<a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-07-06/amazon-said-to-plan-smartphone-to-vie-with-apple.html">Bloomberg</a> cites "people with knowledge of the matter" saying that Chinese mobile phone maker Foxconn International is working with the e-tailer on the device.

Other anonymous sources said that Amazon is seeking wireless technology patents that would help the company defend against infringement allegations.

An Amazon smartphone would add to the company's current mobile showing represented by the Kindle series, which includes and e-reader and a multi-media tablet.

Such an announcement would be the latest in a recent flurry ...