Amazon Updates Its Fire Phone But Who Cares

By Kamal Nayan - 21 Dec '14 03:14AM

Amazon is not yet ready to give up on its Fire Phone despite its lackluster debut this summer. The e-commerce giant issued a major software update for the phone, bringing with it a number of new and smarter features.

The update brings AT&T branded version to Fire OS 3.6.5 and the unlocked GSM version to Fire OS 3.6.8.

Features such as text translation in English, French, German, Italian and Spanish are added in the update. The update also enables the Firefly feature which can help recognize 2,000 famous paintings.

Another most-talked about feature is "best shot," which takes three version of a photo, out of which users can choose their favorite.

According to few critics, Fire is less a phone and more a "shopping machine" designed to capture more customers for Amazon. The phone has been selling for 99 cents with a contract.

Amazon will also give free two-day shopping on most Amazon device, including Fire phone, till Dec 22 at 7 p.m. ET.