Amazon reportedly developing smartphone with HTC

SEATTLE -- Amazon may be preparing to enter the smartphone market soon through a collaboration with HTC, according to a report by Financial Times.

The website said it spoke with people familiar with the project who claim there have been three devices discussed by the companies. One is said to be at an advanced stage of development.

However, Financial Times added that the premise of the project could always change and the device may not even be be released at all. While rumors of an Amazon smartphone have been around for a while, Financial Times reported that the earliest release date would not likely happen until 2014.

According to Financial Times, Amazon has not responded to a request for comment. While HTC would not comment on Amazon, chief of marketing Ben Ho told Financial Times that HTC is, "always exploring new opportunities."

"We have been very focused on building our own brand, but we have also been very open to co-branding and collaborating with carriers and other technology brands," he said.