More on the Amazon smartphone

I was the first to state that Amazon would come out with its own smartphone. This will happen this year, I predict. I have given the reasons why.

Background: http://brianshall.com/search/node/amazon%20smartphone

This article in Wired sums up what has long been my view:

Just like a camera, the best store is the one you have with you. And most of us carry our smartphones with us everywhere we go and buy things all day long.

In a forthcoming consumer study, Nielsen reports that 29 percent of smartphone owners are “mobile shoppers.” This figure is even with a narrowly defined set of “shopping-related activities.” For instance, Nielsen doesn’t include “used a map to find directions to a store or restaurant,” “purchased books, magazines, or applications,” “taking photos of items purchased or desired,” or “sharing reactions to or reviews of a purchase online.” Together, I’d bet that handful of shopping-related activities alone would tip the mobile shoppers figure over 50 percent, at least.

Mobile shoppers are also making use of more than just the web browser. A full 22 percent are using phones to scan barcodes for prices or product details. Overall, getting information through our phones is much more popular than actually using them to make a purchase.

But this is beginning to change, as a new generation of applications make genuine mobile shopping easier.

The smartphone, and especially the tablet, are becoming the storefront. The anywhere, always open storefront. And buying guide and pricing guide.

Amazon will offer its own smartphone because they will have no choice.