Rumor: Amazon phone confirmed, could debut today
updated 10:22 am EDT, Thu September 6, 2012
Would run forked Android 4.0 with Nokia mapping
Rumors that Amazon is developing its own smartphone received a boost with new reports that the online retail giant does indeed have a phone in the works. Multiple sources have reportedly confirmed to The Verge that Amazon has an Android-powered smartphone in development, though details on its capabilities have yet to be revealed. The new phone may even be shown off at today's Amazon Kindle event.
The new phone is said to run on a forked version of Google's Android operating system. Amazon used a forked version of Android for its original Kindle Fire, and the next version of the device is also expected to run Android. Sources indicate that the Amazon smartphone, as well as the new Kindle Fire models, would run Android 4.0, but with Nokia's mapping and location services in the place of Google's own services.
Aside from the reported reliance upon Android 4.0 and Nokia for maps, little is known about the particulars of the device. The Wall Street Journal previously reported that the device was in the works and would sport a 5-inch screen. Reports that Amazon had purchased a portfolio of wireless patents, in addition to reports that the retailer had purchased a 3D mapping startup also lent credence to the idea that an Amazon platform was imminent.
