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Amazon Executive Addresses Smartphone Development Rumors
Amazon's head of devices and services said the company is "not necessarily" planning to release a smartphone. The statement comes after reports that the company is developing an Alexa-enabled AI phone more than 10 years after discontinuing its earlier smartphone. The executive described a direct denial as accurate but potentially misleading.
May 13, 5:32 AM·1m read1 source
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Amazon's head of devices and services said the company is "not necessarily" planning to release a smartphone when asked about ongoing development rumors. The executive told the publication that the goal is not to pursue a phone. He noted there are many rumors circulating about the company's plans in this area.
"I think your black and white question is, are you going after a phone? A lot of people want me to say no, but a lot of people want me to say yes, I get it. " — Amazon's head of devices and services (The Verge) The executive added that answering with a direct no would be accurate but also misleading.
He pointed to changes in the smartphone form factor, which he said is not going away but is undergoing transformation and will continue to do so over the next 10 years. Reports have indicated the company is working on an Alexa-enabled AI device. The project has explored both smartphone and simpler designs, with the company's AI assistant expected to play a central role.
The executive discussed work on new categories of devices, including AI wearables. He said there is a whole new set of form factors under development. The comments follow the company's earlier experience with a smartphone it released more than 10 years ago.
That product was discontinued after limited success.
The executive's statements suggest any future product may differ from traditional smartphones. The company has not provided details on specific plans or timelines for any new device in this category. Discussions around the project indicate the focus remains on integrating AI capabilities. No launch has been confirmed.
