Rumors have been swirling for years regarding Amazon’s intent to enter the smartphone market. Recently, those rumors were confirmed when Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos announced the Fire Phone. This smartphone boasts unique capabilities such as a 3D feature called Dynamic Perspective and Firefly app. The Firefly app – Amazon’s visual search engine – is one of the device’s most impressive features since it enables users to easily access information pertaining to music, movies and products at the touch of a button. The new flagship device which will be available in late July is powered exclusively on AT&T’s ultra-fast 4G LTE network.
Rumors Put to Rest: Bezos Unveils the Fire Phone
Amazon’s recent announcement has put many rumors to rest and ignited a frenzy within the world of technology. Some are quick to ask, “Why would Amazon enter the smartphone market now when it’s saturated with competitors?”
Others are more concerned about the price tag. “Is it really worth buying?” is the question on the tip of their tongue. If you are one of those price-conscious customers, you’ll also want to know whether or not the gadget is worth buying. A perusal of its features as well as other factors can help us determine its value.
Fire Phone Design and Spec
At first glance, the Fire Phone looks like any ordinary black smartphone. It features a 4.7-inch touchscreen display and boasts Gorilla Glass on the front and back. However, a closer look reveals a few striking features including five front-facing cameras, four of which sit neatly at each corner. Why would any smartphone need four front-facing cameras?
These four cameras enable the phone’s 3D feature which Amazon execs dubbed the Dynamic Perspective. The other 2.1-megapixel front-facing camera can be used by selfie lovers to capture their glamor shot moments.
In terms of the specs, the Amazon smartphone comes equipped with features one would expect from a flagship handset. In addition to its 4.7-inch IPS LCD HD display, the Fire Phone also features 2GB of RAM, a 2.2GHz quad-core Snapdragon 800 processor with Adreno 330 graphics and runs on Amazon’s customized Android platform called Fire OS.
With such specs, customers can expect a premium, high-power performance as they run multiple apps and check out the phone’s most dynamic features.
View Images in 3D via Dynamic Perspective
The Dynamic Perspective feature is one aspect of the Fire Phone that truly shines. A quick perusal of its capacities highlights the fact that Amazon executives weren’t wasting time in the four years it took them to develop the device. This feature sets the phone apart from its competitors due to the fact that it offers smartphone users an immersive 3D viewing experience. But how exactly did Amazon incorporate 3D capabilities into its flagship device to achieve such stunning results?
The company created a unique sensory system fully equipped with four front-facing cameras. These infrared cameras were designed to sense your head movements and offer a deeper depth as you view images on the screen, whether games, maps or other features.
Deeper depth and dimension is achieved through positive parallax. This functions opposite to traditional 3D by enabling users to enjoy an immersive viewing experience without 3D glasses. The infrared cameras enable users to see around corners and view 3D images in maps, games and lock screens.
In addition, the unique sensory technology enables a new wave of gesture control capabilities. For instance, in addition to Dynamic Perspective, the phone comes equipped with several motion control features such as the following:
- Auto-scroll: Tilt the screen forward or back to automatically browse options on your screen.
- Tilt: Tilt the smartphone’s left or right corner towards you to open the left or right panel on your smartphone screen.
- Swivel: Swivel wrist to open Quick Actions and Notifications.
- Peek: Tilt the phone slightly to access more details on your screen.
Firefly App: Amazon’s Visual Search Engine?
In the most recent years, we’ve seen where search engines, particularly Google, have revolutionized the way we access information. Amazon through its flagship smartphone offers its own search engine solution, the Firefly app.
With the Firefly app, information will be accessible at the touch of a button. Users simply need to press and hold the Firefly Button on the left side of the smartphone. The image recognition system connects to the phone’s infrared cameras and accesses extensive databases to provide information about products, music, videos and other items. Customers can also use the app to launch websites, send emails and call friends without dialing phone numbers or typing email addresses.
Since the app recognizes QR codes, music, and a wide array of items, users will be able to enjoy a multifaceted search experience while limiting frustrations. Diet-conscious Americans for instance will be able to access a product’s nutritional facts without having to purchase a separate app. Since the app connects to an extensive database, customers will be able to find information regarding just about any item. Purchases can thereafter be made at the touch of a button.
Since Amazon is involving many other partners to collaborate on the app including the likes of MyFitnessPal and iHeartRadio, customers can expect an even more comprehensive search engine experience in the near future.
How to access the Fire Phone via AT&T
AT&T recently announced that its customers can now pre-order the device through online platforms or by visiting AT&T stores nationwide. The Fire Phone will be available in AT&T stores July 27, 2014.
With unique features such as Dynamic Perspective and the Firefly app, the new flagship smartphone may prove to be a great buy, particularly for those who invest heavily within the Amazon ecosystem. What do you think about Amazon’s leap into the smartphone business?
AT&T Becomes Exclusive Carrier of Amazon’s Fire Phone
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