News/Rumors July 6, 2012

Amazon aims in creating a smartphone to compete with iOS and Android

It seems that Amazon has plans in developing their own phone that would compete with iOS and Android, the first two companies that chuckle over success. It’s stated that Amazon is working with Foxconn for creating the gadget, the manufacture that created a lot of Apple devices, not to mention iPhone and iPad.

Amazon wants to create a wireless-related patent portfolio, already having successful experience with Kindle Fire with a 7-inch display, denoting high-quality based on the Android operating system.

The new smartphone could become a serious competitor to Apple and not only due to the fact that Amazon has their own series of content and distribution channels, not to mention the cloud services for getting in touch with movies and books.

Other rumors state that Amazon has bought a 3D mapping firm. It’s new in the mapping business because it doesn’t have mapping services on their own, having to download third-party Android apps for accessing maps on Kindle Fire. UpNext may help Amazon in making their plans reality, in establishing a smartphone that would compete with Android and the 3D mapping features on iOS 6.

UpNext, which had apparently been pursued by other major tech companies, has launched apps for the iPad, iPhone and Android devices. It covers 50 cities nationwide, and, for 23 cities, it offers enhanced details. It’s also partnered with the NFL to develop Super Bowl guides that include 3D maps of the stadium and surrounding area. Through the apps, users can virtually drop down onto city streets and tap their way to more information about buildings and different views of the area. The dynamic maps also provide point to point directions.

Source: Bloomberg