Following months of speculation, Amazon finally unveiled their 3D Fire Phone today. The device has been expected since back in 2012, with the Wall Street Journal correctly predicting a June debut back in April.
The Amazon Fire Phone boasts a quad-core 2.2GHz processor, Adreno 330 graphics, and 2GB of RAM. It also boasts a 13MP camera on the back, with an five-element wide aperture f/2.0 lens and built-in optical image stabilization. The display is a 4.7-inch IPS LCD HD panel. The handset also has dual stereo speakers with support for virtual Dolby Digital Plus surround sound. Amazon will include a pair of earbuds with tangle-free flat cables.
The Fire Phone also uses four front-facing to power its 3D interface, called “Dynamic Perspective.” 3D images on the phone change as the handset is tilted and viewed from different angles, all due to the device’s advanced eye and face tracking capabilities. The feature was demonstrated with a mapping app, which displayed a 3D version of the Empire State Building that could be viewed from all angles. A simple tilt of the phone expanded the view.
Amazon’s Fire Phone uses its four corner cameras to knows where a user’s head is at all times to adjust the Dynamic Perspective, infrared is used for tracking in the dark.
Amazon is preloading the device with numerous apps and features, including “Xray” second screen functionality that allows users to beam content to a Miracast device, such as the Fire TV. Buyers of the phone will also receive one free year of Amazon’s Prime service, which includes streaming video and music, as well as free 2-day shipping.
Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos told observers that Amazon’s Mayday support function will also be available on the Fire Phone. Mayday is free 24/7 video support, available 365 days a year.
Amazon also debuted their new Firefly service for the device, which allows users to scan barcodes on products, then displays them on Amazon. The function can also work like Shazam, and pull up information about television shows and music.
The Fire Phone will be exclusive to AT&T and is to be priced at $199 for 32GB, or $299 for 64GB of storage with a standard contract or carrier agreement. The box will include the phone, stay-flat cables, and premium earbuds. The Fire Phone can be pre-ordered from Amazon.com, shipping in July.
Developers who are interested in creating apps for the Amazon Fire Phone can find more information at the Amazon Developers Site.
(Photos curtesy of CNET and Amazon)
