Amazon is secretly developing a new AI-powered smartphone codenamed 'Transformer', a decade after the Fire Phone failed. The device is being built within a group called ZeroOne, led by former Microsoft executive J Allard, and aims to integrate Alexa and AI capabilities to potentially eliminate traditional app stores. Amazon is exploring both a full smartphone and a minimalist 'dumbphone' inspired by the Light Phone. The project faces significant challenges including dominant market leaders Apple and Samsung, a projected 13% decline in smartphone shipments in 2026, and a history of failed AI-native hardware devices like the Humane AI pin and Rabbit R1.
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