Amazon develops AI smartphone with Alexa at its core, over a decade after Fire Phone's demise
28 Sources
[1]
Amazon is reportedly developing an AI-centric smartphone
Amazon is developing a new smartphone over a decade after discontinuing the Fire Phone, Reuters reported today, citing four anonymous "people familiar with the matter." Reuters said the phone is codenamed Transformer but couldn't confirm what it might cost, how much Amazon has invested into
[2]
Amazon working on new smartphone with Alexa at its core, report says | TechCrunch
Looks like Amazon's getting back into the smartphone game. More than 11 years after the e-commerce giant pulled the plug on its failed first effort, the Fire Phone, the company is now developing a new smartphone codenamed "Transformer," Reuters reported, citing anonymous sources. The device is
[3]
Amazon Reportedly Planning Alexa-Focused Phone for Shopping and AI
Amazon is reportedly developing a new mobile device that would sync with its existing ecosystem of software and hardware, including Alexa-based smart hubs and its Prime Video TV service. The project is being referred to internally as "Transformer" and could still be in the early stages, according
[4]
Amazon is making an Alexa phone
App availability was a major challenge for the original Fire Phone, and something Amazon may try to avoid entirely this time around. According to people familiar with the new phone, "integrating artificial intelligence capabilities into the device" has been a central focus, which could mean
[5]
Remember Amazon's Fire Phone? An Alexa Phone May Be Next
Amazon may be set to return to making smartphones, over a decade after the Fire Phone's failure. Reuters quotes four anonymous sources familiar with Amazon's upcoming plans who say the brand is actively working on a new mobile phone. It says the device is internally referred to as "Transformer,"
[6]
Exclusive: Amazon plans smartphone comeback more than a decade after Fire Phone flop
SAN FRANCISCO, March 20 (Reuters) - In 2014, Amazon (AMZN.O), opens new tab introduced its first smartphone, hoping to take on Apple and Samsung. Instead, the Fire Phone - overseen directly by founder Jeff Bezos - was scrapped in barely over a year, one of Amazon's highest-profile flops. Now,
[7]
Amazon is trying smartphones again after the Fire Phone flop with Alexa-first "Transformer"
Serving tech enthusiasts for over 25 years. TechSpot means tech analysis and advice you can trust. Rumor mill: Amazon is working on a smartphone that revives one of Jeff Bezos' longest-running ambitions: a voice-driven computing assistant that follows users through their day, rather than sitting
[8]
Why Amazon's second shot at a smartphone might not be as crazy as it sounds
When Reuters reported Friday that Amazon is working on a new smartphone, the reflexive reaction was obvious: Didn't they already try this? And didn't it go spectacularly badly? Yes, on both counts. The Fire Phone, which launched in 2014 when Jeff Bezos was still running the company, lasted 14
[9]
Amazon is reportedly making a phone based around shopping and AI
Mark has almost a decade of experience reporting on mobile technology, working previously with Digital Trends. Taking a less-than-direct route to technology writing, Mark began his Android journey while studying for a BA in Ancient & Medieval History at university. But since then, he's cast his
[10]
Amazon developing Fire Phone successor to take on iPhone with Alexa AI focus - 9to5Mac
After getting burned by the Fire Phone in 2014, Amazon is reportedly developing a new iPhone competitor for the current decade. The company's revitalized hardware division is taking inspiration from Alexa instead of 3D this time around. Reuters reports that a project internally known as
[11]
Amazon reportedly developing a smartphone powered by Alexa -- 12 years after the Fire Phone disaster
When Amazon debuted the Fire Phone in 2014, it was meant to rival Apple and Samsung, similar to the company's Fire tablets. However, after selling fewer than 140,000 units, the Fire Phone was ignominiously tossed in the bin after barely a year of existence. It's been over a decade, but a new
[12]
Report: Amazon is making another phone, this time for the AI era
Amazon is working on another phone. That's the jaw-dropper from Reuters this morning, reporting that the company is developing a new smartphone codenamed "Transformer" within its devices and services unit. The project is reportedly led by an internal team known as ZeroOne, a year-old group whose
[13]
Amazon is reportedly working on making a new phone, because it went so well last time
* Amazon reportedly has plans for another smartphone * The original Fire Phone launched in 2014 * AI and shopping are said to be central to the new device You'd be forgiven for not remembering the Amazon Fire Phone, as it launched in June 2014 and lasted just a year or so before production
[14]
Amazon is launching a phone again
This is according to a Reuters report, which cites four people familiar with the matter. The new phone is internally known as "Transformer," and the company wants to make it a "mobile personalization device" that syncs with Amazon's smart assistant Alexa. The idea, according to the report, is for
[15]
Amazon's rumored AI phone might be dead on arrival, says analyst
Recent leaks point to Amazon gearing up for a return to smartphones with an AI-focused device. However, analysts aren't convinced the timing makes sense. According to a new report, industry experts believe this could be "the worst possible time" for Amazon to re-enter the smartphone market, even
