Hype Heats Up as 'Ginger' Lands at Amazon

Although the mysterious, high-tech invention that ignited a media feeding frenzy two weeks ago is still months -- if not years -- away from hitting the market, curious consumers can sign up on Amazon for more information on the well-kept secret.

Earlier this week, Amazon.com launched its own product page for the device, which has been code-named "Ginger" and "IT."

Amazon spokesperson Justin Osmer told the E-Commerce Times that Amazon has "no idea what IT is" or whether the e-tail giant will even be carrying the apparatus when it comes on the market.

"IT, also known as Ginger, has not yet been released by its inventor, but we'll be glad to notify you by e-mail when we actually know what IT is and if IT will be available for purchase from Amazon.com," the page says.

Osmer said that although the unknown gizmo's release date is far off, Amazon made the page available "to have fun," and because public interest is so high.

Great Unknown

Amazon's Ginger page, which is part of the electronics section and can be accessed by performing a search on the site, has been live since Wednesday. There is currently no direct link to the page on the electronics front as yet, however, which Osmer said might change.

Amazon is not yet sure how many users have signed up to receive Ginger updates.

"We haven't looked at the numbers yet," but as more interest is generated, "I'm sure we'll be paying closer attention," Osmer said.

Much Ado

While speculation has run rampant about the nature of the invention, some believe that Ginger is a mechanized scooter or advanced transportation vehicle that will be aimed at the mass consumer market for less than $2,000. The same rumors say that Ginger can be assembled in minutes.

A graphic on the Amazon page depicts Ginger as a white question mark with a propeller beanie propped up on two wheels. The real image, however, remains a matter of conjecture since IT allegedly will not be revealed until 2002.

Rumors Quashed

Far-fetched rumors began swirling around Ginger earlier this month after a leaked book proposal revealed that noted inventor Dean Kamen was working on a project that supposedly would "sweep over the world and change lives, cities and ways of thinking."

Public interest was further sparked by reports that the invention had drawn superlatives from tech leaders like Amazon chief executive Jeff Bezos and Apple's (Nasdaq: AAPL) Steve Jobs, as well as renowned Silicon Valley venture capitalist John Doerr.

Kamen, however, soon stepped in to quell the rumors. Days after the story broke, he issued a statement that maintained the invention was "promising" but not "earth-shattering."

Kamen is a physicist and inventor who holds more than 100 U.S. patents. His firm, DEKA Research, specializes in advanced medical equipment technology.