WSJ confirms that Amazon is testing a smartphone

Hear that buzz? The one that keeps getting louder? That’s the impending and, we can likely say, inevitable Amazon smartphone. Today, the Wall Street Journal cites the endlessly available People Familiar With The Matter (in this case employees for Amazon parts suppliers) who say Amazon is now testing the Android-powered device which would come with a screen between four and five inches. Production may start later this year or early next year, unless this testing process ends up being a disaster.

It seems like kind of a weird fit for Amazon to sell a phone but you have to take into consideration all the bells and whistles the company can also offer. Maybe they pair it with Amazon Prime and offer free shipping when you buy from your phone. Amazon already has an Android app store so that’s ready to go. Amazon has a video service and although – let’s be real – watching videos on your phone is largely joyless, that can be highlighted on a phone.