Amazon is reportedly developing a new smartphone more than a decade after scrapping its Fire Phone, with plans for an AI-driven device integrated with Alexa and its broader services ecosystem.
The tech giant's new effort is called "Transformer" and is being developed within the company's devices and services unit, according to Reuters, citing four people familiar with the matter.
The outlet said the new phone could be a mobile personalization device able to sync with the voice assistant platform Alexa.
Details regarding the anticipated price of the phone, along with Amazon's financial commitment to the project and revenue projections, were not immediately clear.
AMAZON LAUNCHES 1-HOUR AND 3-HOUR DELIVERY OPTIONS WITH NEW TIERED PRICING STRUCTURE FOR CUSTOMERS
Sources told Reuters the project's timeline is also unclear, noting it could still be scrapped.
An Amazon spokesperson declined to comment to Reuters. Fox Business has reached out to Amazon for comment.
Amazon introduced the Fire Phone in 2014, packaging the product with a free year of Amazon Prime.
HSBC WEIGHS DEEP JOB CUTS AS AI OVERHAUL UNFOLDS: REPORT
While the new smartphone was launched to much hype, it received mixed reviews, with complaints ranging from a lackluster operating system to its high price, which was initially $649.
The company ultimately canceled the smartphone after just 14 months, taking a $170 million charge for unsold inventory, Reuters reported.
Apple and Samsung together commanded about 40% of global smartphone sales last year, according to Counterpoint Research, a market Amazon would now be re-entering with its reported new device.
CLICK HERE TO GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO
According to Reuters, the new smartphone would include personalization features that would allow users to easily access Amazon.com, Prime Video and food delivery apps such as Grubhub.
The project is focused on integrating artificial intelligence into the device, which could eliminate the need for traditional app stores, the outlet added.
Reuters contributed to this report.
