“Amazon.com Inc. is developing a smartphone that would vie with Apple Inc.’s iPhone and handheld devices that run Google Inc.’s Android operating system, two people with knowledge of the matter said,” Tim Culpan, Olga Kharif and Ashlee Vance report for Bloomberg.
“Foxconn International Holdings Ltd., the Chinese mobile- phone maker, is working with Amazon on the device, said one of the people, who asked not to be identified because the plans are private,” Culpan, Kharif and Vance report. “Amazon is seeking to complement the smartphone strategy by acquiring patents that cover wireless technology and would help it defend against allegations of infringement, other people with knowledge of the matter said.”
Culpan, Kharif and Vance report, “Adding patents would help Amazon protect itself against lawsuits alleging illegal use of technology. Amazon has been involved in five patent-related cases this year, and 20 cases last year, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.”
Read more in the full article here.
MacDailyNews Take: You know, because the world’s very best integrated hardware and software solutions, not to mention end user experiences, come from an online retailer and a search engine.
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Presumably, based upon The Onion’s online retailer-ad agency collaboration model: http://www.theonion.com/video/new-google-phone-service-whispers-targeted-ads-dir,17470/
Hilarious!
Well at least we know who’ll buy the remains of RIM.
Go ahead Amazon, toss another turd on the Android pile. Just waiting for McDonalds to make one for the Happy Meal.
Meanwhile, to answer this competitive threat, Apple, Inc. announced plans to begin selling socks and underwear in the company’s online store.
I would no sooner buy a cell phone (or any electronic gear designed and manufactured by Amazon) than I’d buy one from a refrigerator manufacturer or an advertising company. Oh wait, I forgot. Some bozos actually do this. To Amazon and Google: some things should be left to professionals.
Come to think of it though, I do need some new boxer shorts.
Hmm…for years I swore by Fruit of the Loom boxer shorts but they suddenly disappeared off the shelves here in the UK. There was something Apple like about them…very comfortable, well made so they lasted for ages and of course…suitably expensive.
Do they still manufacture in the US or have they gone offshore?
The evil axis is growing like a weed infestation around Apple’s perfect ecosystem. Apple needs to build a moat or higher walls.
Bring the iPad mini!
Wow. An android based phone. Shit! Like that’s worked in the past. Gee, watch out apple, android phone no: 24577846 is on its way!!
Oh and my wife won’t let me eat bacon.
I can’t imagine this is actually true. The market doesn’t need another Droid phone. Amazon’s previous electronic offerings have made perfect sense for their business model. This move would be a stupid diversion from their successl – and theyre not known for being stupid.
Anyone else actually believe this is true?
Nice take MDN, like some people have already said, “What?! Another nTH Android phone and maker!”