Amazon has launched its new Android-powered internet-connected streaming and gaming set-top box, in a challenge to similar devices from Apple and Google to boost its share of the TV market.
Dubbed Amazon Fire TV, the new set top box allow users to stream content from Amazon’s library, in addition to other video-on-demand services, directly to their TVs.
Incorporating 1.7GHz quad-core processor and graphics engine quad-core processor and graphics engine, the new device comes with 2GB RAM and 8GB internal storage, as well streaming high definition 1080p video quality while supporting HDMI and optical audio-out.
Image:Courtesy of Amazon.com, Inc.
Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos said: "Voice search that actually works means no more typing on an alphabet grid.
"Our exclusive new advanced streaming and prediction (ASAP) feature predicts the shows you’ll want to watch and gets them ready to stream instantly.
"And our open approach gives you not just Amazon Instant Video and Prime Instant Video, but also Netflix, Hulu Plus, and more."
The Bluetooth-enabled remote control comes with voice search functionality that works by simply speaking the name of a movie, TV show, actor, director, or genre into the remote.
Amazon has also collaborated with gaming firms including EA, Disney, Gameloft, Ubisoft, Telltale, Mojang, 2K, and Sega to bring their games via streaming device, while also assured to offer several Android titles the following month.
Priced at $99, Fire TV offers content from Amazon’s own studios, and programming the retailer licenses for about 20 million Amazon Prime subscribers, while other Fire content would be delivered by Hulu, WatchESPN and Netflix.
Users can also purchase a separate $40 controller in a bid to play games via the new streaming device.