[16]
Amazon is giving smartphones a second try, and you can probably guess what it's all about
Amazon tried making a phone once. It flopped spectacularly. Now it's back for round two, and this time it's all about AI. Amazon burned its fingers with the Fire Phone back in 2014. The device, personally overseen by Jeff Bezos, lasted barely over a year before Amazon pulled the plug and wrote off
[17]
Amazon's new phone is all about putting Alexa in your pocket
With over seven years as a writer, reviewer, and editor, Hassam has explored nearly every corner of the tech world, from consumer electronics and software to the innovations shaping the industry today. His curiosity started with tinkering with semiconductors as a child and grew into a full time
[18]
Exclusive-Amazon Plans Smartphone Comeback More Than a Decade After Fire Phone Flop
SAN FRANCISCO, March 20 (Reuters) - In 2014, Amazon introduced its first smartphone, hoping to take on Apple and Samsung. Instead, the Fire Phone - overseen directly by founder Jeff Bezos - was scrapped in barely over a year, one of Amazon's highest-profile flops. Now, Amazon is dialing up a
[19]
Amazon Is Making Another Smartphone -- More Than a Decade After Its Fire Phone Flopped
The Fire Phone was scrapped barely a year after its 2014 launch, but now the company is developing the "Transformer." Amazon wants to get back in the smartphone game, but this time it won't be playing with fire. Consumers might remember that the company launched the ill-fated Fire Phone in 2014,
[20]
Amazon Could Soon Launch a Smartphone Inspired By This Handset
* Amazon is reportedly developing a new smartphone * This project is led by Amazon's devices and services unit * Amazon Fire phone was launched in June 2014 Amazon released the Amazon Fire Phone as its first smartphone in 2014, only to discontinue the handset within a year. Now, the e-commerce
[21]
Amazon to reignite Fire Phone with Alexa+ and no apps? It sounds both odd and awesome
Amazon is reportedly planning an Alexa+ powered handsets and is considering making it a dumbphone. Amazon is reportedly planning to release an Alexa-powered smartphone more than a decade after its first, somewhat disastrous attempt to crack the mobile market with the Fire Phone, a new report has
[22]
Amazon working on new smartphone years after Fire Phone flop: Report
Amazon is planning a comeback in the smartphone market. The company is reportedly developing a new AI-driven mobile hub. This device aims to integrate with Alexa and enhance Amazon services. It could offer a conventional smartphone or a simpler 'dumbphone'. This move signals Amazon's increased
[23]
Amazon wants back in the phone game - this time with AI
Although their first attempt turned out to be one of the industry's biggest flops, it is now being reported that Amazon is planning a comeback, a decade after the disastrous launch of the Fire Phone. The new initiative, known internally as "Transformer," is said to focus on AI and is intended to
[24]
Amazon Eyes Smartphone Comeback -- 'Transformer' Project Reportedly Targets AI-Driven Future - Amazon.com (NASDAQ:AMZN)
Amazon.com Inc (NASDAQ:AMZN) is dialing up a second attempt at the smartphone market. More than a decade after the Fire Phone was scrapped, the e-commerce giant is developing a new device known internally as "Transformer." The project lives within Amazon's devices and services unit. The initiative
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Amazon Drafts AI Smartphone Strategy to Support Digital Services | PYMNTS.com
By completing this form, you agree to receive marketing communications from PYMNTS and to the sharing of your information with our sponsor, if applicable, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions. Known internally as "Transformer," the phone will offer personalized features
[26]
Amazon plans smartphone comeback more than a decade after Fire Phone flop
In 2014, Amazon introduced its first smartphone, hoping to take on Apple and Samsung. Instead, the Fire Phone -- overseen directly by founder Jeff Bezos -- was scrapped in barely over a year, one of Amazon's highest-profile flops. Now, Amazon is dialing up a new phone. The latest effort, known
[27]
Amazon plans smartphone comeback more than a decade after Fire Phone flop
In 2014, Amazon introduced its first smartphone, hoping to take on Apple and Samsung. Instead, the Fire Phone - overseen directly by founder Jeff Bezos - was scrapped in barely over a year, one of Amazon's highest-profile flops. Now, Amazon is dialing up a new phone. The latest effort, known
[28]
Amazon may bring its own smartphone and this time with AI
Strong competition from Apple and Samsung may make the comeback difficult. Amazon is once again preparing to re-enter the smartphone market, according to recent reports. The company is said to be developing a new device under the codename Transformer. This will not be its first attempt. Amazon had
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Amazon is developing a new AI smartphone codenamed Transformer, marking its re-entry into smartphone market more than 11 years after discontinuing the Fire Phone. The device will feature deep AI integration with Alexa Plus and focus on Amazon's ecosystem of services rather than traditional app stores, though the project could still be cancelled.
