This is a rumor we’ve been hearing for quite a while now, that Amazon is looking to release their own Gaming console this year. We’ve also heard rumors that they are looking to create their own set top box, which could be this. Which it looks like will be one box for everything.
The latest rumors coming from VG 24/7 are pegging the release of this media streaming device to be sometime in 2014. The dimensions are also said to be about the same size as the PSOne. According to this source, the pre-production box is gray and will be running Android. But we’re assuming it’s a forked version of Android, similar to Amazon’s Kindle Fire line of tablets. Which isn’t a terrible OS, but the lack of Google services would keep me from buying one.
This set top box is likely going to tie in Amazon Prime and their other services, as it’s stated to have games, streaming movies and TV on the box. Right now, they are looking at pricing to be under $300. That does sound quite expensive, especially considering how cheap Amazon’s other hardware is. Then there’s the fact that their competitors in that space, Roku and the Apple TV, are priced well below that, around $100. However this Amazon box would do more than the Apple TV, but I think the best price for this box from Amazon would be around $100-150. Don’t forget about the Chromecast though, it’s priced at $35 and while it’s not designed for games yet, Google could very easily make that happen. Since you control the Chromecast from your computer, tablet or smartphone. It wouldn’t be too hard for Google to add in gaming functionality, and at $35, it would be pretty hard for Amazon to compete with that.
How many of you would be interested in an Amazon set top box? I’d venture to guess it’d be really nice for those that use Amazon Prime. Let us know what you think in the comments below.
Via: Talk Android; Source: VG 24/7