Amazon's first smartphone release might be delayed

PanARMENIAN.Net - Market rumors have indicated that Amazon may not be able to release its first smartphone in the second quarter of 2013 as originally scheduled, as the production progress at its manufacturing partner, Foxconn International Holdings (FIH), has not been as smooth as expected, according to sources at the flat panel supply chain, DigiTimes reported.

The production of Amazon's much-fanfared smartphone is still under its engineering verification test (EVT) period due to issues related to its mobile platform, the sources indicated, adding that the development of the smartphone is being handled by FIH's subsidiary Ensky Tech, which has been responsible for the production of Amazon's e-book readers and tablets.

According to Amazon's original roadmap, the planned smartphone should complete its production verification test (PVT) in the first quarter of 2013 and enter mass production a quarter later. But based on current production schedule, Ensky is unlikely to begin volume production of the smartphone in June, said the sources.