Amazon tipped to debut 3D-capable smartphone

If the new report from The Wall Street Journal is to be believed, Amazon plans to debut a 3D-capable smartphone by June and ship the device by September. Amazon has long been rumoured to be releasing its own smartphone but it seems they are ready to launch soon. Prototypes are reportedly being shown to developers in San Francisco and Seattle in the recent weeks. The 3D capability of the device won’t need users to wear special glasses. It reportedly uses retina-tracking technology with four front-facing cameras to create that hologram-like effect.

Source: The Verge

Amazon targets digital comics market with comiXology purchase

Amazon has already invaded the e-book space through Kindle but it looks like they want to expand into the comic book space with their newest acquisition. Amazon has just bought comiXology, a digital comic book service. While the deal isn’t closed yet, comiXology CEO David Steinberger expresses his approval of the agreement. “Working together, we look to accelerate a new age for comic books and graphic novels,” Steinberger says.

Amazon said they will find a way for Kindle and comiXology to work together as Kindle already offers single issues and graphic novels. The company also plans to retain comiXology’s branding and they will continue to support existing apps.

Source: Engadget

Amazon takes on Roku and Apple TV with Fire TV set-top box

The Amazon set-top box has been rumoured for quite a while. Now, we get to see the real thing in the form of Fire TV. It looks very much like other set-top boxes and it connects to your TV through HDMI. It has Amazon Prime and Instant Video plus support for Netflix, Showtime Anytime, Hulu Plus, and Watch ESPN.

What sets it apart is a remote control with voice control feature. And Amazon is selling a separate game controller for US$40. Some of the tie ups they have for games include The Walking Dead, Minecraft, and the exclusive game for Amazon called Sev Zero. It is priced like the Apple TV at $100.

Source: Gizmag

Game Change book explores 'gamification' of the office in the engagement economy

A new book entitled, “Game Change”. The book explores how “gamification” can be harnessed and applied as a business model for the future.

An estimated one billion people spend at least one hour every day playing computer and video- games. Why is it that people put more effort into these games than their day jobs or personal relationships?

Businesses need to consider that 7 billion hours by 1 billion gamers is what’s up for grabs in the “Engagement Economy”. It’s argued that if businesses can harness even a fraction of the sort of engagement witnessed in gaming, the rewards will be incalculable.

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