Larry Magid: Amazon Set To Launch First Smartphone, The Fire Phone
SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS/AP) – Amazon is entering the smartphone market with the official launch of the Fire Phone on Friday. But will the company be able to keep up with giants like Apple and Samsung?
Perhaps the most unique feature on the new smartphone is the 3-D visuals. Using four infrared cameras, the phone can gauge where your head is and redraws images on the screen continually so they appear 3-D. Amazon calls it "Dynamic Perspective." The technology allows users to tilt the phone for more information and there are also tilting graphics.
But many question whether there are enough other bells and whistles to make it appealing to consumers. The phone is the same price as many iPhone and Android devices, but there is a less extensive app store. And even for the most diehard Amazon fans, there are apps available for those that use devices running on iOS and Android where users can easily browse the Amazon.com website.
You can hear Larry Magid's Tech Report Monday through Friday at 3:50pm on KCBS All News 740AM and 106.9FM.