Amazon 3D Smartphone: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know

According to the Wall Street Journal, Amazon is reported working on a slew of devices, including two smartphones. Here’s what you need to know.

1. One of the Smartphones Will Have A 3D Screen

According to the WSJ, one of the smartphones Amazon is developing will have a 3D screen. Here’s what WSJ’s Greg Bensinger said about Amazon’s rumored eye-tracking technology, which could be implemented in the 3D screen as well:

One of the devices is a high-end smartphone featuring a screen that allows for 3-D images without glasses, these people said. Using retina-tracking technology, images on the smartphone would seem to float above the screen like a hologram and appear three-dimensional at all angles, they said. Users may be able to navigate through content using just their eyes, two of the people said.

2. There’s Already Been a 3D Phone, and It Didn’t Do Well

Business Insider’s Jay Yarow notes that HTC made a 3D phone already, back in 2011. Called the EVO 3D, the phone wasn’t well received and HTC didn’t want to create a follow up. An HTC rep told CNET why the firm decided not to create a follow up device:

I wouldn’t say 3D was necessarily dead, I mean never say never, but we don’t have any new products with 3D in the lineup. That’s based partially on customer feedback, what we know the market wants, and also a design decision we’ve made.

3. This Is Amazon’s First Smartphone

This would be Amazon’s first foray into the already-crowded smartphone market. Apple and Samsung obviously are the industry leaders, with the iPhone and Samsung Galaxy lines. But, can Amazon break into the market? It’ll be really, really, difficult; the Android market itself is already crowded with manufactures, including Samsung, HTC, LG, and potentially Google with the rumored Motorola X.

4. Amazon Bought Evi, a Siri-Like App

Recently, Amazon purchased Evi, a Siri-like service, according to TechCrunch. Here’s what they said about the acquisition:

TechCrunch understands from sources that the company has been sold to Amazon for $26 million. However, calls to Amazon PR, backers Octopus Ventures and the founders of Evi have ben met with a stoney silence. A spokesperson for Octopus told us: “On this occasion Octopus will decline to comment on this specific portfolio company.”

5. It Sounds Too Gimmicky

A 3D screen sounds like a great idea but honestly, it’s really gimmicky and reminds me of the features in the new Samsung Galaxy S4. A 3D screen is something that I can imagine will get annoying after a little while as well. The proof that 3D screens don’t work is in the pudding; HTC was so disappointed with the Evo 3D sales that they decided not to even make a follow up device. If something didn’t work for one company, it’s clear that there isn’t really a market for it (Apple did manage to revive tablet technology after Microsoft butchered it, but Amazon’s no Apple).