Amazon reportedly mulls making highly anticipated ‘Kindle Phone’ free

Amazon’s smartphone has been in the works for quite some time, but very little information has appeared so far other than a string of rumors and reported acquisitions of Windows Phone executives. Now, on the eve of the latest iPhone, Jessica Lessin reports that the Amazon phone might be free. There is no word yet on what Amazon would require from consumers in order to make their free phone a reality, but Lessin suggests the online retailer might require Amazon smartphone owners to subscribe to Amazon Prime. Lessin’s source also stated that “Amazon wants the device to be free whether or not people sign up for a new wireless plan at the same time.” Amazon might be in talks with wireless carriers that would have an interest in offering the phone, although Amazon will likely make the device available on its website. This is still completely up in the air, but it could be a huge boost for the “Kindle Phone” if Amazon can pull it off.