Amazon's next smartphone to be flanked by 'Prime Data,' report says
It's not clear what Prime Data will be just yet, but that hasn't stopped the speculation from running rampant on what it might be.
Amazon might have more than just a smartphone to offer this summer.
The company will launch a companion service called Prime Data that will launch alongside its smartphone this summer, Boy Genius Report reported Friday, citing sources who claim to have knowledge of Amazon's plans. It's not clear at this point what Prime Data might be or how it will be offered.
Rumors have been swirling for months, suggesting that Amazon is planning to launch a smartphone this summer. The device is likely to run on Amazon's Android-based Fire OS operating system. The company has kept details on the handset close to the vest, however, so expected features are coming mainly from reports and sources who claim to have knowledge of its plans, but nothing actually concrete has been revealed from the e-retailer.
As with the smartphone, speculation is running rampant on what Prime Data might offer. Some of Boy Genius Report's "trusted sources" suggest that the service might center on the company's digital services, like Prime Instant Video, that gobble up data. Amazon would pay for the data consumers incur by using its services in the hopes they'll increase their usage.
Based on its name, it seems Prime Data would in some way relate to Amazon's Prime service. That offering, which was recently boosted in price from $79 to $99, offers free two-day shipping to subscribers, as well as access to Prime Instant Video and discounted overnight shipping. It's not clear whether Prime Data would be available only to those who subscribe to Amazon's Prime.
In addition to discussing Prime Data, Boy Genius Report's sources say that it's possible Amazon's smartphone will be available exclusively on AT&T's network in the US at launch.
CNET has contacted Amazon for comment on the report. We will update this story when we have more information.