As Amazon heavily promotes its app store, which they say has tripled in the number of apps over the past year, it's also just days from launching its first-ever smartphone.
The new phone is expected to be officially unveiled Wednesday by CEO Jeff Bezos and has already garnered massive attention given that its expected retail price will be a moderate cost.
It's reportedly going to be the world's first 3D smartphone, based on a TechCrunch report .
"Developers tell us that they experience improved reach, greater monetization, and, oftentimes, higher revenue when they have their apps and games in the Amazon Appstore," Mike George, vice president of Amazon Appstore and Games, said in a statement .
One industry analyst, Avi Greengart, said an early indicator that a smartphone was near debut was what he called "very clever pre-launch PR swag" -- a children's book called "Mr. Pine's Purple House." He said an accompanying card noted it was a childhood favorite of Bezos. The book, Greengart states, focused on the point that "the world is a better place when things are a little different."
The June 18 event is expected to be one that recalls the product launches of late Apple founder and CEO Steve Jobs.
Amazon, in announcing the launch, has also issued a marketing video that provides some insight on what may be coming.
Some analysts and observers believe the smartphone could be a game changer in the market, which has been largely dominated by Samsung and Apple. Amazon will have to deliver a quality device that goes beyond the top two manufacturers if it hopes to enter the market with full force.
The smartphone will be the fourth line of product from Amazon, as the retailer now boasts a e-reader line, tablets and a set-top TV box.
