13-megapixel camera.
The phone is also rumored to include an exciting new 3D interface.
It’s not clear who will manufacture the Android handset, with HTC having been rumored late last year as the company chosen to build the device for Amazon.
A recent report from The Information said that Amazon’s “Project Aria” smartphone plans are going forward, revealing that the giant retailer is looking to secure launch partners both in the U.S. and in many international markets including countries in Europe, Asia and Latin America.
