Amazon joined the streaming video hardware wars with the launch of its Fire TV box. Designed to stream video, music, photos and games to your TV, the Fire TV costs $99.99. There’s also an optional game controller for $39.99. Both devices are available immediately.
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The Fire TV has a fast processor, a voice-activated remote and access to Amazon’s video library, as well as multiple other services such as Netflix, Hulu Plus, Showtime, Watch ESPN and more. Amazon founder and CEO said, “On Fire TV you can watch Alpha House and House of Cards.”
Amazon’s Fire TV is the latest in its developing entertainment ecosystem, joining the Kindle Fire tablet/e-reader and Amazon Prime Instant Video. Fire TV will compete with Apple TV, Roku and Google’s Chromecast. We’ll see what users think after the Fire TV lands in their living rooms. But after reviewing the features on Amazon’s new device, The Business Insider commented, “It’s nothing revolutionary, but it seems to do what everyone else is doing, but better.”
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Meanwhile, Apple and Google are plotting their next moves, focusing on music. Apple is apparently working on a deal to launch a Spotify-like on-demand music service. And Google is planning on rolling out a YouTube music streaming service this summer.
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– Pat Welsh
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Meanwhile, Apple and Google are plotting their next moves, focusing on music. Apple is apparently working on a deal to launch a Spotify-like on-demand music service. And Google is planning on rolling out a YouTube music streaming service this summer.
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– Pat Welsh