Amazon's Re-Entry Into Smartphone Market
Amazon is developing a new AI smartphone internally called codename Transformer, marking a bold return to mobile devices over a decade after the company discontinued Amazon's Fire Phone in 2015
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. The device is being developed by the company's Devices and Services division, specifically within a relatively new unit called ZeroOne, led by J Allard, a former Microsoft executive who helped create the Xbox2
. According to four anonymous sources familiar with the matter, the project remains in early stages with no confirmed timeline, pricing, or investment details disclosed1
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Source: Digit
Deep AI Integration and Voice Assistant Features
The Alexa phone represents Amazon's attempt to create an AI smartphone built around its ecosystem rather than competing directly on hardware innovation alone. AI integration is described as a "key focus" for Transformer, with Amazon positioning the device as a way to drive usage of its AI products throughout the day, away from home
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. The phone would connect to the LLM-powered Alexa Plus, the generative AI assistant Amazon launched in February after spending more than a year revamping it with advanced capabilities2
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Source: PYMNTS
While Alexa could potentially serve as the operating system, sources indicate this isn't certain and details remain unclear
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. The voice assistant would enable users to interact with smart home gadgets, plan itineraries, update shared calendars, find recipes, make movie recommendations, and handle other tasks similar to ChatGPT and competing chatbots2
.Rethinking App Stores and User Experience
Amazon may use AI in lieu of traditional app stores, taking inspiration from the Light Phone according to two sources
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. The phone could rely on mini apps similar to those available in ChatGPT rather than a fully-fledged app store, potentially avoiding the app availability challenges that plagued the original Fire Phone4
. Amazon's team has explored multiple design ideas, including dumb phones inspired by the Light Phone series, which features a black-and-white matte OLED display and limited functionality to discourage addictive smartphone behaviors5
.The device would make it easier to shop via Amazon and partners like Grubhub and DoorDash, and to stream content from Prime Video and Prime Music
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. Amazon may expand its Alexa+ Store functionality, where users can already download apps to purchase services via the AI voice assistant on home speakers, to include additional third-party providers on the smartphone5
.Related Stories
Challenges to Compete With Apple and Samsung
Amazon's return to smartphones comes at a challenging moment as it attempts to compete with Apple and Samsung, which dominate the market with years of established app ecosystems, hardware innovation, AI development, and loyal customer bases
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. The original Fire Phone launched at $199 but failed to gain traction and was scrapped after just one year of sales4
. In CNET's 2014 review, the Fire Phone received 6.9/10, praised as "daring, aspirational and pleasing to use" but criticized for sub-optimal price, performance and specs, with reviewers noting users needed to be "all-in on the Amazon ecosystem to fully appreciate it"3
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Source: Gadgets 360
Amazon's Devices and Services division has reportedly struggled financially for years, largely because Alexa-based devices have failed to generate revenue
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. The company is now investing heavily in AI, committing $50 billion to OpenAI recently and projecting $200 billion in capital expenditures towards AI, chips, and robotics efforts in 20262
. However, Alexa Plus has proven controversial with users, who posted complaints online after getting automatically upgraded earlier this year, saying it was "flooded with ads" and took longer to respond to queries4
.Sources cautioned that Transformer could be cancelled over finances or a change in strategy, suggesting the project may not make it to final release
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. Amazon is also rumored to be developing an Android tablet, which would mark a departure from tablets currently sold running its own FireOS software3
. An Amazon spokesperson declined to comment on the reports1
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