Motorola phones have started hijacking the Amazon app to insert affiliate codes [video]

At a glance:

• Motorola smartphones are injecting affiliate codes into the Amazon app via a pre-installed Smart Feed update.
• The issue affects models like the Razr Fold and Razr 60 Ultra, specifically with Smart Feed version 2.03.0070.
• Disabling the Smart Feed app can stop the hijacking; Motorola has been contacted for comment.

The hijacking of Amazon app on Motorola devices

Motorola phones have begun hijacking the Amazon app to insert affiliate codes, a move that raises serious privacy and security concerns. This behavior was first spotted by a Razr 60 Ultra user on Reddit, who used an ADB log to trace the issue back to the device's launcher directing to a URL instead of opening the Amazon app. The situation is particularly troubling because it occurs even on high-end models like the $1,900 Razr Fold, indicating a widespread software problem.

The hijacking happens when users open the Amazon app from the app drawer – not from homescreen icons. Tapping the Amazon icon briefly flashes the Chrome browser before redirecting to the Amazon app, a "blink and you missed it" moment that inserts an affiliate code without user consent. This covert redirection undermines user intent and could lead to unauthorized revenue sharing for Motorola or associated parties.

Technical verification and affected models

We verified the issue on a Razr Fold running Smart Feed v2.03.0070, while an older version (v2.03.0056) did not show this behavior, pinpointing the latest update as the culprit. The affected devices include the Razr (2026) family of foldables, such as the Razr Fold and Razr 60 Ultra. Network logs reveal requests to "devicenative.com," a service that places ads on smartphones and openly integrates with Motorola, suggesting a monetization scheme gone wrong.

The flow is initiated by the Smart Feed app, pre-installed on many Motorola phones. When the Amazon app is launched from the drawer, the phone opens a browser to a specific URL, which then redirects to the Amazon app with an injected affiliate code. This manipulation of app behavior is reminiscent of shady browser extensions like Honey, but embedded directly into the phone's system software.

The affiliate code mystery and influencer link

The URL involved is "kira-abboud.com," referencing fashion influencer Kira Abboud (@kirasfashionfinds). However, this exact URL isn't listed on Abboud's social media, and the affiliate code "sramz-kff-008-20" used in the redirect doesn't match any codes from her accounts or linked websites. This disconnect raises questions about how Motorola's software ended up using this particular code and whether it was done with Abboud's knowledge or consent.

Why would Motorola hijack Amazon affiliate revenue and route it through a fashion influencer with no obvious ties to the company? The bizarre choice of affiliate code and website suggests either a mistake in the update or a covert partnership that hasn't been disclosed. The use of an external influencer's code instead of a Motorola-owned one adds to the mystery, making it unclear who benefits from this unauthorized redirection.

Speculation on motives and potential fallout

While it's easy to blame Motorola, the odd redirect through a seemingly fake website and mismatched affiliate code might indicate something more complex. My gut says this might not be a deliberate decision by Motorola but could stem from a third-party service or a bug in the Smart Feed app's integration with ad networks. The involvement of devicenative.com, an ad placement service, hints at possible automated affiliate linking that went awry.

If Motorola did intend this, it represents a severe breach of user trust, akin to pre-installed malware. Even if accidental, it highlights the risks of bloatware and opaque software updates on Android devices. Users deserve transparency about what their phones are doing in the background, especially when it comes to redirecting e-commerce activity for financial gain.

User guidance and immediate actions

To stop this behavior, users can disable the Smart Feed app. Since it's pre-installed, go to Settings > Apps, search for "Smart Feed," and select Disable. As far as we can tell, this has no immediate impact on device functionality, allowing users to reclaim control over their Amazon app launches. This simple fix prevents the unauthorized affiliate injection and restores normal operation.

We've reached out to Motorola for comment and will update this article upon response. In the meantime, users should be cautious about pre-installed apps and consider disabling any that exhibit suspicious behavior. This incident underscores the importance of monitoring device activity and questioning why certain apps have system-level permissions.

Conclusion and what to watch next

The hijacking of the Amazon app by Motorola phones is a stark reminder of the hidden costs of "free" software and the need for greater accountability from device manufacturers. As foldables like the Razr series gain popularity, ensuring software integrity becomes paramount. Users should stay informed and proactive about their device settings.

Moving forward, watch for Motorola's official response and any patches to address this issue. If it's a bug, a software update should fix it; if it's intentional, regulatory scrutiny might follow. Either way, this event could influence how companies handle affiliate marketing and pre-installed apps, pushing for clearer disclosures and user consent.