Report: Amazon phone to feature four IR cameras for 3D interface, 13 megapixel camera, 4.7 inch display, 2GB RAM

Boy Genius Report has posted its knowledge of Amazon’s next smartphone. Although it technically hasn’t been confirmed to be an Android device, it is almost certain that it will be powered by Android at some level, given Amazon’s existing Android ecosystem. BGR claims to have the first pictures of the phone, shown above.

According to the report, the phone will feature a 3D interface. This feature is enabled through a set of four front-facing Infrared cameras that track the position and orientation of the user’s face. The user interface can then update in response to facial movements. Apparently, the four sensors are located in each corner of the front face. The Wall Street Journal reported that the product would feature a 3D interface last week and is set for a June launch.

Boy Genius Report says that the face sensors will enable Amazon’s interface to adjust the position of UI components and controls for perspective effects. This sounds similar to Apple’s parallax motion effects introduced in iOS 7. Theoretically, Amazon’s implementation should be superior as it can track the position of the user, not just the device’s movements.

Like iOS 7, Amazon will include 3D wallpapers that respond to movement. It will also add perspective effects to application icons, both on the home screen and in apps.

Moving past the wallpapers, Amazon’s 3D effect will also apply to application icons and other core elements of the user interface. Several main apps will be compatible as well; for example, we’re told that moving the phone while using the maps application will change the view of various objects on the screen.

Amazon will also exploit this functionality across its online stores. Amazon will use three-dimensional product images that shift in relation to the user, revealing aspects of the image that could not be seen on a two-dimensional canvas. Apparently, Amazon is currently searching for third-party support for its flagship 3D feature. Amazon will expose API’s for all developers to use, but wants a ‘number of key apps available at launch that take advantage of the phone’s 3D interface’.

In regard to other features, BGR says the Amazon phone will have 2GB of onboard RAM, coupled with a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor to drive a 4.7inch 720p display. The post also says that the main rear camera will take 13-megapixel photos as well as a front-facing camera for video chat and Amazon Mayday.

BGR does not have specific information on pricing or availability but expects an announcement within the next three months. This lines up with The Wall Street Journal’s report that said Amazon was targeting a June launch.