Amazon Fire Phone

2014-2015

The gigantic online retailer Amazon had high expectations when they attempted to enter the smartphone market. If anyone could succeed it would be Amazon. The phone had 3D graphics and Firefly, a function that allowed people to scan and identify items in stores and buy them at Amazon. The phone was way too expensive, especially since the design and special features were decidedly unexciting. Consumers did not like getting locked into Amazon’s ecosystem. Popular apps like Google Maps were not available. The 3D screen was gimmicky and the »Buy« button was seen as a cynical way to get people to shop at Amazon. Amazon lost $170 million.

Additional info:
Gizmodo – The Worst Gadget Amazon Ever Made Is Even Worse Than I Remember
Cnet – Why Amazon’s smartphone flamed out
Wired – The Amazon Fire Phone Was Always Going to Fail