A new report reveals that Amazon is going forward with its smartphone plans, and may launch such devices in multiple markets later this year, including the U.S. The Information has learned that the phone is called “Project Aria” internally, with Amazon already exploring markets in Europe, Asia and Latin America for potential launches. Project Aria will apparently appeal to customers in emerging markets as well.
However, one challenge for Amazon is providing content to customers in non-U.S. markets, as the company still lacks the licenses needed to deliver the same kind of content it offers in its home market to international customers.
Meanwhile, Amazon has already negotiated with several U.S. mobile operators to launch the device, although no carrier has yet been named. The company has also talked with OEMs about manufacturing the device, but it’s not clear what company will manufacture it – apparently those talks took place last spring. Much earlier rumors named HTC as the company chosen to build Amazon’s first smartphone, although HTC might not be as eager to make an Amazon phone after two of its Facebook-centric phones infamously flopped.
